Montana Homesteading Project records
Scope and Contents
The historical information submission form, arranged alphabetically by family name, contain minimal background information on families who homesteaded in Montana. Some files contain additional information including reminiscences, photographs, and paper documentation. It is valuable because it contains family stories relating to homesteading experiences in Montana.
Participation in this project was completely voluntary. The historical information submission forms ask the participant a series of questions, including:
- When and how did your family/ancestors arrive in Montana?
- Do you know how they heard about homesteaded opportunities in Montana?
- Where did your family/ancestors homestead?
- Do you know the legal land description(s) of the homestead(s) in question?
- Were they able to "prove-up" on the homestead?
The form then asked to add any family stories or first-hand experiences you would like to share relating to homesteading/farm life in Montana. There is a wide variety of material, based on the time each respondent took to reply. Thus some files are very rich in information, and others are quite scant.
Dates
- Creation: 2004-2006
Language of Materials
English
Conditions Governing Access
Supplemental documentation provided with the historical information submission forms is provided for research purposes only. The Montana Historical Society does not hold copyright on these materials.
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.
Administrative Note
The Montana Homesteading project was initiated by the Montana Historical Society in cooperation with the Homestead National Monument of America in 2004 as a means to document family stories relating to homesteading experiences in Montana. The project focused on living descendants of homesteaders, primarily between 1910 and 1930, in an effort to gain written stories and/or names for potential oral history interviewees.
The Homestead National Monument of America commemorates the Homestead Act of 1862. Homestead National Monument of America, located in Southeast Nebraska, commemorates this Act and the far-reaching effects it had upon the landscape and people of the plains. Located on the site of the one of the first homesteads claimed, this National Monument is a tribute to the courage and tenacity of the settlers and original inhabitants of this land. It is maintained by the National Park Service.
Extent
1.8 linear feet
Abstract
The Montana Homesteading project was initiated by the Montana Historical Society in cooperation with the Homestead National Monument of America in 2004 as a means to document family stories relating to homesteading experiences in Montana. The project focused on living descendants of homesteaders in Montana in an effort to gather written stories and/or names for potential oral history interviewees—23 interviews were conducted for this project. The historical information submission form, arranged alphabetically by family name, contains background information on families who homesteaded in Montana, primarily between 1909-1930. Some files contain additional information including reminiscences, photographs, and official homesteading documentation. The Montana Homesteading Project was a short term project and is now closed to additions or donations.
Arrangement
The information survey forms are arranged alphabetically by family name.
Physical Location
16:2-6
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Acquisition information available upon request.
Accruals
This collection is not currently accepting additions.
Processing Information
This collection was originally processed in 2007.
- Title
- Guide to Montana Homesteading Project records 2004-2006
- Author
- Finding aid prepared by Karen Bjork
- Date
- 2007
- Description rules
- Finding Aid Based On Dacs ( Describing Archives: A Content Standard 2nd Edition)
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latn
- 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.
Revision Statements
- August 3, 2022: Finding Aid updated to reflect new acquisition policy, updated by Lindsey Mick
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