The Heritage Museum in Libby has been listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

The unique, 12-sided log building, was approved by the National Park Service for listing on the national registry, according to a press release. A community-wide volunteer effort led construction project 46 years ago, and today volunteers comprise all its continued operations.

Normally, buildings under 50 years of age are not approved for listing. However, in this particular case, the Montana State Historic Preservation Office in Helena worked closely with Libby volunteers to create an application which built a strong case for the building’s unique and rare design, and its exceptional historical and cultural importance to the local Libby community, the press release stated.

“We believe the application was approved because the creation of this extremely rare dodecagonal designed building also represents the story of local community volunteerism at its very best,” museum leaders noted.

The museum building was conceived by Doug Porter, upon the death of his father, Western landscape painter Roy D. Porter, in 1971. Porter wanted to fulfill his father’s dream of a museum in Libby and needed a place to house his father’s paintings and extensive collection of 1800-1900s historical artifacts.

Dozens of local volunteers were involved in the construction prior to the opening of the museum in 1978. Today local volunteers continue to dedicate their time and energy to museum maintenance and operations.