Take a step back in time and meet the colorful characters who shaped Bozeman.

For ONE NIGHT only, The Extreme History Project is bringing such notables as Nelson Story, Lizzie Woods, and John Bozeman back from the grave to tell their stories. Hear about their exploits and learn about life in this area as Bozeman struggled to become a town.

Your self-guided journey will take you down Main and Mendenhall streets to meet “soiled doves,” salacious madams, mystic mediums, and other bold inhabitants of this western town. Tales of ghosts, murder and mayhem, frontier justice, brothels, and more will be told by our resurrected dead. This year’s tour will introduce some intriguing new cast members to delight you with their sagas.

This tour is offered Friday night, October 13th, at 7:00, 7:10, 7:20 and 7:30 pm. Tickets are $25.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS!

Take a step back in time and meet the colorful characters who shaped Bozeman.

For ONE NIGHT only, The Extreme History Project is bringing such notables as Nelson Story, Lizzie Woods, and John Bozeman back from the grave to tell their stories. Hear about their exploits and learn about life in this area as Bozeman struggled to become a town.

Your self-guided journey will take you down Main and Mendenhall streets to meet “soiled doves,” salacious madams, mystic mediums, and other bold inhabitants of this western town. Tales of ghosts, murder and mayhem, frontier justice, brothels, and more will be told by our resurrected dead. This year’s tour will introduce some intriguing new cast members to delight you with their sagas.

This tour is offered Friday night, October 13th, at 7:00, 7:10, 7:20 and 7:30 pm. Tickets are $25.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS!

Take a Historic Walk Through Bozeman!

Posted: August 2, 2023 by extremehistory in Uncategorized

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!

For all tours, dates, times and to secure tickets . . . follow this link!

Join us for a NEW Fred Willson tour with tour guide, Richard Brown on July 20 at 6pm. Richard has spent many years researching the life of Bozeman architect, Fred Willson. On this tour you will learn about Willson’s career and personal life by exploring some of Bozeman’s finest architectural gems on the South Side. Meet your tour guide at the Story Mansion located at 811 S. Willson Street. Register for the tour by clicking this link!

Weekend Tours. Click link to secure tickets!

Friday, 7pm. Murders, Madams and Mediums: Bozeman’s Dark Side walking tour. Click here for more information and to secure tickets!

Saturday, 3pm (SPECIAL DAY-TIME TOUR) Murders, Madams and Mediums: Bozeman’s Dark Side walking tour. Click here for more information and to secure tickets!

Saturday, 7pm. Murders, Madams and Mediums: Bozeman’s Dark Side walking tour. Click here for more information and to secure tickets!

Sunday, 1pm. Tents to Town: Bozeman’s Historic Main Street walking tour. Click here for more information and to secure tickets!

Sunday, 4pm. Ghosts of Bozeman’s Past: Historic Sunset Hills Cemetery walking tour. Click here for more information and to secure tickets!

Upcoming Tours. Click link to secure tickets!

Tuesday, July 18, 6pm.  Seeking Fortunes: Bozeman’s Historic China Alley

Thursday, July 20, 6pm. The Contrasting Styles of Fred Willson (Brand new tour!)

Tuesday, July 25, 6pm. Eclectic Communities: Bozeman’s North Side

Thursday, July 27, 6pm. Along the Gallagator: History of the Railway, South Tracy, and More!

Hope you can join us!

Summer Used Book Shop SALE!

Posted: July 13, 2023 by extremehistory in Uncategorized

Summer Extreme History Used Book Shop SALE! Buy one get the second of equal or lesser value for FREE
July 14 & 15.

Step inside the Extreme History Book Shop to discover an extensive assortment of curated books covering a wide range of historical topics from Indigenous history to historical novels, we have it all! We’ll be open from noon to 7pm on Friday and Saturday. So come in and indulge your love of history without breaking the bank. All proceeds help support our mission to Make History Relevant. We are located in a historic house at 234 E. Mendenhall Street in Bozeman!

Or, join us for a historic Walking Tour!

Weekend Tours. Click link to secure tickets!

Friday, 7pm. Murders, Madams and Mediums: Bozeman’s Dark Side walking tour. Click here for more information and to secure tickets!

Saturday, 7pm. Murders, Madams and Mediums: Bozeman’s Dark Side walking tour. Click here for more information and to secure tickets!

Sunday, 1pm. Tents to Town: Bozeman’s Historic Main Street walking tour. Click here for more information and to secure tickets!

Sunday, 4pm. Ghosts of Bozeman’s Past: Historic Sunset Hills Cemetery walking tour. Click here for more information and to secure tickets!

Upcoming Weekday Tours. Click link to secure tickets!

Thursday, July 13, 6pm. Along the Gallagator: History of the Railway, South Tracy, and More!

Tuesday, July 18, 6pm.  Seeking Fortunes: Bozeman’s Historic China Alley

Thursday, July 20, 6pm. The Contrasting Styles of Fred Willson (Brand new tour!)

Tuesday, July 25, 6pm. Eclectic Communities: Bozeman’s North Side

Hope you can join us for a tour or come in and for our summer used Book Shop SALE! – all proceeds help sustain The Extreme History Project and our work to MAKE HISTORY RELEVANT!  

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

Walking Tour Season is Here!

Posted: May 31, 2023 by extremehistory in Uncategorized

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, 6pmThe 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!

Walking Tours and Cemetery Workshop!

Posted: May 23, 2023 by extremehistory in Uncategorized

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 BozemanFor 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, 6pmThe 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!

Walking Tour Season is Here!

Posted: May 15, 2023 by extremehistory in Uncategorized

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 3pmWhere 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, 7pmMurders, 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, 1pmTents 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, 4pmGhosts 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!

May is Historic Preservation Month!

Posted: May 9, 2023 by extremehistory in Uncategorized

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 3pmWhere 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.