State of Montana Newsroom
Montana Historical Society Seeks Nominations for Gallery of Outstanding Montanans
Helena, MT — The Montana Historical Society is now accepting nominations for the Gallery of Outstanding Montanans. Nominations are due by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, May 3, 2026, and nomination forms are available at mths.mt.gov/education/OutstandingMontanans.
Established by the State Legislature in 1979, the Gallery of Outstanding Montanans honors citizens of the Treasure State who made contributions of state or national significance while exemplifying the spirit and character that defines Montana. Inductees are honored on a rotating basis, with each honoree recognized through an eight-year display in the Montana State Capitol. Selections are made every ten years and mark a meaningful opportunity for Montanans to have a voice in shaping the gallery's future.
The Montana Historical Society last issued a statewide call for nominees in 2016, when 39 individuals were nominated from across the state. A five-member selection committee chose 10 honorees to be inducted over the following decade. Past and current honorees include figures such as Joseph Medicine Crow, Ivan Doig, Gary Cooper, Marcus Daly, and Mike Mansfield, among many others. The Society is now seeking nominees for the next ten years of inductees, with the following round of nominations not scheduled until 2036.
"The Gallery of Outstanding Montanans exists because of the people who took the time to nominate someone who mattered to them,” said Martha Kohl, outreach and education program manager with the Society. “We encourage Montanans from every corner of the state to think about who deserves to be recognized — and to make their case."
To be eligible, nominees must have been born, raised, or lived a significant period of time in Montana. Living persons are not eligible for nomination. Detailed information on current and past honorees, as well as the nomination form, can be found at mths.mt.gov/education/OutstandingMontanans.
For questions or more information, contact Martha Kohl at mkohl@mt.gov.