MTHS Showcases Veterans and Natives in November Programs

The experiences of veterans throughout the years, the strength and leadership of Native women, and a modern Indigenous teenager’s journey to understand and appreciate her family’s rich heritage will be explored during the Montana Historical Society’s public programs in November.

The Thursday programs run from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., and are free at the Montana Historical Society, located at 225 No. Roberts in Helena. Those programs also are live streamed on the MTHS YouTube channel, then archived so they can be viewed at your leisure.

Programs include:

Nov. 3 – Native women fill their communities with strength and leadership, both historically and as modern-day warriors. The 12 Indigenous women featured in Patricia Cutright’s book “Native Women Changing Their Worlds” overcame unimaginable hardships to rise to great heights in the fields of politics, science, education, and community activism. The impressive accomplishments of these 12 dynamic women, including Henrietta Mann (Southern Cheyenne) and Elouise Pepion Cobell. (Blackfeet) from Montana, provide inspiration for all. Books will be available for author signing. Co-sponsored by the Montana OPI Indian Education for All Division.

Nov. 10 – Learn about the experiences of Montanans who fought in conflicts from the Civil War to Iraqi Freedom through the letters they sent home to their loved ones. Come to listen or to join the cast of this reader's theater production as you prepare to commemorate Veteran';s Day. Co-sponsored by the American Legion of Montana

Nov. 17 – Join M.L. Smoker and Natalie Peeterse as they discuss their new book “Thunderous,” the story of a modern Indigenous teenager’s journey to understand and appreciate her family’s rich heritage. The authors will discuss the origins of the project, their collaboration as writers, shaping their words and ideas to fit the graphic novel format and why they felt it was important to create a contemporary narrative for and about young Indigenous peoples, focusing on Lakota culture. Books will be available for purchase for author book signing. Co-Sponsored by Helena Indian Alliance

Nov. 12 – Bring the family to view a different kind of Saturday program from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Members of the Sons of Norway and the Ancient Order of Hibernians will display materials that reflect their ethnic traditions. Antique steel toy cars, dolls, kitchenware, and items from the USSMontana also will be on display.

For more information, contact Deb Mitchell at 406/444-4789 or dmitchell@mt.gov