Conversations on Collecting Yellowstone - Conference and Public Events

Montana State University Library partners with University of Wyoming Libraries to host the second Conversations on Collecting Yellowstone conference in Bozeman June 5-8, 2022. The conference coincides with 150th anniversary of the creation of Yellowstone National Park. collectingyellowstone.com/

Scholars, researchers, private collectors, librarians, and archivists will gather to explore collections, scholarship, and research related to the park and its greater ecosystem and to look to the future of collecting and curating these materials. More than 50 individuals from across the country will present at the conference. Speakers include retired Yellowstone National Park historian Lee Whittlesey, author Diane Smith, Shane Doyle of the Apsáalooke Nation, and environmental leader Mike Clark. Click here to see the schedule: collectingyellowstone.com/2022-conference-schedule/.

The following conference activities are free and open to conference goers and non-conference goers alike.

Vendor fair and quilt display

• June 6, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• June 7, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Strand Union Building Ballroom A, Montana State University

Numerous artisans, collectors, rare book sellers, and more will be on hand. Stop by to meet the vendors and artists, purchase souvenirs, artwork, books, and other ephemera, and learn more about the history of Yellowstone National Park collectibles.

The vendor area will be decorated with quilts from the Gallatin Quilt Guild. Last year their members were challenged to make quilts inspired by Yellowstone. The resulting quilts range in style form from traditional to modern to art quilts.

Vintage Yellowstone Buses and Old Stagecoach

• June 6, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• June 7, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Centennial Mall, Montana State University

Board members from the Buses of Yellowstone Preservation Trust, a nonprofit organization committed to historically preserving a collection of motorized vehicles used in Yellowstone prior to World War II, will be on hand with two vintage Yellowstone buses. Rawhide Johnson will be joining them with a vintage Yellowstone stagecoach. Hear the stories behind the buses and stagecoaches and learn more about the development of transportation in the park.

Meet the Authors

• June 7, 1:00 - 3:00, p.m.

• Strand Union Building Ballroom A, Montana State University

Several authors who have written books about Yellowstone will be on hand to chat with attendees and sign books.

Yellowstone Road Show

• June 7, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

• Strand Union Building Ballroom A, Montana State University

The Yellowstone Road Show takes place in the vendor area at the Conversations on Collecting Yellowstone conference. Attendees are welcome to bring their Yellowstone souvenirs, heirlooms, and collectables to be evaluated by noted Yellowstone collectors.

Collecting an ecosystem perspective: A slideshow with Lance Craighead and Charlie Craighead

• Tuesday, June 7, 2-4 p.m.

• MSU Library, second floor

Lance Craighead and Charlie Craighead will present a slideshow exploring the Craighead grizzly bear study and the genesis of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem concept. MSU Library’s Archives and Special Collections staff invites you to stick around for coffee and snacks after the slideshow. Objects from their Yellowstone collections will be on display.

If you have questions or would like additional information, contact Ann Vinciguerra (406) 994-6857; ann.vinciguerra@montana.edu) events and communications manager at Montana State University Library.