The Western Heritage Center houses the history of crime in Billings

BILLINGS – The Western Heritage Center’s “Criminal Behavior” exhibit, which examines 24 facets of crime, will remain open through June 2025.

“These are real people. “These crimes represent real events and real struggles within our community,” said Lauren Hunley, community historian at the Western Heritage Center.

The exhibit includes stories such as that of William Heffner, a prominent Billings businessman in the early 20th century who attempted to poison his family by spiking their sugar with strychnine.

“The Heffner case is actually presented in this exhibit in part to tell the story of the investigation,” Hunley said.

“Criminal Behavior” opened in July and has already seen more than 500 visitors.

“We hope people leave the justice system with a better understanding,” Hunley said. “We hope that people leave with a better understanding of their own rights and responsibilities within this system.”