B. M. Bower: A Female Author in a Man’s West

We are proud to present this extraordinary Montana writer to our Extreme History audience. During the summer of 2025 Extreme History employed two Ivan Doig Center interns. During their time at Extreme History, and with the help of our Board Member Victoria Lyons, interns Katherine Montana and Julianna McCleary developed this exhibit.

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Illuminating the Shadowed World of Bozeman’s Historic Red-Light District

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.

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.

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.

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Past Exhibits

Reproductive Health in Early 1900s

We are excited to announce that The Extreme History Project has a new pop-up exhibit, “From Boudoir to the Brothel: Reproductive Health in 1900’s Montana” now on display! This exhibit showcases the history of women’s reproductive healthcare in Montana through the lens of two women who lived in Bozeman, MT during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Rachel Lindley and Libbie Hayes. Lindley was a member of Bozeman’s social elite and Hayes managed a house of prostitution. Jennifer Hill PhD, the Director of the Women’s Reproductive History Alliance, curated the exhibit and is an expert in the field of women’s reproductive history and a pioneer in the field of digital humanities. To view the exhibit visit The Extreme History Project at 234 E. Mendenhall Street in Bozeman, MT or visit the virtual exhibit by clicking below.  Extreme History is open on Thursdays and Fridays from 10am to 3pm. This exhibit will be on display for the remainder of 2020 and into 2021.