The devastating winter of 1886-1887 changed the way ranchers managed their animals.

The devastating winter of 1886-1887 changed the way ranchers managed their animals.

The devastating winter of 1886-1887 changed the way ranchers managed their animals.

The devastating winter of 1886-1887 changed the way ranchers managed their animals.

In the spring of 1837, the steamer St. Peter's carried trade goods—and disease—up the Missouri River.

In the spring of 1837, the steamer St. Peter's carried trade goods—and disease—up the Missouri River.

In the spring of 1837, the steamer St. Peter's carried trade goods—and disease—up the Missouri River.

In the spring of 1837, the steamer St. Peter's carried trade goods—and disease—up the Missouri River.

Helena High School students from Rob Holter’s Theater One class read correspondence written to friends and family stateside from Montanans who participated in wars ranging from the American Civil War to Operation Iraqi Freedom. The presenters offer glimpses of average “citizen” soldiers’ thoughts, feelings, and emotions as they struggled to balance “life back home” with their operational realities. All material used in this reader’s theater is drawn from the Montana Historical Society archives. Presence of the Past Program Series, Jan. 7, 2016

Helena High School students from Rob Holter’s Theater One class read correspondence written to friends and family stateside from Montanans who participated in wars ranging from the American Civil War to Operation Iraqi Freedom. The presenters offer glimpses of average “citizen” soldiers’ thoughts, feelings, and emotions as they struggled to balance “life back home” with their operational realities. All material used in this reader’s theater is drawn from the Montana Historical Society archives. Presence of the Past Program Series, Jan. 7, 2016