New Exhibit

Montana State Library sent this bulletin at 12/05/2025 10:00 AM MST

Highlights Newsletter

Our intern, Rebecca Maine, and Harvard Ph.D. candidate, Siriana Lundgren, have worked together to create another fabulous exhibit. This one focuses on the experiences of Women in the Montana Penitentiary system. This wraps up Rebecca's semester, and the Montana History Portal wishes her well as she continues her academic endeavors. We greatly appreciate her time and the additional support of Siriana, who volunteered her time on this project. Thank you to both of you.

Built Without Her in Mind: The Montana Prison System

What happens when a prison system is built without women in mind?

Between 1878 and 1959, nearly 200 women were incarcerated inside Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge. Confined to improvised buildings, denied outdoor access, or housed alone for months at a time, they lived within a system that struggled to understand their needs. Continue scrolling to learn more about women’s experiences in the Montana State Prison through case files, images, and historical records.

Literature class at University of Montana

Historical Picture Prompt Short Story Contest

Get your story writing skills ready! The Montana History Portal is hosting the 6th Annual Historical Picture Prompt contest. Using any photo in the Portal collection as a story prompt participants will write a fictional short story (650 words or less) and enter through our submission form. Winners will be chosen from grades 3-6, grades 7-12, and adult. Entries will be accepted starting January 5, 2026, and the deadline to enter is February 27, 2026.

The Montana History Portal provides weekly updates on new content as well as tips on how to successfully navigate the site through this Highlights newsletter. You can find back issues on the "Highlights" newsletter section of our website.

Library and museum staff members are encouraged to share these with patrons by linking our content and programs on your website and sharing through social media.