Heritage Guardian Awardee Jon Axline to be Honored on August 1

• July 28 2025

Acclaimed historian and author Jon Axline will be honored with the Montana Historical Society’s prestigious Heritage Guardian Award at a public reception on Friday, August 1, at 6:00 p.m. in Helena. The event will celebrate Axline’s remarkable career and contributions to preserving and sharing Montana’s history. All members of the community are invited to attend the reception.

For more than three decades, Axline has served as the historian for the Montana Department of Transportation, where he has become the state’s foremost authority on transportation history. His work—spanning over nine books, dozens of articles, and 57 National Register of Historic Places nominations—has brought to light countless stories of Montana’s roads, bridges, and communities. Through his writing, research, and public presentations, Axline has made the technical and often-overlooked history of infrastructure both engaging and accessible, ensuring these narratives are preserved for future generations.

“Jon is a superstar in the world of Montana history,” said Laura Evilsizer, a colleague of Axline who nominated him for the award. “His dedication to his work has spread a love of history to many, and he has spent decades enriching the experience of travelers exploring Montana.”

The Heritage Guardian award is given by the Montana Historical Society Board of Trustees and recognizes individuals who have made lasting contributions to preserving Montana’s heritage through scholarship, advocacy, and education. Axline’s dedication extends beyond his professional role; he is a sought-after speaker, an accomplished teacher, and a collaborator with historians and cultural organizations across the state.

The reception will take place at Reeder’s Alley in Helena and is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. Guests will have an opportunity to hear from Jon Axline and other historians as they celebrate his invaluable work in safeguarding Montana’s past.

For more information about the event, contact Jenni Carr at 406-444-1799 or jenni.carr@mt.gov.