Society STHR - Montana Historical Society
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
SocietySTHR A Publication of the Montana Historical Society Fall 2020 Ground Blessing Held for Montana Heritage Center BY N O L A N L I S T E R H E L E N A I N D E P E N D E N T R E CO R D The site of the new Montana Heritage Center underwent a “ground blessing” ceremony on Wednesday morning, September 2. Steve Lozar, a member of the Montana Historical Society’s Board of Trustees and a tribal council- man with the Confederated Salish, Kootenai, and Pend d’Oreille tribes, performed the traditional bless- ing, known as a smudging, in front of a limited crowd that included Governor Steve Bullock, Lieutenant Governor Mike Cooney, and several state legislators. In addition to the smudging and prayer, Lozar symbolically ingested a pinch of earth from the site, acknowledging its historical signifi- cance as a trail to traditional buffalo (Above) The Montana Heritage Center hunting grounds. ground blessing included support from “We take it in as a sign of unity, (from left) Representative Julie Dooling, Senators Terry Gauthier and Jill Cohenour, that everyone who walks into this Governor Steve Bullock and MHS Director place walks in with equality, walks Bruce Whittenberg. (Right) Lieutenant in with a pure heart, and finds what Governor Mike Cooney, MHS Director Bruce this ground really is,” Lozar said. “It’s Whittenberg and Governor Steve Bullock a place of discovery where we dis- celebrate at the ceremonial ground bless- cover who we are, how we connect. ing on September 2. We can see how we’ve connected in the past. We can take joy and pride construction and a renovation of the in the things we’ve collectively done existing space, respectively. well, and we can learn from our The project is expected to be mistakes.” entirely completed by early 2024. Construction of the approxi- “The Historical Society is such a mately $50 million museum special place for both Montanans expansion will be completed in three and visitors,” Cooney said. “Its phases, the first of which is park- collections and research are ing. Phases two and three entail new priceless. It’s time we have a building that will do justice to the extensive Ground Blessing (cont. on p. 3) 1
DIRECTOR’S CORNER, BY BRUCE WHITTENBERG With Appreciation It is with a great deal of emotion that I submit my 36th and final Director’s Corner. By the time you read this, I will have slipped off into retirement after more than nine years as your director. In this column, you’ve read about the com- ings and goings of the Montana Historical Society, the joys and frustrations, the successes and successful failures. I would like to conclude with appreciation. I depart with an immense appre- ciation for this institution, the and my wonderful assistant, Jodel Center, a long- Montana Historical Society. Fohn. And of course, Research awaited and n Created in 1865 by the first Center manager and your new direc- much-needed tor, Molly Kruckenberg. They have expansion and territorial legislature in taught me so much and together renovation, Bannack during the wild have encouraged each other, sup- s che dule d for and woolly gold rush, when ported each other, laughed and completion in Abraham Lincoln was presi- cried together. They are the real 2024. dent of the United States. leaders of the Montana Historical So I want to express my deep n Collections so rich and staff Society. They made my job so enjoy- gratitude to all of you. You made so skilled that visitors travel able and interesting. me smile and be thankful every day from all over the world to Our Board of Trustees has sup- that I was led to complete my career enjoy Montana’s Museum ported our work in every way. I at the Montana Historical Society. or study in our amazing served six presidents of the board, I trust that we will remain friends Research Center. each of whom was just a phone call and I will see you at the annual n Educational outreach that away to lend support or assist with history conference, in Montana’s impacts all fifty-six counties difficult decisions. Museum, or at one of our many in Montana. And finally, I appreciate all of programs. And I have one request. n One of the great journals of you, our members, donors, read- Invite me to the ribbon-cutting ers, visitors, and friends. Your when the Montana Heritage Center western history, Montana participation in our work, your opens. That will start an excit- The Magazine of Western kind words, your contributions, ing new chapter for the Montana History. and your friendship make our jobs Historical Society, and I wouldn’t n A State Historic Preser- fun and rewarding. The Montana miss it for the world. But I will miss vation Office that is sec- Historical Society exists to con- all of you. ond to none in skill and serve and preserve, but mostly See you around, Friends. professionalism. to serve. The Historical Society belongs to all Montanans. From No wonder the Montana About Us Charles M. Russell’s masterpiece, Historical Society has been referred When the Land Belonged to God to The Society Star is published quarterly to as the “Smithsonian of the West.” Montana’s first newspaper, the by the Montana Historical Society as a But it’s my colleagues that truly Montana Post, to the iconic white benefit of membership. make the Montana Historical bison, “Big Medicine,” to the thou- 7 MHS Director: Bruce Whittenberg Society so special. I so appreci- sands of artifacts that tell the story 7 Membership Services: ate our leadership team—Kirby of our First Peoples. The collections Jodel Fohn (406) 444-2890 Lambert, Jennifer Bottomly- belong to all of you. 7 Editor: Eve Byron O’looney, Diana Di Stefano, Pete And now we embark on a journey Brown, Denise King, Eve Byron, montanahistoricalsociety.org to create a new Montana Heritage 2 Society Star: Fall 2020
Ground Blessing (cont. on p. 1) ship and courage,” Whittenberg said, remain open, the current phasing collections that tell Montana’s many specifically acknowledging Senators concept will involve construction stories.” Terry Gauthier and Jill Cohenour of the new addition from May 2021 MHS Director Bruce Whittenberg and Representative Julie Dooling. to December 2022 and then upgrade profusely thanked the politicians “Kicking that can is over.” the current Historical Society build- and board members for keeping the The project’s first phase is now ing through all of 2023, with a grand dream alive. Funding for the proj- under way, and the plan is to over- reopening event tentatively planned ect passed in the final days of the haul the museum’s parking options for early 2024. last legislative session after years prior to the start of the next legisla- Bullock promised the museum of unsuccessful attempts to secure tive session, adding much-needed will be a “world-class facility.” funding. parking in the capitol complex. “This is really a day of celebra- “To get here today took leader- To allow the Historical Society to tion,” he said. New MHS Portrait Exhibit Shows Eclectic Slice of Collections Phylis Rides at the Door and Son Rabbit by Elizabeth Lochrie. Oil on masonite, 1962. Gift of the artist, 1979.12.28 The Fiddle Maker by Loren Entz. Oil on Self-portrait by Robert DeNiro, Sr. Oil on canvas, 2006. Gift of Dr. John E. Garrett masonite, no date. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. and S. Fleming Beasley, Rendezvous George Poindexter, X1960.05.01 The exhibit opened September Legacy Collection, Capitol Loan Collection, 10; no opening reception was held 2006.56.02 due to concerns about the corona- virus pandemic. The Montana Historical Society’s and observing the artist’s color pal- It includes forty to fifty por- newest exhibit, Who Speaks to ette reveal important information traits of interesting people and You? Portraits from the Permanent about the subject of the art. pets whose presence has enriched Collection, includes an eclectic mix “Experiencing art is a really the lives they touched and, in some of paintings, juxtaposed to encour- personal thing; we all bring our cases, the larger state of Montana. age visitors to look at portraits in a unique experiences and opinions The artwork is both traditional as new way. that color the way we may or may well as abstract, Trum said. Portraits can reveal a lot about not appreciate the piece in front “So many traditional portraits people and their times if you know of us,” Trum said. “We hope the represent only a certain segment how to look for clues, notes Amanda exhibit will provide visitors an of society, often wealthy white Streeter Trum, curator of collections opportunity to see portraits in a men,” she added. “This is a playful at MHS. Examining objects in the different way or discover a new exhibit, and we want to show an artwork, considering the backdrop, artistic style they enjoy.” eclectic mix of people and art.” Society Star: Fall 2020 3
History Conference Goes Virtual Because the COVID-19 pandemic Mining City this fall. Hopefully, n “Appropriate, Curious, and precluded travel and large-scale all our speakers will still be able Rare: Treasures from the gatherings, the Montana Historical to join us, and we will attract more Collection” Society’s 47th state history con- attendees than ever next year.” n “A New Home for Montana’s ference is being held online, with The free conference is supported History” seven virtual conference sessions by funding from the Dennis and that ran in September, plus three Phyllis Washington Foundation. The last two sessions at 1 p.m. still slated for October 1, 20 and 27. on Tuesday, October 20 and 27 are Conference sessions include: “Collections Care: When Disaster Much of the program will be n “Good Beer Here: An Inter- posted online for later viewing and Strikes, Plan to Strike Back.” active Exhibit Tour” fol- Zoom links to all sessions have lowed by “Montana History This year’s educators’ workshops been posted on our website. Visit Pub Trivia Contest.” in August included two programs: https://mhs.mt.gov/education/ n “Native Knowledge 360 n “Making Your Mark: 145 ConferencesWorkshops for links Degrees and Montana and additional information. Years of Recording Montana Brands” followed by “Pictur- Essential Understandings: The lineup originally planned More Complete Narratives for the 2020 conference has ing Political Power: Images in the Women’s Suffrage About Native Americans” been rescheduled for September with Colleen Call Smith of 23–25, 2021, at the Copper King Movement.” the Smithsonian’s National Conference Center in Butte. n “A Wild Land Ethic: The Museum of the American “Butte is just too unique of a History of Wilderness in Indian place to capture virtually,” MHS Montana” n “Historical Thinking and director Bruce Whittenberg noted. n “Shakespeare in Montana” Civic Education” with Sam “So we will wait until we can gather Wineburg of Stanford n “The Great Smallpox Pan- in person to present the lineup University we had originally planned for the demic of 1779–1784” MHS Offers Digitized KRTV, L.H. Jorud Film Clips Comedian Red Skelton on stars’ available on the MHS YouTube sta- the 1930s, the Mount Helena Ski political activism, psycholo- tion at https://bit.ly/2PxApi3 Club, and Camp Fire Girls heading gist Joyce Brothers on being “These segments are reflective out on a trip in 1937. called a “women’s libber,” and TV of the time they were filmed,” “ W hile most of the Jorud announcer Ed McMahon on pre- said Heather Hultman, an MHS segments focus on Helena area paring for performing are just a photo archivist. “My favorite ones activities, other clips in our Moving couple of the tidbits included in are with Vincent Price; he was so Image Archives are from across the Montana Historical Society’s humorous. I didn’t expect that Montana, including Daly family newest offerings on its YouTube wit.” home movies in the Bitterroot, station. Along with the inter views Charlie Russell demonstrating sign The film clips are part of two of celebrities—including Clint language, and a tour of Columbia collections the Montana Historical Eastwood and Charley Pride—is Gardens in Butte before it burned,” Society recently had digitized, KRTV footage from the 1974 auc- said Montana Historical Society using a grant from the Greater tion of the historic Broadwater director Bruce Whittenberg. “It’s Montana Foundation. They include Hotel west of Helena. The clips easy to get lost for hours in these numerous KRTV interviews from show the once-stately structure images of another era.” Montana TV Hall of Fame journal- stripped of its fixtures, with Currently, the MHS Moving ist Norma Ashby and silent films Mandeville Auction taking bids Image Archive has about 140 from the L.H. Jorud Collection. for bathroom sinks, stained-glass segments. Hultman said they’ve The clips are being added to the windows, and even light fixtures. recently added 40 of the KRTV Montana Historical Society ’s The Jorud reels include shots of films and 10 Jorud films, with a Moving Image Archive, and are Helena’s Vigilante Day parades in few more to come. 4 Society Star: Fall 2020
MHS Unveils Historic Letters as Part of 19th Amendment 100th Anniversary The letters of three Montana Constitutional Convention. We are fied. Reichert served one term as women politicians offer historical about 50% of the human race; gov- a Montana state legislator in 1979 insight as the nation celebrates ernment affects each of us every bit and remains active in local politics the 100th anniversary of the 19th as much as it does our men.” and historic preservation efforts, Amendment in August, which gave Eck, from Gallatin County, including preservation of the Great women the right to vote. ser ved on the Bill of Rights Falls 10th Street Bridge. Women’s earliest known role Committee and lobbied for the MHS intern Hannah Soukup in Montana politics began in inclusion of Indian Education for of Missoula recently processed 1882 when Helen Piotopowaka All. In 1980, she was elected to the the correspondence collections of Clarke was the first woman and state senate and served until 2000. Cross, Eck, and Reichert. “These first Native American elected as Eck was a lobbyist for the League collections are a treasure trove of county superintendent of schools of Women Voters until her death information, and I think the most in Helena. In 1916, Jeannette in 2017. interesting thing about them is Rankin was elected as U.S. rep- Hailing from Dawson County, the correspondence,” Soukup said. resentative for Montana, four Cross’s focus was on the environ- “These letters give us a glimpse into years before women could vote; mental impact of strip mining. the inner workings of Montana she voted against entering both She chaired the Natural Resources politics, especially from a woman’s World Wars. and Agricultural Committee, the point of view.” Rankin’s legacy extends beyond only woman to chair an Article In addition, the Montana her peace activism. She inspired Committee. Until her death in 2014, Historical Society Archives holds a other women, including politi- Cross fiercely defended Montana robust collection of Rankin’s mate- cians Dorothy Eck, Louise Cross, lands, including advocating for the rials, including a newly processed and Arlyne Reichert, who served protection of Makoshika State Park addition of mostly incoming corre- as delegates to Montana’s 1972 from oil development in 1997. spondence to Rankin, which sheds Constitutional Convention. Of the Reichert of Cascade County additional light on her peace activ- one hundred delegates elected, only was a skilled debater, and fellow ism and her second-term activities. nineteen were women. delegate Lucile Speer noted that Full descriptions of the newly acces- Yet women around Montana cel- “she [Reichert] was a person who sible records are available in the ebrated this unprecedented female went around getting signatures, MHS catalog (https://mhs.mt.gov/ representation. Marie MacDonald support.” Reichert’s focus was research). To explore these records from Glendive wrote to Eck, say- creating a unicameral legislature, in person, contact the Research ing, “As a Montana woman, I although Montanans voted against Center at MHSlibrary@mt.gov to take pride in your election to the it when the constitution was rati- set up an appointment. First Digital MHS Magazine Now Online History’s first digital issue, high- country music star Charley Pride lighting African Americans in spent time in Montana, but it is Montana and the West. This less famous African Americans who free online magazine is avail- significantly shaped Montana’s his- able at https://mhs.mt.gov/pubs/ tory from territorial days into the MMWHDigitalIssueSum2020. twenty-first century. This special digital issue of We draw attention to this his- Montana The Magazine of Western tory with a selection of articles The Montana Historical Society’s History focuses on African American from the past twenty-five years publications program has exciting history in Montana and the diversity of Montana The Magazine of news to share. of Black experiences in the West. Western History; excerpts from First, we hope you will explore Well-known African Americans Montana The Magazine of Western like York, William Clark’s slave, or Digital Magazine (cont. on p. 6) Society Star: Fall 2020 5
Digital Magazine (cont. from p. 5) missions from graduate students, two MHS Press books; an update early career faculty, and indepen- on the State Historic Preservation dent scholars. The deadline for Office’s African American Heritage submissions is January 4, 2021. Resources Project; and a new essay The winning manuscript, cho- from Herbert Ruffin II on the state sen by members of Montana The of the field. We hope you will take Magazine of Western History’s some time to explore the articles board of editors, will be published that make up Montana’s first online in an issue of the magazine. The publication, and that you will help author also will receive $300 and The Ozark Club in Great Falls. Leo LaMar is spread the word about this free free registration, travel, and accom- pictured surveying his domain while bar- resource. modations to the 2021 Montana tender Bruce Brown stands on the left and Next, we are pleased to announce History Conference in Butte, an unidentified customer is seated on the the second Emerging Scholar Article Montana, where the winner will right. (Courtesy LaMar Family) Contest for the best article on the give a talk about the article. For history of the American West by an more information about the con- visit https://mhspublications.sub- emerging scholar. We welcome sub- test and submission guidelines, mittable.com/submit. SHPO Staff Shores Up School Although school’s out forever at the before, Mary Webb had Placer School near Winston, that to shovel a huge pile of doesn’t mean the historic school will pigeon droppings, and fade away. we found more than In late July, four staffers from one deceased pigeon the State Historic Preservation and some eggs, along Office used their talents and time with a lot of bones, to help Mary Webb of the Montana under the flooring.” Preservation Alliance stabilize the A pparently, the structure. They removed ceiling sections of the roof lath and rotted flooring, which was that were still in place deemed too damaged to reuse, from also were a favorite the school as part of an ongoing perch for pigeons that preservation project. weren’t found under the floorboards. area children through the early The staffers included Jessica Bush, “Melissa was pulling down the 1900s. Students traveled by horse Melissa Munson, Eric Newcombe, roof slats, and it was a particularly and on foot to attend summer and Vickie Sheppard. awful job at the end,” Sheppard school, as snowpack precluded “I learned how to run a circular added. access to the school outside the power saw, which was pretty excit- The Placer School was built spring to fall months. The school ing for me,” Sheppard said. “The day around 1910 by ranchers to serve closed in the 1940s. MHS Welcomes New Staff C hris Johnson is Montana almost thirteen years of active duty he’s learning how to fish freshwater. Historical Society’s in the military and was trained in Johnson said he appreciates how new security guard. explosives use, wildland firefighting, kind people are at the Montana He was born and and extensive first aid. Historical Society. raised in Juneau, He returned to Juneau and mar- “ When I came here, I was Alaska, and joined ried his wife, Courtney. They have pleasantly surprised at how they the U.S. Army “to three children. welcomed me in as one of the family see the world.” Johnson’s hobbies include fish- so quickly,” Johnson said. Johnson spent ing, hiking, and hunting, although New Staff (cont. on p. 7) 6 Society Star: Fall 2020
New Staff (cont. from p. 6) Jacob Franklin is the new Museum eager to perform, humble for the Sam Lindgren, a Helena native Exhibit Preparator circumstances, and grateful for the and senior at Carroll for the Montana opportunity. Becoming the Museum College is the new Historical Society. Exhibit Preparator is more than an intern for the He ’s a wood- honor. I take the job as a welcome Archives and Museum working artist challenge toward a new day for us programs. with a wide range and look forward to being present In the Archives of experience that by any means necessary.” program, Lindgren is includes replacing Franklin was born and raised working on prelimi- the Montana State in Las Vegas, but asks that people nary inventories for Capitol building’s round rotunda not hold it against him. He moved government records. He also will windows after one hundred years to Helena six years ago with the research and write biographical notes of wear and replicating the state’s intention of “providing my kids for several gubernatorial records, oak furniture. Franklin also used with a better life, pursuing a grati- including the Bullock administra- his background in drafting and com- fying role in society, and lending tion. For the Museum program, puter numerical control technology a civic-minded lifestyle toward Lindgren is inventorying and pack- to help create a line of fly-fishing progress.” ing artifacts in preparation for goods for Orvis. Along with woodworking , the upcoming move into the new “I’ve worked alongside some of Franklin enjoys creating art in a Montana Heritage Center. the best artisans, contractors, and range of mediums, adding that he’s Lindgren has volunteered for the architects that Montana can offer “insatiable” when it comes to art, Montana Historical Society in the both in residential and commer- crafts, and ingenuity. past. His internship concludes in cial builds,” Franklin said. “I am late November. Roberta Jones-Wallace Montana Historical Society exhibit those that require complicated lay- designer Roberta Jones-Wallace out and planning of gallery space. marked a milestone by reaching Her designs are always compelling, thirty years of service to the State entertaining, and educational. of Montana. She does all this while herding a She started working at MHS in cast of curators who have strong 1991, after a stint with Montana’s personalities and widely diver- Museum of the Rockies. The first gent work styles. It’s not an easy exhibit Jones-Wallace designed for process. First she translates the MHS was Buildings in the Balance, curator’s vision into a template, which featured Montana’s historic which the exhibit preparator can structures and the importance of then use to fabricate the finished, preserving them. Today she is tangible exhibit. Simultaneously working with the exhibit team she works with registrars and the on ideas for the future Montana museum technician to orchestrate Heritage Center. the placement of art and artifacts Throughout the years, Jones- while bearing in mind concerns for Wallace has designed countless their long-term preservation. wonderful and engaging exhib- She brings a high level of cre- its, and many have won national ativity, professionalism, and award s f rom the A me r ic a n enthusiasm to all that she touches. Association of State and Local The museum’s success owes every- History. She navigates the com- thing to Jones Wallace’s amazing plex world of exhibit design, which talents. can vary from traditional art to Society Star: Fall 2020 7
Non-profit Org. US Postage PAID Permit No. 151 225 N. Roberts, P.O. Box 201201 Great Falls, MT Helena, MT 59620-1201 This document was printed at state expense. Information on the cost of publication can be obtained by writing MHS, Helena, MT. Inside Emerging Scholar 7 Ground Blessing Held for Montana Heritage Center 1 Article Contest 7 With Appreciation 2 ENTER YOUR MANUSCRIPT for a chance to win $300, receive a free trip to the 2021 7 New MHS Portrait Exhibit Shows Eclectic Slice of Montana History Conference, and Collections 3 have your article published in 7 History Conference Goes Virtual 4 Montana The Magazine of 7 MHS Offers Digitized KRTV, L.H. Jorud Film Clips 4 Western History. 7 MHS Unveils Historic Letters as Part of 19th Amendment Deadline: 100th Anniversary 5 January 4, 2021 7 First Digital MHS Magazine Now Online 5 To learn more and submit: 7 SHPO Staff Shores Up School 6 mhspublications.submittable.com/submit 7 MHS Welcomes New Staff 6 7 Roberta Jones-Wallace 7
You can also read