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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
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