Preserve Montana Tool Lending Program
In 2020, we compiled window restoration tool kits for lending in towns across Montana. Homeowners, property managers, and enthusiasts now have the ability to save history on their own time while learning valuable new skills. As Montanans realize that restoration is a powerful and fun option for people of all skill levels, historic places will gain new supporters and have a better chance of maintaining the incredible character that has made them uniquely identifiable for decades.
Ready to Save History?
The Preserve Montana Tool Kits have all the tools necessary to completely restore historic wood windows, and they are available for check-out for both home and building owners. Kits are available for check out for three-week periods and include everything from screwdrivers and hammers to orbital sanders and infrared heaters. Use the listed locations below to find the kit lending location nearest to you. Local tool hosts can provide information about reserving tool kits, and coordinating pick-up and drop-off times.
Rental Kit Locations
Helena – Mary Webb at Preserve Montana – (406) 457-2822, mary@preservemontana.org
Butte – Clark Grant at Butte America Foundation – (406) 437-2362, gm@butteamericaradio.org
Livingston – Laura Cota at The Livingston Depot – (406) 222-2300, director@livingstondepot.org
Lewistown – Cathy Barta at Snowy Mountain Development – (406) 535-2591, smdcdist6@hotmail.com
Bozeman – Crystal Alegria at Extreme History Project – (406) 220-2678, crystal@extremehistoryproject.org
Missoula – Missoula Urban Development (MUD) is hosting our tool kit as part of their larger, established tool library. Main Office (406) 721-7513, Tool Library (406) 549-6790
Looking for More?
Each restoration kit includes a Preserve Montana Restoration Kit Guide. These can also be downloaded here as a free PDF using the button below.
Learn alongside the PMT Restoration Director as they teach traditional historic preservation skills by visiting our YouTube channel.
FAQ's
Wood windows are often the first feature to be replaced in historic buildings, significantly altering the character and leading to unnecessary waste. With proper repairs and maintenance, wood windows can perform just as well as modern ones, while saving resources and the historic fabric of a building.
To purchase the tools and supplies provided by each kit, an individual would need to spend approximately $1,400. This becomes a major barrier for private restoration projects. Because all six rental programs are available free of charge, Montanans can save up to $150,000 annually in tool costs alone, meaning more historic properties will receive the care and attention they need.
Yes, Preserve Montana is always interested in the donation of used tools, and they do not need to be specific to these restoration kits. For more information or to ask about specific needs, please contact our Restoration Director.
Kits will be available starting in the spring of 2021 and will have a three-week check-out period. Renewals will be optional based on the availability of each kit.