Montana Department of Transportation Public Affairs Bureau records
Scope and Contents
This collection is a sub-subgroup under the Montana Department of Transportations records, RS 492. The Public Affairs Bureau operates under the DOT Director's Office Division. To see the other Department of Transportation records, go to the primary finding aid, RS 492.
The Public Affairs Bureau records (1991-1992, 1995-2001) consist of both the Information Unit files (1969-1994), the Public Affairs Bureau files (1991-1995), and the Public Information Officer files (1996-1999). The Information Unit files primarily include compiled statistical information, news and press release, tourist and other referential information necessary for public, Federal, and State inquiries and data. Correspondence with other State departments and Highways Bureaus include news, media, and press releases; clippings; reports, studies and survey data; public presentations and speeches. Some significant topics include rest area information displays, Gallatin Canyon – US Highway 191 highway studies, the “Montana Highway Dilemma”, and Transportation 20/20 studies.
The Public Affairs Bureau records (1991-1992, 1995-2001) consist of general press releases (1991-2001), and a subject files (1995) regarding the Dave Manning Memorial Building Dedication. Press release topics include Commission meetings and bid lettings The Public Information Officer, Dennis Unsworth, was the Chief of the Public Affairs Bureau, as well as the Manager of the Information Unite, before departmental reorganization. Unsworth’s files (1998-2000) contain similar records to those within the Information Unit and the Public Affairs Bureau files. The public Information Officer concern public relations, referential information to be used for media relations, and public awareness campaigns. A number of the files relate specifically to the US Highway 93 / Stevensville construction.
Dates
- Creation: 1919-2003
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 / Historical
The Montana State Highway Commission was created in 1913 by the state Legislative Assembly. The original Commission was composed of three members. In 1917 new legislation altered the organization of the Commission by authorizing the appointment of twelve members according to geographic highway districts. Membership was changed again in 1921 to three members appointed by the Governor and in 1941 to five members, also appointed by the Governor. In 1971 the Commission was renamed the Montana Department of Highways, created by Chapter 7 of the Executive Reorganization Act of 1971 and implemented by executive order of the Governor on December 16, 1971. The Department of Highways took over all but the advisory functions of the State Highway Commission.
By 1972, the Department consisted of seven divisions: the Legal Division, Personnel Division, Centralized Services Division, Engineering Division, Motor Pool Division, Gross Vehicle Weight Division, and the Maintenance Division. Each division is headed by an administrator. The Centralized Services Division, Engineering Division, Motor Pool Division, Gross Vehicle Weight Division, and the Maintenance Division are furthered sub-divided into bureaus, headed by Chiefs. In 1991, the Department of Highways became the Department of Transportation. This was primarily a name change. However, there were some structural and administrative changes.
The Department of Transportation Public Affairs Bureau was previously the Department of Highways Information Unit before the 1991 reorganization. The Bureau administered Highways and Transportation information, data and statistics used for public affairs and public relations. This included information for: media relations; correspondence with members of the public; public presentations; new and press releases; and other referential information necessary for public, Federal, and State needs. Correspondence files include public inquiries and responses regarding road conditions, statistical information, and tourist information.
Dennis Unsworth was the Manager of the Department of Highways Information Unit. After the 1991 departmental reorganization he became the Public Information Officer, and head of the Public Affairs Bureau.
Extent
3.8 linear feet
Abstract
The Public Affairs Bureau records (1991-1992, 1995-2001) consist of both the Information Unit files (1969-1994), the Public Affairs Bureau files (1991-1995), and the Public Information Officer files (1996-1999).
Arrangement
The collection is organized into three Series: The Information Unit files, the Public Affairs Bureau files, and the files of the Public Information Officer.
Physical Location
40:7-3
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Acquisition information available upon request
- Title
- Guide to the Montana Department of Transportation, Public Affairs Bureau records 1919-2003
- Author
- Finding aid prepared by Ellie Letterman
- Date
- 2012
- 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 Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC).
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