Daniel Zizzamia, who recently received a PhD in history, discusses energy, geohistory, and dominating nature.

Jennifer Woodcock-Medicine Horse, a doctoral candidate in the Department of American Studies (Museum Studies), examines indigenous and mainstream approaches to exploring sustainability.

Jennifer Woodcock-Medicine Horse, a doctoral candidate in the Department of American Studies (Museum Studies), examines indigenous and mainstream approaches to exploring sustainability.

Willow Creek schoolteacher and Historical Preservation Board of Gallatin County board member Christopher McAdam-Mantei delves into his hometown’s past by focusing on one longstanding institution. McAdam-Mantei analyzes the role played by the church—one of Montana’s oldest continuing congregations—in the bigger picture of the region’s history.

Willow Creek schoolteacher and Historical Preservation Board of Gallatin County board member Christopher McAdam-Mantei delves into his hometown’s past by focusing on one longstanding institution. McAdam-Mantei analyzes the role played by the church—one of Montana’s oldest continuing congregations—in the bigger picture of the region’s history.

Like many communities that began as mining towns and were later reshaped by tourism, Cooke City has accumulated its share of myths. Of these, none is more mysterious than the unsubstantiated but popular belief that the town once bore the name of “Shoo Fly.” Kelly Hartman, director of the Cooke City Museum, explores some of the legends surrounding Cooke City.

Like many communities that began as mining towns and were later reshaped by tourism, Cooke City has accumulated its share of myths. Of these, none is more mysterious than the unsubstantiated but popular belief that the town once bore the name of “Shoo Fly.” Kelly Hartman, director of the Cooke City Museum, explores some of the legends surrounding Cooke City.

Historically, Yellowstone’s trail system played a vital role in the development of the park and visitors’ experiences therein. Kerri Keller Clement—a high school history teacher, avid backcountry hiker, and Montana State University graduate student—investigates these trails and trail blazes within a spatial and cartographic framework.

Historically, Yellowstone’s trail system played a vital role in the development of the park and visitors’ experiences therein. Kerri Keller Clement—a high school history teacher, avid backcountry hiker, and Montana State University graduate student—investigates these trails and trail blazes within a spatial and cartographic framework.

Letters constitute some of the most powerful and personal documents in archival collections. Montana Historical Society Archives staff members Jodie Foley, Rich Aarstad, Jeff Malcomson, Caitie Patterson, and Anneliese Warhank share their favorite letters from the collections. From soldiers’ letters home, to immigrant letters to family abroad, to angry or heartfelt missives of the betrothed, to chatty accounts of everyday life, these rich and revealing sources bring the past to life.