Governor Gianforte Announces Appointments to Montana 250th Commission

• December 04 2023

HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today announced his appointments to Montana’s 250th Commission. The commission is charged with planning and implementing a state program to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States in 2026.

“As we approach our nation’s 250th anniversary, our students should have a deeper understanding of the civic institutions born in our nation’s earliest years, which live on today, as well as the timeless ideals that guided our nation’s founding – freedom, liberty, equality, and justice,” Gov. Gianforte said. “I look forward to the work of the Montana 250th Commission to promote civic engagement in Montana and to celebrate 250 years of our nation.”

Earlier this year, the governor signed into law House Bill 377, sponsored by Rep. Linda Reksten, R-Polson, to establish the Montana 250th Commission.

In addition to planning and implementing the state’s program for the anniversary, the commission will also work with education leaders to promote civics education in Montana schools.

In addition to the governor’s appointees, the commission is comprised of the director of the Montana Historical Society, two members of the legislature, a high school teacher, a college professor, and a tribal representative.

The commission is tasked with working with partners to increase students’ proficiency in government and history and in the distinct and unique heritage of American Indians; foster public participation in celebrating and commemorating the 250th anniversary of the independence and founding of the United States; recommend ways for this state to commemorate the anniversary; and emphasize the service and sacrifices of veterans, among others.

The members of the Montana 250th Commission are as follows:

Christopher Averill, East Helena

Jane Hamman, Clancy

Deena Mansour, Missoula

Harold Stearns, Missoula

Molly Stockdale, Lolo

Molly Kruckenberg, Montana Historical Society Director

Sen. Shannon O’Brien, D-Missoula

Rep. Linda Reksten, R-Polson

Mike Jetty, Indian Education Specialist, Helena

Marietta Croft, Social Science Teacher, Colstrip

Emily Arendt, Associate Professor of History, Billings

Montanans may learn more about the Montana 250th Commission here.

###