MTHS unveils free public programs for April
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News from the Montana Historical Society
HELENA — The Metis in Montana and the early life of Copper King Marcus Daly are the topics of the free April public programs put together by the Montana Historical Society.
On April 13, join Candi Zion, author of “In Between People: The Metis of Central Montana” and “Walkin’ Down the Middle: The Hi-Line Metis” to learn more about this distinctive cultural group. Sometimes known as the children of the fur trade, Zion interviewed descendants of early Metis settlers in Montana about their families’ experiences of persecution in Canada and prejudice in the United States.
They also talk about their devout Catholic faith; the tough living, strong work ethic, and secrecy that shaped their family cultures; and shared stories about education, rodeo, movie careers, and military service.
On April 27, author Brenda Wahler will shed light on the formative years of Marcus Daly, born in 1841 in rural Ireland and moved to New York as a boy. Having learned the big city’s harsh lessons, he traveled west to the gold and silver mining camps of California, Nevada, Utah, and Montana.
A spectacular discovery in the Anaconda Mine made him one of Montana’s famed Copper Kings. Yet his early life remained shrouded in myth. Daly was famous for his machinations in state politics and for shaping Butte into the “Richest Hill on Earth,” but his path from farm boy to mining king has been overlooked.
Both public programs are free, and begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Lewis and Clark Library at 120 So. Last Chance Gulch in Helena. The library is co-sponsoring the event, and both authors’ books will be available for sale.
The public programs will be recorded for viewing on the Montana Historical Society’s YouTube channel.
For more information, contact the MTHS at 406-444-2694.
