Bozeman historian and author John C. Russell recounts the remarkable tale of a colorful and contradictory figure whose influence on Montana’s development was profound. After striking it rich in the goldfields of Alder Gulch, Story drove the first herd of cattle from Texas to Montana, then built a commercial empire of diverse interests, crafted with determination and ingenuity as well as a penchant for fraud and deceit. His book on Nelson Story—Treasure State Tycoon—was published by the Montana Historical Society Press in 2019. (9/27/2019)

Forgotten dead have surfaced at one time or another in most Montana communities. Random burials and early cemeteries lie scattered across the state’s vast landscape, under roads, fields, housing developments, shopping centers, and other areas. Such unexpected discoveries make grisly surprises for those unaware of the history that lies beneath. From her forthcoming book on Montana’s cemetery history, retired Montana Historical Society interpretive historian Dr. Ellen Baumler examines the afterlife in the state, sharing some of these discoveries, the problems they created, and the stories they tell. (9/27/2019)

Mark Johnson—a University of Notre Dame Fellow with the Institute for Educational Initiatives—explores Chinese religious traditions and burial practices, focusing specifically on China Row Cemetery in Helena and Mount Moriah Cemetery in Butte. Johnson examines the religious traditions maintained in Montana’s Chinese communities and their cultural practices surrounding death, including burial rituals, exhumation, and return of remains for reburial in China.

Between 1906 and 1926, Charlie and Nancy Russell spent every summer in Glacier National Park at their beloved Bullhead Lodge. Living-history interpreter Mary Jane Bradbury shares stories of the Russells entertaining friends and prominent artists, exploring the park, and reveling in the rugged beauty of the mountains. (9/27/2019)

One in his twenty-part Education Through Entertainment series—Polson performing artist and Governor’s Arts Award winner Neal Lewing salutes the U.S. Forest Service, national parks, and the timber industry. Lewing incorporates music, lies, legends, and a few laughs into a lively and entertaining history lesson. (9/27/2019)

Montana Historical Society reference historian Zoe Ann Stoltz discusses the events leading up to homesteading’s bust and the attempts to alleviate the looming disaster by Montana’s extraordinary 1919 special session.

At the close of World War I, post-war dynamics, drought, and more combined to create one of the worst crises in Montana history. Montana Historical Society senior archivist Rich Aarstad examines the battle waged by Helena Independent editor Will Campbell against the twin threats to American democracy—the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), who advocated revolutionary industrial unionism; and the Non-Partisan League, which called for the takeover of farm-related industries from corporate control. (9/27/2019)

Since 1882, when the Treasure State’s first transcontinental railroad line was completed, Montana has enjoyed connections with the rest of the United States by way of the finest passenger train service on the Great Northern, Northern Pacific, Milwaukee Road, and Amtrak railways. Railroad historian Dale Paterka presents a brief history of passenger trains in Montana. (9/27/2019)

Early railroad companies quickly realized that the beautiful scenery along their routes would be an attraction to Americans enthralled by the romance of the West. Montana Historical Society outreach and interpretation program manager Kirby Lambert illustrates how advertising campaigns featuring beautiful promotional art lured adventure-seekers—and paying customers—to experience firsthand the spectacular scenery of national parks and other scenic wonders of the West. (9/27/2019)

Founded by Father Pierre De Smet in 1841 and set against the backdrop of the majestic Bitterroot Mountains, St. Mary’s Mission played a significant role in the early story of the Treasure State. Mission staff member Susan Doverspike explores St. Mary’s history from its origins as “the place where Montana began” to its role as a historic site and museum today. Doverspike presents an overview of the mission’s history from its founding to its closure in 1954.

In the companion track "St. Mary's Mission: Now," Lyn Graves presents the trials and tribulations of preserving historic buildings—which date back to 1861—plus the challenges of creating new exhibits to tantalize return visitors.