Montana Historical Society June Public Programs

Community members of all ages are invited to attend the Montana Historical Society’s June public programs, which include special events in Helena and around the state.

On Saturday, June 1, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Capitol Flag Plaza in Helena, the MTHS will hold an event: “Honoring Montana Tribal Veteran Warriors.” In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924, the event will recognize Indigenous veterans’ military service to the United States, share information about the history of Montana’s Tribal veteran warriors, and hear veterans' perspectives on service and citizenship. This free event is open to the public. The MTHS especially invites veterans from all branches to attend.

The program for the June 1 event will include speakers honoring Indigenous veterans’ service, and a panel of veterans sharing their views on service and citizenship. The event also includes the Last Chance Community Powwow food stand selling fry bread and tacos, performances by the Magpie Drummers and dancers, and a pop-up banner exhibit about Montana Tribal Veteran Warriors. The food, performances, and exhibit will start at 11:30 a.m. and the speakers will start at 1 p.m.

On Sunday, June 9, from 1 to 3 p.m. in downtown Philipsburg, the Granite County Historical Society will fire up a historic stamp mill for a live demonstration and historic overview. The demonstration, followed by a tour of the Granite County Museum and historic downtown, is free but limited to the first 30 people who register. The original Royal Mine stamp mill was carefully reassembled and restored by the Granite County Historical Society to working condition at the James Suart/Hope Mill site. Don’t miss this opportunity to watch history in action. Prior registration is available at mths.mt.gov.

On Tuesday, June 18, at 5:30 p.m. at the Miles City Library, author Ian Wilson will present a book talk about “Catastrophe at Custer Creek: Montana’s Deadliest Train Wreck.” His book, published by the Montana Historical Society Press, details the 1938 crash of an elite passenger train operated by the famed Milwaukee Road.

From Wednesday, June 19 through Saturday, June 22, the Montana Historical Society and its community partners will host a variety of events in downtown Helena celebrating Juneteenth and Black history in Montana. Watch the MTHS website, social media, emails, and news outlets for more details.

The summer tour schedule for the Original Governor’s Mansion starts on June 1. Tours will be offered Tuesdays through Saturdays at noon, 1, 2, and 3 p.m.

For further information, email laura.marsh@mt.gov.