The Gallery of Outstanding Montanans
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.
We are currently recruiting nominations. Nominees must have been born, raised or lived a significant period of time in Montana. No living persons are eligible for nomination. Nominations are due by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, June 14, 2026. To nominate someone, please complete this form or email your nomination to mkohl@mt.gov. Nominations must answer these questions and may include supplemental material.
Note: Once application is started, it cannot be saved. Please download the nomination questions to your computer, craft your answers, and gather all relevant information before starting the application.
Current Honorees
- 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)
- Dolly Smith Cusker Akers, public servant and Indian advocate (1901 – 1986)
- Ivan Doig, author and historian (1939 - 2015)
- Ishbinnaachitchish/Pretty Shield, woman of influence (1856-1944)
- I.D. O'Donnell, agricultural leader (1860-1948)
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)
- 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)
- Marcus Daly, entrepreneur (1841–1900)
- 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)
- 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)
- Chet Huntley, journalist (1911–1974)
- Alma Smith Jacobs, librarian and activist (1916-1997)
- Dorothy Marie Johnson, author (1905 - 1984)
- Frank Bird Linderman, author (1869–1938)
- Mike Mansfield, statesman (1903–2001)
- 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)
- Lee Metcalf, statesman (1911 - 1978)
- E.S. Paxson, artist (1852–1919)
- Marguerite K. Pfeifle, gemologist (1907–1981)
- Plenty Coups, statesman (c. 1848 - 1932)
- Thomas C. Power, entrepreneur (1839–1923)
- Father Anthony Ravalli, S.J., missionary and physician (1812 - 1884)
- Charles M. Russell, artist (1864–1926)
- Reno H. Sales, mining geologist (1876–1969)
Read gallery text for Reno H. Sales - Granville Stuart, entrepreneur (1834–1918)
- K. Ross Toole, historian and educator (1920–1981)
- Harold Urey, nuclear chemist (1893–1981)
- William Van Orsdel, minister (1848–1919)
- Susie Walking Bear Yellowtail, health care and Native rights advocate (1903–1981)
- James Welch, writer and storyteller (1940-2003)
