The Gallery of Outstanding Montanans was established by the State Legislature in 1979 to pay homage to citizens of the Treasure State who made contributions of state or national significance to their selected fields of endeavor while epitomizing the unique spirit and character that defines Montana. Inductees into Montana’s hall of fame are rotated into the gallery on a biennial basis; each is honored for an eight-year period. This program is managed by the Montana Historical Society.
In 2016, the Montana Historical Society put out a statewide call for nominees and received nominations for thirty-nine exemplary individuals. In November 2016, a five-member selection committee chose ten honorees to be inducted over the next ten years.
The next selection round will be in 2026. If you would like to nominate someone before then, send the following information to Montana’s Museum, Attn: Gallery of Outstanding Montanans, P.O. Box 201201, Helena, MT 59620-1201:
Name of nominee, birth and death dates of nominee, Montana association (place of birth, place of residence, place of work etc.), field of endeavor, specific contributions and achievements, any supporting documentation or additional information, name and contact information for person submitting nomination, date nomination submitted.
Nominees must have been born, raised or lived a significant period of time in Montana. No living persons are eligible for nomination.
Current Honorees:
- Alma Smith Jacobs, librarian and activist (1916 - 1997)
- John Gustave Link and Charles Sidney Haire, architects (1870–1954 and 1857–1925)
- Joseph Medicine Crow, war chief, historian and mentor (1913–2016)
- Fannie Sperry Steele, bucking horse champion and outfitter (1887–1983)
- Mildred Walker, novelist (1905–1998)
- James Welch, writer and storyteller (1940 - 2003)
- Dolly Smith Cusker Akers, public servant and Indian advocate (1901 – 1986)
- Ivan Doig, author and historian (1939 - 2015)
Past Honorees:
- Sarah Gammon Bickford, "Montana's first career woman" (1855-1931)
- Arnold Bolle, educator and conservationist (1912 - 1994)
- Merrill Gildea Burlingame, Montana educator, historian, and author (1901-1994)
- Evelyn Cameron, photographer, diarist, and rancher (1868-1929)
Read gallery text for Evelyn Cameron - Mattie Bost Bell Castner, booster of community spirit (1848–1920)
Read gallery text for Mattie Bost Bell Castner - Charlo, Salish patriot (ca. 1830–1910)
- Helen Piotopowaka Clarke, educator and Indian Rights Advocate (1848–1923)
- John Louis Clarke, Cutapuis—“The Man Who Talks Not” (1881–1970)
- Fanny Cory Cooney, Undaunted Montana Artist (1877–1972)
- Gary Cooper, actor (1901–1961)
Read gallery text for Gary Cooper - Marcus Daly, entrepreneur (1841–1900)
Read gallery text for Marcus Daly - William Wylie Galt, community building (1854 - 1945)
- Sam Gilluly, journalist (1908 - 1984)
- Raymond Francis Gray, “Indomitable Advocate of Metis Rights” (1900–1961)
- A. B. Guthrie, Jr., author (1901 - 1991)
- Ella Knowles Haskell, “The Portia of the People” (1860–1911)
- Maggie Smith Hathaway, social crusader (1867–1955)
Read gallery text for Maggie Smith Hathaway - Maurice Hilleman, vaccinologist (1919 - 2005)
- Norman J. "Jeff" Holter, “The Renaissance Scientist” (1914–1983)
- Joseph Kinsey Howard, “Montana's Conscience” (1906–1951)
- Richard Hugo, poet (1923–1982)
Read gallery text for Richard Hugo - Chet Huntley, journalist (1911–1974)
Read gallery text for Chet Huntley - Dorothy Marie Johnson, author (1905 - 1984)
- Frank Bird Linderman, author (1869–1938)
Read gallery text for Frank Bird Linderman - Mike Mansfield, statesman (1903–2001)
Read gallery text for Mike Mansfield - Dr. Caroline M. McGill, “A Remarkable Life” (1879–1959)
- D'Arcy McNickle, author, educator and Indian rights advocate (1904 - 1977)
Read gallery text for D'Arcy McNickle - H.G. Merriam, author and educator (1883–1980)
Read gallery text for H.G. Merriam - Lee Metcalf, statesman (1911 - 1978)
- E.S. Paxson, artist (1852–1919)
Read gallery text for E.S. Paxson - Marguerite K. Pfeifle, gemologist (1907–1981)
Read gallery text for Marguerite K. Pfeifle - Plenty Coups, statesman (c. 1848 - 1932)
- Thomas C. Power, entrepreneur (1839–1923)
Read gallery text for Thomas C. Power - Father Anthony Ravalli, S.J., missionary and physician (1812 - 1884)
- Charles M. Russell, artist (1864–1926)
Read gallery text for Charles M. Russell - Reno H. Sales, mining geologist (1876–1969)
Read gallery text for Reno H. Sales - Granville Stuart, entrepreneur (1834–1918)
Read gallery text for Granville Stuart - K. Ross Toole, historian and educator (1920–1981)
Read gallery text for K. Ross Toole - Harold Urey, nuclear chemist (1893–1981)
Read gallery text for Harold Urey</> - William Van Orsdel, minister (1848–1919)
Read gallery text for William Van Orsdel - Susie Walking Bear Yellowtail, health care and Native rights advocate (1903–1981)
Read gallery text for Susie Walking Bear Yellowtail
