4HistoryBuffs

Calling all history enthusiasts! 4HistoryBuffs is held on the last Tuesday of each month from 6-8pm. Join guest speakers for lively and entertaining presentations of historical interest.

History of Missoula’s Fairground

August 26

Speaker: Ramona Holt In 1911, the County Commissioners discussed the purchase of grounds for a permanent site for the fair. It wasn’t until 1913 that the current fairgrounds were purchased for a mere $16,000.

Historic Fishing

September 30

Speaker: Austin O. Haney. The story of fishing on the Lewis & Clark Expedition and that of Indigenous peoples met along the way, in a prop-heavy presentation demonstrating how anglers of the past caught their dinner.

The Members of the Lewis & Clark’s Corps of Discovery

October 28

Speaker: Bruce Mehelish. Most Montanan’s know the story of Lewis and Clark and the places they traveled through in our state. Trail signs are posted everywhere along our modern highways. They covered more ground in Montana than any other state. It was an incredible journey often compared to the first moon shot landing, Many of the success stories of this journey have been lost over 222 years. 33 members of the Corps of Discovery paddled, portaged, trudged, and rode through Montana’s diverse landscapes. Indigenous people stepped in to help. There was a very select group of special people we will revisit today. These three people made a difference.

Seeking Hope for Pain Relief in Montana’s Radon Health Mines

November 25

Speaker: Jen Elison Historically, gold, silver, and copper mines peppered the State of Montana. The Cold War and the search for uranium in decommissioned mines in southe central Montana resulted in a novel approach to pain relief in 1952. Today, this controversial treatment is still seen as a shaft of hope for some individuals experiencing chronic pain.