Keeping Up with the Past!

Seventy years ago, tragedy struck at Mann Gulch, when an out of control wildfire killed thirteen firefighters. Fifty years ago, saw the Woodstock music festival and Neil Armstrong took “one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.”

The Montana Historical Society will commemorate both of these anniversaries and explore many other topics in Montana History at its 46th Annual Montana History Conference, held in Helena at the Delta Colonial Hotel, September 26–28.

According to organizer Kirby Lambert, “Conference topics are so diverse there should be something here of interest to everyone.” Sessions will cover a wide variety of topics ranging from prostitutes and cannibalism on the frontier to railroad tourism, historic photography, and the role of Cheyenne and Lakota women at the Little Bighorn. Famed western photographer Barbara Van Cleve will share her photographic journey, while Northern Arizona University professors Brant and Dayle Hardy Short will share their insight into retellings of 1949’s tragic Mann Gulch fire. And, “For those who like their history to be a little more entertaining,” Lambert says, the past will come alive in performances by Mary Jane Bradbury as Nancy Russell and Neil Lewing in a musical salute to the US Forest Service, national parks, and the timber industry.”

Pre-conference workshops will offer special instruction for educators and archivists, while this year’s ever-popular Made in Montana Tour will focus on Helena’s art heritage. Post-conference field trips include a trip through Helena’s medical history led by Dr. Ellen Baumler and a self-guided tour of some of the Helena Valley’s most spectacular rural historic sites offered by the Montana Preservation Alliance.

MHS director Bruce Whittenberg invites Montanans from across the Treasure State to “join us for the unique and always stimulating conference! Come take a deep dive into Montana’s past, and while you’re at it,” he suggests,” extend your visit a bit and take advantage of the many heritage and cultural amenities that this historic community has to offer.”

For more information on conference registration—including the full conference schedule—visit the Montana Historical Society website at: http://mhs.mt.gov/education/ConferencesWorkshops