Beyond Schoolmarms and Madams: Montana Women’s Stories

Women’s stories from the past are starting to be told by historians, though it is slow going mostly because of the lack of sources. Hopefully this book will start to fill that gap by looking at how the women of Montana helped build the state, and made it what it is today. Because, as the title suggests, not all women were either teachers or madams. This book is filled with short articles that examines the role, life, and times of women in Montana. From the time the state was a territory; to modern day Montana and the role and impact they had. From becoming the first attorney, a doctor in a rural area, or even women working in what were viewed as traditionally male dominated. These stories help fill a void.

Each of these stories are short, around three pages or so, and often accompanied by a picture. They tell an interesting story and that is what the contributors bring to life. A story that has been ignored, and if it wasn’t for contributors like these, then these stories would likely be lost forever. Hopefully something like this will bring a closer look to other states and their stories.