History & Services

Services UHS Provides

• Keep indexes of all seven of Unity’s cemeteries –gathering and recording information on over 2,700 individual stones;
• Help area students with history research and tours;
• Add to information in Research Library (open by appointment);
• Provide space for local nonprofit groups, such as Friends of Lake Winnecook, use the building for meetings; and
• Assist with genealogical research.

Where It All Began

In March 1982, a small group of people interested in preserving the history of Unity, as well as preserving its antiquities, gathered and formed the Unity Historical Society.

Within months of its founding, Dr. S. Stillman Berry, of Redlands, California, offered to purchase a permanent location for the Society. Dr. Berry was born in Unity, and moved to Montana at an early age. During his life he maintained close ties to Unity and in his later years watned to leave something of lasting value to the town.

Originally, the UHS building was the home of Lemuel Bartlett, who constructed the building with bricks made on-site.

What’s Happening Now

The Society continues to general support from people in Unity as well as from out of town. Members are invoved in projects that focus on Unity’s rich history and current community enrichment efforts.
In 2009, the UHS building’s roof was completely replaced and the chimneys removed for safety purposes. A challenge grant from Halldale Builders was completed in 2010. In June 2010, new signs were placed near the Main and Depot Street entrances. In late 2011 the UHS building underwent an energy audit and energy-saving actions have been taken.  In 2012 the basement was insulated.  Plans for 2013 include rebuilding the access ramp.