The Montana Legislature established the Montana 250th Commission to coordinate statewide efforts to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States. The commission’s objectives are to promote civic engagement and increase public awareness of United States and Montana government and history, including Montana’s Tribal nations. Learn more about the commission’s mission and members.

Part of Montana 250’s mission is to increase youth proficiency about United States government. MTHS Historian and former classroom teacher Dr. Melissa Hibbard, maintains a Padlet with dozens of open-access resources to teach civics to students in preschool through high school. Know something she should add? Email her at melissa.hibbard@mt.gov.

Did you teach one of these resources? Let us know and be entered to win gift cards and other fun prizes.  Entries will be accepted until June 11, 2025.

Looking for a fun way to challenge your students? See if they can pass the US Naturalization Test.

Learn how one National Board-Certified teacher re-framed her civics class around the US citizenship test, making the learning more engaging and meaningful through authentic inquiry.

Review the 100 questions and answers, plus check out this site to practice.

Did you incorporate the US Naturalization Test into your teaching? Let us know and be entered to win gift cards and other fun prizes.  Entries accepted until June 11, 2025.

National History Day in Montana offers an Elementary Poster Contest as a scaled-down version of the standard History Day exhibit category. The contest is open to 4th and 5th graders. Posters must focus on topics in Montana history and relate to the annual NHD theme (2024-2025 Rights and Responsibilities in History). Learn more and sign up to participate.

Teachers grades 4-5 can apply to join a cohort of elementary educators doing the History Day Poster Contest. Selected teachers will receive training in historical research, primary source analysis, and poster construction, as well as a $250 stipend and 3 renewal units. Apply by November 1.

Montana 250 is proud to support the History Day poster contest as a way to get 4th and 5th grade students reseraching the Montana's vibrant Indigenous cultures, its veterans, and its residents' achievements, honors, and innovations.

If you are visiting the MFPE Educators Conference, stop by the Montana 250 booth in the exhibit hall and chat with coordinator Devon Malizia. On Thursday, October 17 from 10:00 am-11:00 am, join commission members Sen. Shannon O'Brien (former Dean, Missoula College), Marietta Croft (Social Science Teacher, Colstrip High School) and Mike Jetty (Indian Education Specialist, Office of Public Instruction) for a roundtable discussion on about ways to commemorate U.S., Montana, and Tribal history and boost civic knowledge and participation in the classroom.