The Extreme History Project

Join us in Deer Lodge, MT on June 27th from 9am to 4pm for the Cemetery History, Preservation, and Headstone Symbolism Workshop! CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR WORKSHOP

This workshop is hosted by The Extreme History Project , The Foundation for Montana History, and the Old Montana Prison Museum

Date/Time: June 27, 9am to 4pm

Location: Old Prison Museum Conference Center in Deer Lodge, MT

Registration: CLICK HERE TO REGISTER. Tickets are $67 which includes all registration fees, workshop materials, lunch and Ellen Baumler’s “The Life of the Afterlife in the Big Sky State: A History of Montana’s Cemeteries” published by Bison Books.

***Option to join us at 4:30 for the “Afterlife Party” and Mortuary Tour at Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home in Anaconda, MT (+ $10, see add-on option at checkout).

Are you curious about the hidden meanings behind the symbols and imagery commonly found in cemeteries? Do you want to learn more about the fascinating history and cultural significance of cemeteries? During this workshop, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the rich symbolism found on many cemetery monuments and headstones and how to preserve these important cultural artifacts for future generations. Led by expert guides and preservationists, you’ll explore a local cemetery and discover the hidden meanings behind the intricate carvings and inscriptions found on many headstones. You’ll also learn about the techniques and tools used to restore and preserve these historic markers, helping to ensure their longevity for years to come.

Whether you are a cemetery buff, a lover of art and architecture, or simply interested in preserving our cultural heritage, this workshop is perfect for you. Join us and unlock the mysteries of cemetery history and symbolism and connect with others who share your passion. The workshop will take place at the Old Prison Museum Conference Center in Deer Lodge, MT with the field portion taking place in the Hillcrest Cemetery. After a day of learning, join us at the Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home in Anaconda, for an “Afterlife Party” where light refreshments and drinks will be served!

A BIG Thank you you to our sponsors including: Axelson Funeral Services and Bison Books/University of Nebraska Press

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR WORKSHOP

We’re excited to kick off another season of walking tours! We have some great guides this year and new stories! Here’s what coming up!

Friday and Saturday at 7pm – Murders, Madams and Mediums: Bozeman’s Dark Side. Click here for more information and tickets. Join us for our most popular tour and traverse the back alleys and dark history of Bozeman’s past!

Sunday 1pm – Tents to Town: Bozeman’s Main Street. Click here for more information and tickets. Travel down Bozeman’s historic Main Street with us and learn about the people who built this town and the buildings that reflect that fascinating history!

Sunday 4pm – Ghosts of Bozeman’s Past: Bozeman’s Historic Sunset Hills Cemetery. Click here for tickets. Stroll through beautiful Sunset Hills Cemetery and learn the stories of the men and women who built Bozeman!

Thursday June 8, 6pm – The Contrasting Styles of Fred Willson. A NEW TOUR with Fred Willson Expert, Richard Brown! Join us for an updated tour of Fred Willson designed residences on Bozeman’s South Side featuring Fred Willson’s own house and that of his parents, Emma and Lester Willson. Meet your guide, Richard Brown, at the Story Mansion, where the first story is already waiting to be told.

June 27, 9am to 4pm in Deer Lodge, MT – Cemetery History, Preservation and Headstone Symbolism Workshop. Click here for more information and registration!

We’re excited to kick off another season of walking tours! We have some great guides this year and new stories!

May 25 and 26, 6pm – (TOURS FULL) Hidden History: Rediscovering Bozeman Creek Historic Walking Tour. Free but registration required by clicking this link.

Saturday May 27, 1pm and 3pm – Where in Bozeman! A Walking Tour of Unique and Hidden Architectural Gems with special guest tour guides, Paul Stouffer and Susan Anderegg who wrote Where in Bozeman. For more information and tickets click here for 1pm tour and here for 3pm tour.

Friday May 26, 7pm – Murders, Madams and Mediums: Bozeman’s Dark Side. Click here for more information and tickets. Join us for our most popular tour and traverse the back alleys and dark history of Bozeman’s past!

Sunday May 28, 1pm – Tents to Town: Bozeman’s Main Street. Click here for more information and tickets. Travel down Bozeman’s historic Main Street with us and learn about the people who built this town and the buildings that reflect that fascinating history!

Sunday May 28, 4pm – Ghosts of Bozeman’s Past: Bozeman’s Historic Sunset Hills Cemetery. Click here for tickets. Stroll through beautiful Sunset Hills Cemetery and learn the stories of the men and women who built Bozeman!

Thursday June 8, 6pm – The Contrasting Styles of Fred Willson. A NEW TOUR! Join us for an updated tour of Fred Willson designed residences on Bozeman’s South Side featuring Fred Willson’s own house and that of his parents, Emma and Lester Willson. Meet your guide, Richard Brown, at the Story Mansion, where the first story is already waiting to be told.

June 27, 9am to 4pm in Deer Lodge, MT – Cemetery History, Preservation and Headstone Symbolism Workshop. Click here for more information and registration!

We’re excited to kick off another season of walking tours! We have some great guides this year and new stories! Join us for some exciting tours this month!

May 25 and 26, 6pm – (TOURS FULL) Hidden History: Rediscovering Bozeman Creek Historic Walking Tour. Bozeman Creek runs through the heart of Bozeman and has always been an integral waterway for people living in the area. Join The Extreme History Project, Mountain Time Arts, and the Bozeman Historic Preservation Advisory Group on a collaborative walking tour of this historic waterway. Each organization will tell you about Bozeman Creek through their lens. We will uncover the history and hydrology of this important waterway, along with the rich natural and cultural history of the creek. Our walking tour is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, and we’ll take breaks along the way to rest and enjoy the scenery. So whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or just looking for a peaceful and rejuvenating experience, our Bozeman Creek walking tour is the perfect way to spend a spring evening. Meet your tour guide at the City Hall building located at 121 N. Rouse Avenue. Free but registration required by clicking this link.

(Special Guests Tour!) Saturday May 27, 1pm and 3pm – Where in Bozeman! A Walking Tour of Unique and Hidden Architectural Gems with Paul Stouffer and Susan Anderegg. Every day people walk by features in downtown Bozeman without noticing them, visual white noise that doesn’t get even a second glance. Yet these things can tell us something about the history of where we live, things worth remembering, and maybe even saving. Join Where in Bozeman authors Susan Anderegg and Paul Stouffer on a walk around downtown as they point out many of the unique, hidden features highlighted in their book, while sharing the stories and historical significance behind them. You might be surprised and have some fun discovering new things, while gaining an appreciation for what is around us every day and what it might teach us about this great place. Each tour participant will also receive a copy of the book (for an additional charge) containing Susan’s rich, detailed photography accompanied by Paul’s written narrative. For tickets click here for 1pm tour and here for 3pm tour.

Friday May 26, 7pm – Murders, Madams and Mediums: Bozeman’s Dark Side. Click here for more information and tickets. Join us for our most popular tour and traverse the back alleys and dark history of Bozeman’s past!

Sunday May 28, 1pm – Tents to Town: Bozeman’s Main Street. Click here for more information and tickets. Travel down Bozeman’s historic Main Street with us and learn about the people who built this town and the buildings that reflect that fascinating history!

Sunday May 28, 4pm – Ghosts of Bozeman’s Past: Bozeman’s Historic Sunset Hills Cemetery. Click here for tickets. Stroll through beautiful Sunset Hills Cemetery and learn the stories of the men and women who built Bozeman!

Join us for some exciting events coming up this month!

May 17, 6pm – Join Extreme History Director, Crystal Alegria, at The City of Bozeman Historic Advisory Board (HPAB) Meeting where she’ll do a short presentation on the history of Bozeman’s Black community. The meeting starts at 6:00pm and is located in the City Commission chambers at City Hall, 121 N. Rouse Avenue.

May 18, 6pm – Scott Carpenter will present, Westgate Village: Bozeman’s First Shopping Center and Contribution to Mid-Century Architecture. Westgate Village Shopping Center was designed by renowned Bozeman architect, Hugo Eck, and was built as Bozeman’s first multi-unit shopping center in 1957.This lecture will present an analysis of the architectural design and significance of the building along with the history of Hugo Eck and the development of other mid-century architecture and later shopping centers in Bozeman. Join us for this presentation at The Museum of the Rockies at 6pm.

May 25, 6pm – Hidden History: Rediscovering Bozeman Creek Historic Walking Tour. Bozeman Creek runs through the heart of Bozeman and has always been an integral waterway for people living in the area. Join The Extreme History Project, Mountain Time Arts, and the Bozeman Historic Preservation Advisory Group on a collaborative walking tour of this historic waterway. Each organization will tell you about Bozeman Creek through their lens. We will uncover the history and hydrology of this important waterway, along with the rich natural and cultural history of the creek. Our walking tour is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, and we’ll take breaks along the way to rest and enjoy the scenery. So whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or just looking for a peaceful and rejuvenating experience, our Bozeman Creek walking tour is the perfect way to spend a spring evening. Meet your tour guide at the City Hall building located at 121 N. Rouse Avenue. Free but registration required by clicking this link.

May 26, 6pm – Hidden History: Rediscovering Bozeman Creek Historic Walking Tour. Bozeman Creek runs through the heart of Bozeman and has always been an integral waterway for people living in the area. Join The Extreme History Project, Mountain Time Arts, and the Bozeman Historic Preservation Advisory Group on a collaborative walking tour of this historic waterway. Each organization will tell you about Bozeman Creek through their lens. We will uncover the history and hydrology of this important waterway, along with the rich natural and cultural history of the creek. Our walking tour is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, and we’ll take breaks along the way to rest and enjoy the scenery. So whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or just looking for a peaceful and rejuvenating experience, our Bozeman Creek walking tour is the perfect way to spend a spring evening. Meet your tour guide at the City Hall building located at 121 N. Rouse Avenue. Free but registration required by clicking this link.

May 27, 1pm and 3pm – Where in Bozeman! A Walking Tour of Unique and Hidden Architectural Gems. Every day people walk by features in downtown Bozeman without noticing them, visual white noise that doesn’t get even a second glance. Yet these things can tell us something about the history of where we live, things worth remembering, and maybe even saving. Join Where in Bozeman authors Susan Anderegg and Paul Stouffer on a walk around downtown as they point out many of the unique, hidden features highlighted in their book, while sharing the stories and historical significance behind them. You might be surprised and have some fun discovering new things, while gaining an appreciation for what is around us every day and what it might teach us about this great place. Each tour participant will also receive a copy of the book (for an additional charge) containing Susan’s rich, detailed photography accompanied by Paul’s written narrative. For tickets click here for 1pm tour and here for 3pm tour.

May 31, 6:30pm – Preservation & Legacy Awards. Join The City of Bozeman Historic Preservation Advisory Board for The Bozeman Historic Preservation & Legacy Awards Ceremony. The Awards will take place on Wednesday, May 31 at the Bozeman Event Space (14 S. Tracy) from 6:30-8:30pm.

Give Big Gallatin Valley starts today! Please consider adding The Extreme History Project to your giving list this year. Click here to donate!

Today (Thursday May 4) you have the opportunity to double your donation thanks to our wonderful Extreme History Board of Directors! They are matching all gifts up to $1,200!

Tomorrow (Friday May 5) Join us at MOKA Boutique (36 W. Main) for our donor lounge from 11am to 6pm for mini historic walking tours of Downtown Bozeman. (See walking tour schedule below). All tours are free but we encourage a Give Big donation to The Extreme History Project. MOKA Boutique is matching up to $2,000 of walking tour donations! You can donate online at GiveBigGV.org or at the time of the tour with cash, check, or venmo! No need to register for tours, just show up and enjoy!

At The Extreme History Project, we love history and believe it is crucial to know and understand our collective history to better understand ourselves and the community in which we live. Please consider adding Extreme History to your list of donations and Give Big to history because HISTORY MATTERS!

CLICK HERE TO GIVE BIG to EXTREME HISTORY!

It’s that time of year again, time to Give Big on May 4 & 5, 2023! Please consider adding The Extreme History Project to your giving list this year. Join us at our Donor Lounge at MOKA Boutique (36 W. Main) on May 5th for mini historic walking tours of Downtown Bozeman. (See walking tour schedule below). All tours are free but we encourage a Give Big donation to The Extreme History Project. MOKA Boutique is matching up to $2,000 for walking tour donations! And . . . our Extreme History Project Board of Directors is matching up to $1,200 in donations! So donate early to have your support doubled!

Together we can tell the story of our place, not only the traditional narrative but one that includes all the voices in the story. We ask for your support and we thank you for giving big to history. It’s easy, on May 4 & 5, just follow this link to GIVE BIG!. Thank you for your support of The Extreme History Project and Give Big Gallatin Valley.

The Extreme History Project Headquarters is open on Saturdays from noon to 5pm. Come in and browse our Used Book Shop. In celebration of Women’s History Month, we have a large selection of books dedicated to Women’s history in our used Book Shop, but also new books as well. We are located in historic Downtown Bozeman, MT at 234 E. Mendenhall Street.

March 14, 1pm at The Extreme History Project Headquarters – Unfinished Handcrafts Club. Do you have unfinished handcraft projects sitting around the house? Need a little help to finish them? Or maybe just someone to keep you motivated to finish? On Tuesday, March 14, 1-3pm, we will be launching a club for Unfinished Handcrafts and their owners. At the first meeting, we will decide organizational details such as meeting times and group name. Any sort of textile project that does not require machinery is welcome – hand quilting, needlework, hand sewing, rug punching or hooking, embroidery, knitting, or crocheting, etc. Projects may be historical or modern. Members are encouraged to bring a project for “show-and-tell.” Meet at The Extreme History Project headquarters located at 234 E. Mendenhall Street in Bozeman, MT at 1pm.

March 23, 6pm at The Museum of the Rockies – John Russell will present, The Gallatin Valley Female Seminary.

Religious academies, designed to counter vices like saloons and brothels prevalent on the frontier, were established throughout the American west in the 1870s. One was the Gallatin Valley Female Seminary, administered by the Presbyterian church “to give Christian education to the young people of Bozeman.” John Russell will discuss the history of the Seminary, and touch upon some other private education school efforts in the Bozeman area. John C. Russell received his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Montana State University in 1978. He has worked as a broadcast journalist, and most recently as director of the Gallatin (County) Historical Society. John’s book on Bozeman pioneer Nelson Story, “Treasure State Tycoon, Nelson Story and the Making of Montana” was published in 2018 by the Montana Historical Society and is available at local bookstores. This event is free and open to the public and sponsored by the MSU Women’s Center and the Yellowstone Theological Institute.

Hope to see you at one of our events soon!

Heartfelt thanks to our community and family of supporters for helping make 2022 a red letter year for us — or should we say,  a red carpet year!

We hope to do it all again, and more in 2023 but we need your help to make that happen. Please consider The Extreme History Project during your end-of-year giving. A gift of $25, $50 or more would help us with our mission to Make History Relevant. Click here to donate.

To recap 2022, we launched our lecture series in January with an on-line presentation outlining the whys, wherefores, and impact of historic preservation.  Subsequent lectures, coupled with our Dirt on the Past podcasts, covered a wide spectrum of topical subjects, such as Indian Boarding schools, Genetic History of the Americas, and Montana Highway Tales.

Our book club kicked off in February with a timely and relevant book entitled Clara’s Journal and the Tale of Two Pandemics.  Revolving around the theme of women’s lives in the American west, our bimonthly book selections stimulated spirited discussions among participants. Throughout the year, we hosted authors Molly Rozum and Laura Arata for in-house book readings and signings, co-sponsored Michael Johnson’s talk and signing of his new book, A Black Women’s West, capping off with a virtual presentation featuring New York Times bestseller and award winning author Jane Kirkpatrick.

Partnering with several other organizations, including MSU’s Ivan Doig Center, we celebrated Women’s History month in March with a variety of pertinent presentations and book readings, such Birthing the West by Jennifer Hill, focusing on the impact of women’s efforts in fomenting change in their communities.

Our walking tour guides were back in full swing this summer entertaining residents and visitors with the engaging histories of the places and people who shaped Bozeman. Our new Galligator Trail walking tour, exploring the old railway line that once ran to Gallatin Gateway, proved to be a big hit. We offered a number of special tours as well. Authors of the book Where in Bozeman led a tour pointing out many unique and hidden features highlighted in their book. We cohosted tours for both the Lehrkind and Story family descendants.

August found us strutting our stuff at the Sweet Pea parade.  Dressed in period attire as notable Bozeman historic figures, we braved the soggy weather to stroll down Main Street tossing candy and meeting and greeting the spectators. 

And rolling out the red carpet, The Story of Us: The Women Who Shaped Montana, a documentary highlighting the accomplishments of four women who helped shape Montana, premiered in Helena with additional showings in Bozeman, Butte, Missoula and Virginia City.  Montana PBS also included this film, a collaboration between North by Northwest and The Extreme History Project, as part of their Thanksgiving day programming.  Plans for episodes 2 & 3 of the documentary are already in the works!

After a two year hiatus due to Covid, we raised the dead and, as our Halloween special, held our ever popular History After Dark event.  The “ghosts” of John Bozeman, Nelson and Ellen Story, madam Lizzie Woods and a myriad of other characters recounted their colorful and sometimes tragic lives.

Other projects included two workshops, Cemetery History and Symbolism and an instructional workshop put together for the Bozeman Preservation Advisory Board on how to document historical properties.  We have been providing research assistance to the city of Bozeman in an ongoing survey of historical homes and sites for several years.

All of this is in addition to maintaining our in house gift shop and used book shop and hosting special events like our puzzle exchanges and our annual Victorian Holiday Open House.

As you can see, we are a small non-profit with a big agenda and even bigger goals.  We have been able to accomplish our mission of bringing history to the community in large part because of your generous donations and support.  As they say, “it takes a village.”  Every dollar given is put into research and resources needed to create fresh, exciting, pertinent programming.  Thank you for being the fuel that drives us forward and inspires us to achieve more every year. Thank you in advance for your continued support. Click here to donate.

We have some fun events coming up this holiday season

November 24 – The film, The Story of Us: The Women Who Shaped Montana airs on Montana PBS Thursday (Thanksgiving) at 7pm. This short film follows the inspiring stories of three Montana women, Sarah Bickford, Maggie Smith Hathaway and Susie Walking Bear Yellowtail. Tune-in and learn how they helped enrich and shape the Montana we know today. Extreme History collaborated on the creation of this film with funding provided by The Greater Montana Foundation, Humanities Montana, The Montana History Foundation and the Montana Film Office.

November 26 – Small Business Saturday Sale at The Extreme History Project headquarters. All gift shop items, new books, and used books will be 10% off! Come on down to shop for all the history lovers on your list. We are located at 234 E. Mendenhall Street in Bozeman and we’ll be open from noon to 5pm.

November 29 – #GivingTuesday! Our mission is to make history relevant but we can’t do that without your help! This Giving Tuesday we ask for your support. We are a small non-profit with a big agenda and even bigger goals. We have been able to accomplish our mission of bringing history to the community in large part because of your generous donations and support. As they say, “it takes a village.” Every dollar given goes into research and resources needed to create fresh, exciting, pertinent programming. Thank you for being the fuel that drives us forward and inspires us to achieve more every year. Click here to donate!

December 3 – Extreme History Holiday Market and Open House! Join us for cocoa, hot apple cider and sweet treats during the Bozeman Christmas Stroll from 4:30 to 7:30. Our gift shop and used book shop will be open for your shopping pleasure. Find a gift for the history lover in your family, or something just for you! We are located at 234 E. Mendenhall Street in Bozeman.

We hope to see you at one of these events this holiday season! We are grateful for our wonderful community (that’s you), and we look forward to celebrating this holiday season with you!