Thain White research collection: Native Americans and early Montana history
Scope and Contents
Collection consists of writings, correspondence, and research materials, arranged by topic. The research was predominantly on topics related to early exploration and Indian wars; however, there are also files on Flathead area history, on wildlife, and on artifacts. There are also photographs of damaged buildings in Belgium and France during World War I and the restored buildings 60 years later.
Dates
- Creation: 1866-1995
Language of Materials
English
Conditions Governing Access
Collection is open for research.
Conditions Governing Use
The Montana Historical Society is the owner of the materials in the Research Library and makes available reproductions for research, publication, and other uses. Written permission must be obtained from the Research Library before any reproduction use. The Society does not necessarily hold copyright to all of the materials in the collections. In some cases, permission for use may require seeking additional authorization from the copyright owners.
Biographical Note:
Thain White was born in Milburn, Illinois on January 26, 1913, the son of Ernie and Hazel White. In early childhood, the family moved to Rollins, Montana, where Ernie White established a sheep farm called the Columbia Sheep Company. While working for his father and later on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation and in Glacier Park, Thain developed an interest in the history and archaeology of Montana. He conducted archaeological digs with Carling Malouf, Gordon L. Pouliot, and Duane Hampton, developing precise documentation for the sites. Among the sites he explored were the Big Hole Battlefield, the Bear's Paw Battlefield, various Mullan Road and Lolo Pass sites, and others.
In 1949 Thane and his father established the Flathead Lake Lookout Museum at Lakeside to display artifacts of local interest. The Museum also sponsored Thane's research and many of his research papers bear the imprint of the museum. In later years he lived at Dayton, where he died April 30, 1999. He was survived by his wife Fay White.
Extent
3.5 linear feet
Abstract
This collection consists of research materials compiled by Thain White, well-known local historian and director of the Flathead Lake Lookout Museum. The materials include White's research notes and photographs, articles and publications compiled and bound by subject, books, and journals. Topics covered in the research materials include various battles in Montana, Native American burials and artifacts, forts, the Nez Perce war, canoes, George Armstrong Custer, Howse House, and various topics of local interest.
Arrangement
Arranged by series. Some material housed in oversize boxes and oversize folders. See inventory below for more information.
Physical Location
15:7-5
Physical Location
15:7-5 (Overisize Box 1)
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Acquisition information available upon request
- Title
- Guide to the Thain White Research Collection: Native Americans and Early Montana History 1866-1995
- Author
- Finding aid prepared by Ellie Arguimbau
- Date
- 2004
- Description rules
- Finding Aid Based On Dacs ( Describing Archives: A Content Standard 2nd Edition)
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
- Language of description note
- Finding aid written in English.
- Sponsor
- Funding for encoding this finding aid was provided through a grant awarded by the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Repository Details
Part of the Montana Historical Society, Research Center Archives Repository
225 North Roberts
PO Box 201201
Helena MT 59620-1201 United States
406-444-2681
406-444-2696 (Fax)
mhslibrary@mt.gov