History and Chronicles of the Bozeman Trail

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at MSU is partnering with the Belgrade Community Library to host a presentation on "History and Chronicles of the Bozeman Trail" at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 13 at the library. This event is free and open to the public. The presentation will be preceded by a social with refreshments at 5:30 p.m.

John Bozeman discovered a shortcut to the Montana goldfields in the winter of 1862-1863. The following year, nearly 2000 people used this new route with the prospect of gold. Rachel Phillips, research coordinator for the Gallatin Historical Society/Gallatin History Museum, will host a presentation and discussion on the history of the Bozeman Trail. She will share highlights from the book "Journeys to the Land of Gold: Emigrant Diaries from the Bozeman Trail, 1863-1866." Phillips' discussions will also feature immigrants who settled in the Gallatin Valley during this period. This presentation is part of the 2022 One Book Belgrade community read series.

Rachel Phillips grew up in Bozeman and received a bachelor's degree in history with a minor in museum studies from Montana State University in 2006. She joined the staff at the Gallatin History Museum in 2008. In her current role as the Museum's research coordinator, Rachel manages the research library, helps to assemble the Gallatin History Quarterly magazine, and enjoys finding interesting stories in the Museum's archives.

Seating is limited at Belgrade Community Library events, and advance registration is encouraged to ensure you get a seat. However, walk-ins are always welcome. For more information or to register, please visit the OLLI at MSU website at www.montana.edu/olli/.

The Belgrade Community Library Foundation and First Interstate Bank sponsor these collaborative free community programs.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at MSU is a program of Academic Technology and Outreach (ATO) at Montana State University. ATO works across MSU to support and advance our land-grant mission through unique and innovative opportunities for outreach and engagement.