PRESERVE EDUCATE CONNECT
Conferences, Workshops, and Special Events
SAVE THE DATE
It's time to get ready for the 53rd Annual Montana History Conference! Culture Keepers, Catalysts, and Cowboys: Exploring Billings and Eastern Montana is set for Sept. 24-26, 2026 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Billings. As usual, we'll host an outstanding array of workshops, tours, and lecture/panel sessions all aimed at bringing new and old topics on Billings and Eastern Montana history to light. Registration will open in mid-July.
Not sure what the MT History Conference is all about? It's a three-day Montana history festival full of lectures and panel discussions, practical workshops, networking opportunities, and in-depth bus and walking tours. You don't have to be a professional historian or an academic to love it. It's a public history conference with something for everyone. Attendees have multiple options to attend workshops, tours, and/or lectures in small doses, or jump in and attend the whole three-day extravaganza. Cost to attend varies but ranges from $25 to $350. Check out this highlights video from last year to see what it's all about.
CALL FOR PROPOSALS
The Montana History Conference committee invites proposals for 25-minute lectures, hour-long panel and roundtable sessions, bus and walking tours, and workshops. All proposals featuring the Billings area and/or eastern Montana history are welcome. We strongly encourage proposals addressing agricultural development and food production; the history of Indigenous, Black, and ethnic communities; women; military history; labor; archaeology; resource extraction; and artists, writers, and musicians. Proposals are due March 1, 2026.
CONFERENCE HOTEL
The conference will be headquartered at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 27 N 27th St, Billings, MT 59101. Group rates start at $169 per night plus tax, city fee, and parking. Reserve your room online under the conference block or call (406) 252-7400 to make your reservation. When calling use the group name and code: Montana History Conference Attendees & CDT935. Group rates expire on August 24. The conference registration desk, bookstore, and ballroom will be located on the 3rd floor. Other conference rooms will be on the 2nd, 20th, and 22nd floors. Alternative lodging options with group rates to come.
LEARN MORE
Find many years of past conference programs and session recordings here.
Educator Workshops
Visit our Professional Development page to learn about upcoming educator workshops around the state.
Bring a Montana Teacher Leader to Your Community!
Take advantage of our extraordinary Teacher Leaders in History program. Eleven elementary and middle school teachers from across the state, who have received training on the Montana Historical Society resources and are versed in best practices for history education, are available to provide professional development. Looking for a presenter at your school? Learn more.
