Friends of the Story Mansion

The Friends of the Story Mansion officially became a nonprofit organization in August 2008, having started with an initial vision for public use of the Mansion in 2007.

The Friends of the Story and Exergy

An Evolving New Ownership

Many have questioned what changes will occur with the City's sale of the Story Mansion to the non-profit organization, Exergy Friends of the Story. Prevalent questions, most affecting the community and Montana are:

• The 100-year-old Story Mansion will be preserved and launched into its second century as a rehabilitated, usable historic icon with public access.
• With the City of Bozeman's anticipated acceptance of the sale and with ever widening community support, the mansion will be boosted into expanded use, led by Exergy, a major developer of renewable energy projects and technologies, a corporation whose executives have deep Montana roots.
• Exergy's leadership is fully endorsed by Friends of the Story, Inc., the non-profit whose vision in 2008 prompted the City's 2009 renovation of the 1st floor for public use, encompassing the Friends' mission of future preservation of the property for educational, cultural and social uses.
• Exergy expects its investment will heightened its company's recognition, particularly the value it places in preservation and re-use of historic properties, a vision in sync with Friends of the Story's mission.
• The mansion's 1st floor and lawn will function much as it has under City operation and Friends of the Story promotional events. The summer film series, "Story Under the Stars" exemplifies a sponsored public event. Rentals for private events and meetings are current uses.
• The 2nd and 3rd floors will receive an historically sensitive rehabilitation in preparation for lease to educational and cultural non-profit organizations. Careful consideration will be given to the impact of activities on the residential neighborhood.
• A new roof is scheduled for the Carriage House; its use yet undetermined but to be compatible with uses of the mansion and grounds. Landscaping that befits these gracious buildings is planned.
• Operations, maintenance, and further rehabilitation costs will be met through rentals, leases, donations, grants and membership in the new Exergy Friends of the Story, Inc., embodying a continuing vision of re-use.

Board of Directors

• Andrew Epple, President of the Board
• Jane D. Klockman, Vice-President
• Jack Davant, Financial
• Gordon "Corky" Brittan
• Peggy Beltrone
• Jerome Coffey
• Elizabeth Darrow
• Jean Neil, Membership

Advisory Board

• Al Wagner
• Dede Taylor, Events and Tours
• Ron Gompertz
• Kaaren Jacobson
• Jim Webster
• Mara-Gai Katz
• Connie Ostrovsky

Volunteer Committees & Staffing

Friends of the Story Mansion is managed by a volunteer Board of Directors. An exceptional cadre of volunteers assist with special tours and events that are sponsored or co-sponsored by Friends. Friends is staffed by a part-time office manager. If you are interested in volunteering, email us at info@friendsofthestory.org.

HOW CAN I HELP?