Reception Set in Billings for Heritage Keeper Awardee Ralph Saunders

• July 24 2024

Ralph Saunders of Billings, a professional mapper who has documented the locations of multiple historic events and characters in Montana, will be honored during a public ceremony and reception from 3 to 5 p.m. Aug. 8 in Billings.

Saunders recently received the Montana Heritage Keeper Award, given by the Montana Historical Society’s Board of Trustees in recognition of his exemplary commitment, effort, and impact in identifying, preserving, and presenting Montana’s historical and cultural heritage for current and future generations.

“Using methodical and meticulous expertise acquired in his professional mapping career, Ralph seeks to preserve history by determining where it took place rather than what took place,” noted MTHS Director Molly Kruckenberg. “Just in the past four years, Ralph has been instrumental in helping Our Montana prepare documents to designate the Bozeman Trail as a National Historic Trail.

“His contributions to the study of Montana history are outstanding and a model for others to follow.”

Saunders’ research was instrumental in uncovering many explorations in the Beartooth region made by the avid Swiss mountaineer, Fred Inabnit, in the early 1900s. He also recorded historic points on the Yellowstone River for Our Montana, researched the actual location of where John Colter made his famous “run for life” and his 1808 trek through Yellowstone National Park. Saunders also confirmed the location of the highest point reached by the steamboat Josephine, and uncovered the actual location of Manuel Lisa’s Fort Raymond near the Mouth of the Bighorn.

His fascination with the Lewis and Clark Expedition resulted in numerous discoveries along the Yellowstone River. He helped identify the location where Capt. William Clark constructed canoes, and also wrote a book discussing surveying and mapping methodology on the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Each year, he has graciously donates his time to share his knowledge on the expedition with students.

The awards ceremony and reception will be held at the Western Heritage Center, 2822 Montana Ave. in Billings. MTHS Trustee Ken Robison of Great Falls will present the award.

For more information, contact Laura Marsh at the MTHS at 406-444-4789 or laura.marsh@mt.gov.