A Tribute to Helen Ann Bibler is Friday in Hamilton

This past winter, Helen Ann Bibler died following a house fire in Hamilton. A tribute to the influential woman will be Friday afternoon from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Legion Park in Hamilton.

Helen was born in 1944 in the Bitterroot Valley and was a strong voice supporting its people and history. Helen Ann is best remembered in the valley as Executive Director of the Ravalli County Museum from 1990 to 2007.

During that time, she promoted and instituted a number of special events that continue today. In fact, the day after her tribute will be one of those events - Hamilton Farmers Market - surrounding the museum.

She also started a Sunday Series of history lectures, which - with the help of her husband Jim Parker - were recorded and archived for future generations. Hundreds of those Sunday speeches were completed during her tenure at the museum. She also often included Salish and Nez Perce history at the Hamilton museum.

She helped promote Apple Days, Veteran's Day at the Doughboy statue and the Treasure State Art Show.

The tribute will include music and remembrances of Helen Ann Bibler.