The Sorrowful Tale of May Belle Thatcher
Every museum is filled with old and historical artifacts. But how many museums can boast about having a genuine ghost?
May Belle Thatcher
Helena Museum Resident Ghost and Board Member Emeritus
According to historical records, the restless spirit of Ms. May Belle Thatcher roams the museum on nights when the moon is full. She is apparently looking for her lost love, Mr. Ralph Mooney, who drowned when the ferry boat he was on ran into a violent storm and he was thrown overboard into the Mississippi River.
May Belle was inconsolable. She would not leave her room nor would she eat the food her mother prepared for her. Several weeks after Ralph's death her mother discovered her daughter's dead body. Most say she died of a broken heart. So the next time you see a full moon ask yourself if May Belle has left her glass case, walking around the balcony of the museum in search of her long lost love, Ralph Mooney. Yes, there are some that say you can even see her in the windows on these nights!
