Montana Historical Society

Big Sky ~ Big History

Museum and research center closed for renovations. For more info, call (406) 444-2694.

Heritage Keepers Past Award Recipients

Heritage Keeper Award Recipients

2022

  • Arlyne Reichert, Great Falls
  • Margie Smith, Anaconda
  • Heritage Guardian – The Sons and Daughters of Montana Pioneers, Helena

2021

  • Bev and Gene Allen, Helena
  • Bud Cheff, Jr., Charlo
  • Birdie Real Bird, Garryowen
  • Heritage Guardian – A&E Design

2020

  • Jerry Hanley, Lewistown
  • Patricia Lewis, Boulder
  • James O. Southworth, Billings

2019

  • Mardell Plainfeather, Billings
  • The Extreme History Project, Bozeman
  • Heritage Guardian – Larry Len Peterson, Sisters, Oregon

2018

  • Darris Flanagan, Eureka
  • Carl Davis, Missoula

2017

  • Tony Incashola, St Ignatius
  • Penny Redli, Columbus
  • Jim McCarthy, Butte
  • Heritage Guardian – Diane Sands, Missoula

2016

  • Eastern – Nancy Watts, Lewistown
  • Western – Alfred Wiseman, Choteau
  • Heritage Guardian – Evan Barrett, Butte

2015

  • Eastern – Henry L. Armstrong, Geraldine
  • Western – Phyllis Smith, Bozeman

2014

  • Eastern – Mary Allen, Roberts
  • Western – Kim Briggeman, Missoula

2013

  • Eastern – Edgar Richardson, Scobey
  • Western – Chris Fisk, Butte

2012

  • Eastern – John “Jack” Bailey, Forsyth
  • Western – Bruce Selyem, Bozeman

2011

  • Eastern – Mary Mercer, Sidney
  • Western – Jim McDonald, Missoula
  • Heritage Guardian – Gen. John J. Womack, Dillon

2010

  • Eastern – Bob Barthelmess, Miles City
  • Western – Ken Robison, Great Falls

2009

  • Eastern –Wally McRae, Big Timber
  • Western – Cathryn Schroeder, Eureka

Trustee's Award Recipients

2008

  • Dr. Les Davis, Clancy

2007

  • Dr. Harry Fritz, Missoula

2006

  • Robert N. Bergantino, Butte

2005

  • Bill Walker/John Hughes, Butte
  • Betty Babcock, Helena

2004

  • Shirley Zupan, Red Lodge

2003

  • Liz Claiborne/Art Ortenberg, NYC

2002

  • Howard Boggess, Hardin/Billings

2001

  • Grace Kamp Bates, Bozeman
  • Louise Cross, Glendive

2000

  • Michael Malone, Bozeman (posthumous)
  • Salish Pend d’Oreille Culture Committee and the Council of Elders

1999

  • Thain White, Dayton (posthumous)
  • John Willard, Billings

1998

  • David and Ella Rivenes, Miles City
  • Harold “Hal” Stearns, Sr., Helena

1997

  • Charles Banderob, Huntley
  • Richard Roeder, Bozeman (posthumous)

1996

  • Alice Finnegan, Anaconda
  • Al Hooper, Butte

1995

  • Warren McGee, Livingston
  • Ginger Renner, Paradise Valley AZ

1994

  • William “Bill” Mackay, Roscoe

1993

  • Ivy Brubaker, Terry

1992

  • John “Jack” Lepley, Fort Benton
  • Joe Medicine Crow

1991

  • Lucylle Evans, Mary Vandehey, Martha Burke, and Mary LaWare, Stevensville

1990

  • Wilbur P. Werner, Glasgow
  • Anna Zellick, Lewistown

1989

  • Howard Kelsey, Gallatin Canyon
  • John DeHaas, Bozeman

1988

  • Robert F. Morgan, Helena
  • Antoinette Hagener, Havre

1987

  • John C. Ewers, Washington DC
  • Inez Herrig, Libby

1986

  • Claire Rhein, Stevensville

1985

  • Stu Conner, Billings
  • Bill Sherman, Portland OR

1984

  • Vivian Paladin, Helena
  • Joel Overholser, Fort Benton

1983

  • Newell Gough, Jr., Helena

1982

  • Stanley Davison, Dillon

1981

  • Al Partoll, Missoula
  • Norman Winestine, Helena

1980

  • K. Ross Toole, Helena
  • Jean Baucus, Helena

1979

  • Dr. Merrill Burlingame, Bozeman

1978

Established in October

  • Charles A. Bovey, posthumous, Great Falls
  • E. E. “Boo” MacGilvra, Butte

Educator's Award Recipients

2007

  • Glenn Thomas Garrison, Thompson Falls

2006

  • Robert R. Swartout, Jr., Helena

2005

  • H. Duane Hampton, Missoula
  • Darrell Kipp, Browning

2004

  • Maureen Redfield & Jan Pepin, Helena

2003

  • Dave Walter,
  • Nancy Widdicombe, Harlowton

2002

  • Sue Hart, Billings

2001

  • Rebecca Kallevig, Sidney

2000

  • Renee Rasmussen, Chester
  • Jeff Gruber, Rose Goyen, & Bob Malyevac, Libby

1997

  • Jim Street, Butte

1992

  • Sandy & Gary Barker, Helena