Annual Christmas Ornament Ready For Purchase

The Great Falls-Cascade County Historic Preservation Advisory Commission is excited to announce our annual commemorative Christmas ornament for 2023 is C. M. Russell High School! These numbered ornaments, designed by local artist Sheree Nelson, are available for a $15 purchase price at the Planning and Community Development Department in the Civic Center, Great Falls Public Library, The History Museum, Cassiopeia Books, Dragonfly Dry Goods, and CMR High School. Proceeds support the preservation of historic places in Great Falls and Cascade County.

The Charles M. Russell High School, named after the famed Western artist, was built in 1965 in response to explosive growth in the school system following WWII. The building was designed by Page-Werner Architects and features bold mid-century modern styling. Students selected the Rustlers as a mascot over the Pioneers, Mavericks, and Wranglers. The first class welcomed about 1,400 Rustlers, who have since won 13 state AA football championships!

The Gibson Park ornament is the 16th in a series featuring historic places in Great Falls and Cascade County. Past ornaments have celebrated such iconic historic resources as the 10th Street Bridge, the Ursuline Center, and the Great Falls High School. Past ornaments can also be purchased through the Planning and Community Development Office for a reduced price of $10.