We’re excited to announce that The Extreme History Project has a new exhibit, Illuminating the Shadowed World of Bozeman’s Historic Red-Light District! This exhibit is located within our historic building (located at 234 E. Mendenhall in Bozeman, MT) which was built in 1891 specifically to be a brothel. We are offering exhibit tours on Tuesdays at 11am, Wednesdays at 1pm and Saturdays at 1pm through the Spring. CLICK HERE TO BOOK A TOUR!
You’re invited to explore a little known part of Bozeman’s history. The exhibit examines the hidden layers of the city’s “restricted district” that thrived from 1870s until 1918. You’ll learn about the lives and stories of two district madams, Lizzie Woods and Libbie Hayes and how they navigated the legalities, social stigmas and moralities of their business. You’ll learn too about the harsh realities these women lived with including drug addiction, violence and early death due to overdose, disease or suicide. Adding a rich cultural dimension to the narrative is the Chinese community’s connection to the district. This exhibit promises you a thought-provoking journey, shedding a new light on those who lived and worked in the shadows of Bozeman’s red-light district.
The tour is one-hour long and takes place within the Extreme History building. The tour will focus on the exhibit and building history. Hope you can join us! CLICK HERE TO BOOK A TOUR.
A BIG thank you to our exhibit sponsors including: Sally and Bob Beles, Erotique, Bridgercare, Treeline Coffee Roasters, Montana State University Women’s Center, Wild Crumb, and the Gallatin History Museum.
In commemoration of the 19th Amendment anniversary we are raffling off a “Suffragist Quilt” made by Extreme History volunteer, Susan Sewell. The quilt will be raffled on August 26, 2020. The colors and design of the quilt are based on the sashes worn by suffragists over their white dresses during parades, meetings, and protests. “Purple is the color of loyalty, constancy to purpose, unswerving steadfastness to a cause. White, the emblem of purity, symbolizes the quality of our purpose; and gold, the color of light and life, is as the torch that guides our purpose, pure and unswerving.” The quilt is approximately 60 x 72 inches, the material is 100% cotton batiks. It is Machine washable & dryable (warm/cool water, delicate cycle suggested). It will “pucker” when washed and dried – that is an attribute of quilts, not a defect. The quilt pattern is called Rail Fence or Split Rail Fence. A very traditional quilt pattern. This is a unique Montana-made piece that commemorates a significant historical event. 
Its beauty will bring you joy and warmth on cold winter nights as you remember the women who worked hard to achieve the national vote for women. Raffle tickets are $5 each or 5 tickets for $20. You can purchase raffle tickets at Extreme History headquarters (234 E. Mendenhall in Bozeman which is open on Thursdays and Fridays from 10am to 3pm) or you can put a check in the mail to us at P.O. Box 5019, Bozeman, MT 59717. Or you can venmo us at @ExtremeHistoryProject. Proceeds from the raffle tickets will go to educational events on women’s history.
The Extreme History Project 