The Foundation for Montana History

History is better with friends.

Looking for a unique way to experience Helena this summer? Gather your crew and hop aboard Bert and Ernies Pub Trolley for Pedaling Through the Past, our pedal-powered history tour through the mansion district in Helena.

Part pedal pub, part history tour, and all fun, you'll explore historic Helena, hear fascinating stories, and enjoy plenty of laughs along the way.

Tours begin June 24, and seats fill quickly. Grab your friends and join us this summer to discover why history doesn't have to stay in the past.
www.mthistory.org/tours

As Montana seniors celebrate graduation and look ahead to the future, we're highlighting a project that helps preserve the stories of graduates who came before them.
One of our 2023 grantees, Schoolhouse History & Art Center (SHAC) in Colstrip cares for more than 50 years of Coal Dust yearbooks, along with a remarkable photo collection by Wes Chapman documenting life in Colstrip during the 1970s. The grant helped to make every page of these yearbooks was digitized and made accessible through the Montana History Portal, helping alumni, families, researchers, and community members connect with their shared history.

As students across the state turn the page to a new chapter, we're reminded of the words of Superintendent Lloyd L. DeWitt from the 1956 Coal Dust yearbook:
"Set your goals high and ever strive to attain them."

Congratulations to the Class of 2026 and to all those whose stories continue to shape Montana's history. 🎓✨

It may be rainy now, but summer is right around the corner and tour season is almost here!

Whether you're a longtime local or just visiting Helena, our guided tours offer a unique way to experience Montana's capital city and discover the people, places, and events that shaped its history.

Our regular tour season begins June 24th, and we can't wait to welcome you back for another year of exploring Helena's past.

Book your tickets today at: www.mthistory.org/tours

Tour season is almost here!

Starting June 24, we’ll be kicking off the season with a special schedule of Pedaling Through the Past during the Montana History Fest and grand opening celebration of the Montana Heritage Center.

Special tour schedule:
Wednesday–Friday: 10 a.m. & 2 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.

Then, beginning the following week, our full regular tour season launches with all tour offerings available throughout the summer.

Whether you’re joining us for a pub trolley tour or exploring one of our walking tours, we can’t wait to share Helena’s history with you this season.

Tickets available here: www.mthistory.org/tours

This Memorial Day, we remember and honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Across Montana and beyond, their stories remain an important part of history, reminding us of the sacrifices made for future generations. Pictured is Memorial Day parade on Main Street in Lewistown, passing in front of the Fergus County Courthouse.

Photo Courtesy: Montana History Portal

Helena’s history is waking up for summer.

Tours return June 24.

Let’s go explore.

Please join us in welcoming Lauren to The Foundation for Montana History team!

Lauren is our new Education and Events Coordinator, and will be leading our tour program, and other events. A historian, educator, researcher, and writer, she is passionate about helping people connect with the past in meaningful ways.

Read more about Lauren and the upcoming tour season in our newsletter next week!

The Missoula Mavericks American Legion Baseball team was founded in 1928 and has taken the field every season for nearly a century. Today, the organization serves more than 50 young people, teaching not only the fundamentals of baseball, but also what it means to be apart of a team.

One of our 2022 grantees, the Mavericks used funds to capture 10 oral histories from former players, coaches, board members, and community supporters who helped shape the program through the generations. These stories are now publicly available through the Montana History Portal.

We think this project was a real homerun! ⚾

Two Mission Valley cultural institutions receive grants The Foundation for Montana History awarded two grants to Mission Valley organizations recently as part of its largest ever grant-making cycle.

Thank you, Billings! We had an incredible time at the Montana Appraisal Fair on Friday. Your community truly showed up with treasures and stories of every kind.

A special thank you to appraiser Timothy Gordon, auctioneer Grant Zahajko, and to Yellowstone Art Museum for hosting us. We're also deeply grateful to our sponsors: AARP Montana, Cladis Investment Advisory, Northern Hotel, G&Z Auctions, and Timothy Gordon Appraisals. This event would not have been possible without your support.

Be sure to sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on future appraisal fairs and events: www.mthistory.org