Hands of Harvest

The Craft Heritage Trails of North Central Montana Site Criteria

·        The focus must be on authenticity and quality.

·        The “trail” must celebrate the cultural diversity of the region and reflect positively on the heritage.

·        Craft sites (studios, shops, galleries, museums) must provide a written description of items displayed (through exhibits, written materials, demonstrations, etc.).

·        Locations must be easy to access (no 4-wheel drive access areas) and visitor-friendly.  If the site is a residence, the entrance must be well marked.

·        All sites must specify and maintain regular business hours or be available by appointment.  (If the proprietor cannot be there during all specified hours, we recommend finding someone to “business-sit or other creative solutions.)

·        All sites must be safe, clean, and tidy.  For example, home businesses with pets must be conscientious about visitors’ sensitivities; work areas where injury may occur should be made safe for visitors/observers by screening off areas or providing safety goggles, etc.  We encourage business owners to carry adequate liability insurance.

·        Historic sites should be craft, craftsperson, craft-architectural, or Montana culture related.

·        In the spirit of our mission, shops and galleries must feature American-made craft with a major emphasis on fine craft from Montana.  Shops that sell imports must clearly label them as such. (A mystery shopper will visit shops and galleries to determine eligibility.)

·        No franchise restaurants or lodgings will be listed.

·        Lodgings may be bed and breakfast inns; farm and ranch stays; fishing, hunting, or tipi lodges; rental cabins or inns of historic note.

·        Attractions can be natural or can include farms, ranches, wagon train trails, parks, gardens, or scenic byways.

·        Selected events such as craft fairs, demonstrations, educational experiences, cultural events, including music, dance, theater, or entertainment (such as storytelling) will be listed in the book.  Such events must take place on an annual or regular basis and must have a two-year track record.

·        To participate in the guidebook, the business owner must grant written permission.

Hands of Harvest Mission Statement empowers North Central Montanans to:

·        create and diversify personal revenue through joint partnerships and collective efforts to produce, market and distribute Montana goods and services. 

·        live confidently in sustainable communities across the landscape-growing, making, creating and selling indigenous products and services that reflect Montanans’ ingenuity using the vast landscape and resources it provides.

·        celebrate our cultural heritage with residents and visitors participating in the diverse offerings; including museums and art galleries, gift shops and guidebooks, lodging and home/ranch/farm visits, events and experiences, and education about the unique people and places of Montana. 

·        steward the landscape (both the built and natural environments), respecting our diverse cultures, and honoring our rich heritage as we forge new futures. 

·        Fulfill our potential to be who we are, live where we want and maintain a good, sustainable standard of living.   

Renewal/Application Agreement  

Hands of Harvest

 The Craft Heritage Trails of North Central Montana

You are invited to complete this information sheet to be considered for inclusion in the Hands of Harvest economic development movement in North Central Montana.  Please read carefully the criteria for inclusion and make sure the business falls within these guidelines before submitting this application.

To apply, complete the form below and return it, with your $25 fee, to Hands of Harvest, c/o Cascade County Extension Office, 1807 Third Street NW, Great Falls, MT, 59404.            [  ] Renewal @ $25.00       [  ] New @ $25.00

                                                                        Number of Guidebooks $6 x                = $                                   Total Due/Amount Enclosed = $                               

(Please print clearly or type.)

Owner Name:____________________________________________________________________________________________

Business Name: _____________________________________ Business Address:__________________________

Town: ____________  Zip:________  Business Phone: ________________Business FAX:____________________

E-Mail: ____________________________Website:_________________________________________________

Text for Guidebook, up to 100 words.  Please include information significant to the North Central Montana story.  (Please attach brochure if available.):____________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Operating Hours:_____________________________________________________________________________

Directions to Hands of Harvest site:_______________________________________________________________

Mile marker reference? :

Mailing Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________

Telephone: _______________Fax: _______________  Photo provided/needed.  Circle one.

Indicate Corridor by checking the appropriate box:

Check all that apply for type of business:

q       Craft Studio                        q  Craft Gallery                                    q   Eatery

q         School/Educational                q Historic Site                                      q Lodging

q         Special Attraction/Event            q  Museum/Interpretive Center

q Other: ______________________________________________________________________

Services Available:   q Public Rest Rooms          q Handicap Accessible 

q Paved Road                    q Montana “Improved” (Graveled Road)

My work can also be seen at:____________________________________________________________________

I hereby verify that to the best of my knowledge the above information is correct, and I provide my written permission for inclusion in the Second Edition of the North Central Montana Craft Heritage Trails Guidebook and map.

Signature:_________________________________________________  Date: ____________________________

Thanks for supporting Hands of Harvest!

Please consider the number of books you will buy to sell at your location.   You may be the first contact people have with Hands of Harvest, which offers an opportunity to promote you, the members, and the Hands of Harvest organization and effort.

Print this form and mail it, with your $25 fee, to:  Hands of Harvest, P.O. Box 475 Fairfield, Montana 59436

  You have several opportunities to become involved in Hands of Harvest.  Choose your interest below.