The carter county museum will implement the ekalaktic dome-an immersive dome learning and gathering space that will expand the museum's capacity to serve local residents of the ekalaka, montana…

The Institute of Museum and Library Services awarded Carter County Geological Society (doing business as Carter County Museum) $1.307 million on September 1, 2026, under the Museums for America program (CFDA 45.301) to implement the Ekalaktic Dome, an immersive learning and gathering space in Ekalaka, Montana.

The museum will purchase and install a dome screen with planetarium projection, audio system with assistive listening technology, immersive lighting, and event presentation equipment. Project activities include staff training on integrated systems to support operation of in-person and hybrid programming. Deliverables include an operational dome environment, staff capacity to run and maintain systems, expanded school tours and STEAM programming, increased public lectures and community events, and improved accessibility through assistive listening.

The project serves Carter County residents, regional K–12 students and educators, museum visitors, and community organizations drawn to the globally significant Hell Creek Formation. Performance will occur in Ekalaka, Montana, with a period of performance from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2029.

The carter county museum will implement the ekalaktic dome-an immersive dome learning and gathering space that will expand the museum's capacity to serve local residents of the ekalaka, montana area, schools, and visitors drawn to the globally significant hell creek formation. Project activities include purchasing and installing the dome screen and related infrastructure, including a planetarium projection system, an audio system with assistive listening technology, immersive lighting, and event presentation equipment. The museum will train staff on integrated systems to support consistent operation for in-person and hybrid programming. Intended results include an operational dome environment; staff capacity to run and maintain systems; expanded school tours and steam programming; increased public lectures and community events; and improved accessibility through assistive listening. The project will benefit carter county residents, regional K-12 students and educators, visitors to the museum, and community organizations.