2024 Annual Christmas Ornaments Are Here

The Great Falls-Cascade County Historic Preservation Advisory Commission is excited to announce our annual commemorative Christmas ornament for 2024 is the Great Falls Public Library! 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, and Dragonfly Dry Goods. Proceeds support the preservation of historic places in Great Falls and Cascade County.

The Great Falls Library system was founded in 1890, but by the late 1950s the old Carnegie library was struggling to serve the growing population. Head librarian Alma Jacobs led the campaign to bond a new library building, which was approved by the voters in 1965. Architects McIver & Hess designed the building in the Mid-Century Modern style, which suited library staff's desire for simplicity and fiscal responsibility.  The building was completed in 1967, and has served the city ever since.

The Library ornament is the 17th 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, Fort Shaw, and the Belt Theater. Past ornaments can also be purchased through the Planning and Community Development Department.