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. Cost to attend varies but ranges from $25 to $350. Check out this highlights video from last year or find many years of past conference programs and session recordings here.
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.
SPONSORS
Interested in connecting with a new group of lifelong learners and humanities lovers? Take a look at MTHS's community event data and sponsorship benefits to find a package that matches your marketing needs. Custom and nonprofit options are available. Contact christine.brown@mt.gov for details.
CONFERENCE HOTEL
The conference will be headquartered at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 27 N 27th St, Billings. Group rate is $169/night plus 8% tax, $4/day city fee, and $5/day garage parking. Breakfast is NOT included but is provided by MTHS with purchase of full conference registration. Call (406) 252-7400 to reserve your room with group name/code: Montana History Conference Attendees & CDT935. You can also book your room online. The conference registration desk, bookstore, and ballroom will be located on the 3rd floor.
Other Accommodations: Best Western Plus ClockTower Inn, 2511 1st Avenue North. Group rate is $129/night plus 8% tax and $4/day city fee. 3% fee added to credit card payments. Free parking included. Breakfast NOT included but is provided by MTHS with purchase of full conference registration. Call 406-259-5511 to reserve your room under the "Montana Historical Society Overflow Block" or book your room online. Group rates expire on August 24.
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.
