The Montana Academy of Living History Catalogue of Courses

WELCOME to the Montana Academy of Living History located in Historic Deer Lodge, Montana. Our workshops are held at two locations.  These are the Old Prison Museums including the Territorial Prison and the Grant Kohrs Ranch, a National Historic Site dating from 1859.  These locations provide appropriate settings for living history workshops which
teach skills needed for living during the draft horse era.

Our list of courses this year provide fun learning opportunities in skills ranging from sewing, quilting, and cooking, to horse training, driving and wagon repairs, as well as evening lectures.

Your week of learning concludes with the enjoyment of watching draft horses and mules in action during the 13th Annual Big Sky Draft Horse Expo located just across the road from Grant Kohrs.  Other activities during the Expo include the Antique Quilt, Lap Robe and Carriage Show, Trade show, and the Montana Draft Teamster Hall of Fame BBQ and Reception.

Do not forget to enjoy the 5 Old Prison Museums which are free during the week to those who purchase an Expo Event Button.

There will be plenty of learning opportunities, and time to have fun meeting new people while learning old skills. Indeed, Historic Deer Lodge is Montana's September Place to Be!

How to Apply
Montana Academy of Living History Workshops are fee based.  Enrollment in some courses may be limited so early registration is encouraged.  A registration form is attached at the end of this catalog.

Registration deadline is September 1, 2008.  After September 1, 2008 all fees are non-refundable. 

Workshops not meeting minimum enrollments by September 1, 2008   may be cancelled and applicants will be notified of cancellation by September 5, 2008. Fees for Academy cancelled workshops will be refunded.

Registration is required of all courses (including those that are free) as workshop space is limited.

Enrollment in Academy workshops provides a discount on the purchase of an Event Button for Big Sky Draft Horse Expo held on September 13 and 14 in Deer Lodge.

Mail completed registration forms to:    
Julia Brewer  
Old Prison Museums
1106 Main Street,
Deer Lodge, MT 59722
406-846-3111   
Email:  Registration@PCMAF.0rg
Register on line at   www.academyoflivinghistory.com

THE MONTANA ACADEMY OF LIVING HISTORY 2008 WORKSHOP OFFERINGS

MALH -18 DRIVING AND WORKING HORSES IN HARNESS
Presented by: DOUG "DOC" HAMMILL, DVM

Prerequisite: Open for beginners to experienced teamsters with a desire to learn

This is a three day hands-on learning workshop that is open to beginners who want to begin learning how to drive horses in harness, and for people who drive horses and who want to improve their knowledge, skills, and safety, as well as the performance of their horses.

Safety considerations will be of paramount importance throughout the workshop, as well as maintaining clear, understandable communication with the horses and keeping them feeling safe, comfortable and willing at all times.  The concept that "we are training our horses and mules every minute we are around them" will be stressed and practiced using the principals and techniques of Gentle Horsemanship.

This is NOT a horse training or problem solving workshop per se.  The horses brought by participants are expected to be well trained, experienced and well behaved.  To get the most out of this class I recommend students study videos  Fundamentals 1, 2, 3, and 4 for students that are not bringing horse(s) to the clinics, and F 1 thru 4 plus Teaching Horses to Drive for those students who will be bringing their own horse(s). These are available from my web site.

            Day 1:  Harness and collar fitting for safety, comfort and function.  Clear communication with                                  driving horses---Voice, Bits, Line handling skills, and Aids
            Day 2:  Hitching safety and techniques.  Driving practice, obstacle courses, and log skidding
            Day 3:  Improving driving skills while working horses on selected equipments (to be decided                                   based on student requests and abilities)
Enrollment is limited to ten based on a combination of  participants with teams (or singles) plus participants who will use a furnished team.  It would be helpful to students to view

Auditors and observers of any age who are interested in how horses and mules are harnessed, hitched, driven and worked in harness are welcome

Workshop Location: Grant-Kohrs Ranch
Class Dates: Tuesday – Thursday, September 9-11      8 AM-5PM
Fee Participant with team or a single_____ $475
Participant without a team__________ $375
Audit or observe: $35/day - Back to class list...

The renewed interest in drafts has also sparked interest in horse wagons, carriages, and implements as attested by the large number of sales of these items each year.  As this interest has increased, so have the prices.

This three day workshop teaches participants how to build or restore wagon beds, boxes, and hay racks.

Besides instruction on building carts, the course will cover use and types of various woods in wagon and buggy construction, wheels, wagon and buggy history, and more.

There will be two chassis available and participants will help build the boxes for these units.

Participants will need to bring their own hand tools including tape measure, adjustable wrench, set of open end box wrenches, vice grip pliers and assorted screwdrivers.

Workshop Location: Grant Kohrs Ranch
Class Date: Monday-Wednesday, September 8-10, 2008   8AM- 5 PM 
Course is limited to 10 participants; early registration is advised)
Workshop Fee: $150
Audit or observe $25 - Back to class list...

Prerequisite: A desire to learn how to do this historic practice

Horse drawn buggies and carriages were upholstered for comfort.  This upholstery also contributed much to the look and luxury of the vehicle.  Diamond tufting was a popular choice.

Tufting is the process of creating patterns on the seat and cushions of buggy seats as well as fine furniture. Topics in this two day class include diamond pattern layout, diamond depth ratios, use of welting, gimp, and blind tacking.  Each participant will complete a seat cushion sampler that they take with them. This could be used for a stool seat.

This is a good husband wife family project for those who want to learn upholstery.  There will also be a buggy seat project for students to work on.

Participants must bring a magnetic tack hammer and a tape measure. 

Workshop Location: Old Dairy barn at Grant Kohrs Ranch
Class Dates: Thursday and Friday September 11-12    8 AM to 5 PM
Fee: $105 including materials
Audit or Observe: $15/day
Registration is limited to 10 students
Back to class list...

Prerequisite: An interest in this practical craft.

"Use it up wear it out, make it do or do without" is a wise old saying that we can still learn from today. In this class, you'll learn to recycle cast-off fabric into a colorful basket. 

Recycling was inherent to life for most families during the draft horse era. Clothing and other fabric was repaired and patched until no longer serviceable and then used for other purposes.
 
Crochet basket making is a simple technique.  This class will teach you how to prepare fabric for use, connect fabric strips and then how to start making a basket. (It's helpful if you know how to do a single crochet stitch.)

Participants will need a crochet hook and a selection of fabric to start your rug or can buy a hook and material at class time.

Workshop Location: The Pen (Across from the Territorial Prison)
Class Date:Thursday, September 11,   10-12 AM  
Fee: $15
Back to class list...

Prerequisite: An interest the history of buttons

Quilting is a wide spread hobby that has become an art form.  Cecelia will teach how the early Victorian Crazy quilt is made. This course will include a brief history of crazy quilting which was popular from 1870-1910. Participants will then learn hands-on construction and embellishment of a block suitable for a pillow or a table mat.

Participants will need an embroidery needle, thimble (if you use one) scissors, sewing thread, and black embroidery thread. Kits will be available for purchase for $17.

Workshop Location: The Pen (across from the Territorial Prison)
Class Date: Thursday, September 11, 1-4 PM
Fee: $15
Back to class list...

Prerequisite: An interest natural tanning methods and producing material for rawhide

This will be a demonstration of brain tanning - both hair on and hair off. This will demonstrate hair removal and brain tanning, and hair removal rawhide preparation.

As it is not practical to complete the process in the time available, a comprehensive demonstration will be given. (A finished brain tanned buffalo robe (hair on) will be shown.)

Prerequisite: An interest in this early skill.

Iron pot cooking has evolved over the centuries and was used on wooden ships at sea.  When the western U.S. migration began, pioneers and settlers needed ways to cook and bake over open fires.  Dutch Ovens were extensively used during the migration as well as by cooks on cattle drives.

This course is an introduction to the techniques of Dutch oven cooking.  Participants will prepare and cook selected recipes alongside experienced cooks.  The class will begin with a discussion of equipment, tools and techniques.  Care and cleaning of Dutch Ovens will also be covered. 

Participants will be given a Dutch Oven workbook which includes some history, recipes and cooking techniques.

Workshop Location: Grant Kohrs Ranch
Class Date:Friday, September 12, 2008   9AM -1PM
Fee: $15 per person - Back to class list...

Prerequisite: An interest in learning to make early period clothing

The need for an accurate mannequin aids tremendously when reconstructing historical clothing. This a fun and very practical class.

This workshop will create a personal mannequin to one's exact measurements. All that is needed is two rolls of duct tape and two tight fitting, high necked T-shirts (one of which will be destroyed in the process.)  Participants can bring a "tape wrapping helper" if so desired.

Materials to bring with you: Two rolls of duct tape, 2 tight fitting T shirts, and a good sense of humor. Open to as many who wish to participate.

Workshoplocation: The Pen   (across from the Territorial Prison)
Class Date: Friday, September 12, 9 Am -Noon
Fee: $20 per mannequin person
Back to class list...

Prerequisite: An interest in learning to make early period clothing 

The workhorse of the bonnet world, the Slat Bonnet is named after the "slats" used to stiffen the brim.  Originally these slats were made from hickory or cedar, but when wood was scare, "pasteboard" or cardboard was used.  The Slat Bonnet was often worn by those who were working in the fields or around the homestead. The deep brim and long bavolet (curtain at the back) protected the face and neck from the harsh elements.  This style bonnet was seldom worn "for good".

Recreate an accurate working bonnet from the collection of the Missouri Sate Historical Society.  This is simple project for a great beginning to a period wardrobe. The history and use of the bonnet will be discussed during the workshop.

Bring a sewing machine, scissors, and sewing supplies. One yard of period material is needed. Bring your own or purchase some at the class.

Workshop Location: The Pen   (across from the Territorial Prison)
Class Date: Friday, September 12, 9 Am -Noon
Fee: $15 per person
Back to class list...

Prerequisite: An interest in learning about this music and history.

In the days before radio and satellite communications, battlefield commanders needed to a way to send messages to troops on the battle field.  Fife and drums were an integral part of the communications.

This workshop provides hands-on learning of fife and drum as well as musical demonstrations and drilling.  Instruments will be available to use and/or to purchase.

Location: Grant Kohrs in front of the Ranch House
Class Date: Friday, September 12 2-5 Pm
Fee: $15 per person
Back to class list...

Prerequisite: An interest in learning how horses are used in haying

A four hour basic introduction to the selection, restoration, maintenance, and operation of equipment for making hay with horses. Important safety considerations and requirements for the horses when hitching and operating the equipment is emphasized and demonstrated. The format will be discussion, demonstration, and question/answer (no hands on driving of horses by the participants).

This course is for those who would like to hay with horses, or those who would like to hire horse hay outfits.

Location: Grant-Kohrs Ranch
Class Date: Friday, September 12, 8-12AM
Fee: $60
Back to class list...

Prerequisite: An interest in learning how horses are used in logging

A four hour basic introduction to the equipment, techniques, and safety considerations for working in the woods and logging with horses. Important safety considerations and requirements for the horses when hooking to and skidding logs is emphasized and demonstrated. The format will be discussion, demonstration, and question/answer (no hands on driving of horses by the participants).

This course should be of interest to anyone wanting to log with horses, or wanting to hire horse loggers.

Location: Grant-Kohrs Ranch
Class Date: Friday, September 12, 1-5 P
Fee: $60
Back to class list...

MALH - 138 INTRODUCTION TO THE WESTERN SIDESADDLE
Presented by: Debara Whitmore and Judy Hastings, Northwest Aside Group (NAGs)

Prerequisite: An interest in learning about buying, fitting and/or riding the western sidesaddle.

The western sidesaddle was conceived and developed during the 1860s. During that period respectable 'Lady' would ride astride a horse or mule.

This workshop will trace  the development of the modern sidesaddle with emphasis on the western sidesaddle, proper fit to horse and rider – including how to create a wither tracing for saddle fit, safe attire, and the basic seat.  Handouts will be available, including “Tips for Buying a Sidesaddle”.  A Demonstration ride will be given by a member of the Northwest Aside Group.

This workshop should appeal to women who wish to add a new dimension to their reenactments or who have mastered other riding disciplines and are looking for a new challenge.  It also should appeal to men or women with physical disabilities that prevent them from riding astride. (Sidesaddle is often used by amputees.)

A sidesaddle will be available for interested parties to sit on.

(This group will perform at the Big Sky Draft Horse Expo in Victorian Attire.)

Location: Grant-Kohrs Ranch   
Class Date: Friday, September 12, 1:30-4:30  PM
Fee: $15
Back to class list...

Prerequisite:  An interest in learning low stress techniques for handling animals with a focus on cattle.

All through the history of time ranchers and farmers have worked animals and the land and throughout that time many have developed techniques for working animals in a calm and low stress manner.

This workshop is designed to show participants low stress animal handling techniques with an emphasis on cattle.

With a  focus on the basics of animal handling, handling cattle on the range and a special segment on weaning. Come and enjoy the workshop, the videos and have your questions ready and don’t forget to come and enjoy lunch and goodies throughout the day.

Location: Powell County Community Center   
Class Date: Thursday, September 11, 10:00-4:00 PM
Fee: $20
Back to class list...

Doc Hammill will discuss the history of horse whisperers and what they understood about the nature and language of horses that allowed these individuals to exert seemingly supernatural powers over horses to get them to do amazing things.  This is a 2.5 hour lecture program and does not involve the use of live horses.

Location: 7pm    Pen Convention Center
Class Date: Tuesday, September 9, 2008 TBA
Fee: Free (Donations accepted) - Back to class list...

MALH - 168 Spirit Tailings
Presented by: Dr. Ellen Baumler   

The historic prison—as the shadows creep and a chill settles over its stone walls—is the perfect setting for Ellen Baumler’s storytelling. Weaving history around things that go bump in the Big Sky night, Baumler spins a ghostly web and  explores the subtle presence of the spirited past in modern-day Montana. Haunted mines, cemeteries, hotels, and houses where spirits walk will leave you looking over your shoulder. Richly embroidered with Montana’s historical legacy, stories include uncanny tales about the prison, Grant-Kohrs Ranch, and other heritage places across the state.

Location: Visitors center at Montana Territorial Prison Visitors Center
Class Date: Thursday, September 11, 7 PM
Fee: Free - Back to class list...

MALH - 178 HOT DOGS AND HISTORY

This is a family program for kids from 5-95.  Come burn a hot dog  and marshmallows over a campfire at Grant Kohrs and enjoy some fun history or entertainment.

Location: Grant-Kohrs Visitors Center
Class Date: Friday, September 12, 6 PM
Fee: Free - Back to class list...

ACADEMY FACULTY

Doug (Doc) Hammill, D.V.M.
Throughout his life Doc has had a passion for horses, and particularly for driving and working horses in harness.

Doc’s lifetime of studying and working with horses, combined with his equine veterinary experience give him a unique perspective on horsemanship.  He is blessed with lessons from thousands of horses and an abundance of great old-time mentors.  His commitment to gentle but effective techniques and principles, coupled with his depth of knowledge and experience make him an extraordinary instructor.  

He now devotes full time to teaching and helping people with their horses and horsemanship through his writing, workshops, clinics, demonstrations, lectures, and horsemanship video series.  Doc lives, works horses and mules, and conducts workshops on his ranch in the Rocky Mountains of Montana.  www.DocHammill.com

DAVID WATKINS
A farm in western North Dakota is where David Watkins started.  He grew up in the transition period where horses were still working, but tractors were becoming accepted.  His farm style education led him to working in auto mechanics, degrees in vocational education and teaching vocational education. Dave lived in Deer Lodge for many years while he was the director of the Montana State Prison vocational education program.

Dave's enjoyment of woodworking and metal fabrication led him into the repair and restoration of horse drawn vehicles.  His hobby has grown into Wagon & Wheel Works, a full time retirement business.  Not content with just accurate historical restorations, Dave has continued to teach.  His wagon wheel building courses are highly recommended.

Dave now conserves and restores horse drawn vehicles and teaches classes in wheel, body and upholstery restoration at Wagon & Wheel Works in Manning, North Dakota.   

COLLEEN SLOAN
Colleen was raised on a farm near Promontory Summit, Utah where Dutch oven cooking has been a way of life ever since her great grand parents moved west with hand carts and covered wagons.

Colleen has been teaching Dutch oven cooking to Boy and Girl Scouts for over 30 years and has a Dutch oven catering business.  She is currently teaching Dutch oven cooking for the "No Trace" camping schools for the Forest Service at the historic Nine Mile Ranger station near Missoula.  She has written 5 books and is working on a 6th.  For Colleen, travel cooking and teaching have turned a hobby into a job which "makes it easy to go to work!" 

MARK AND SHARON BROWN
As a retired Coast Guard family, Mark & Sharon Brown have lived and worked in historical interpretation in many parts of the United States.  Their fashion programs and garment workshops are taken from their personal collection of over 500 original garments and accessories dating from 1680 to 1950. 

The Browns have researched, collected, and reproduced historical garments for the past twenty years.  Their collection includes eight working sewing machines dating from 1856 to 1895, which are matched to the garment being reproduced.  Hand sewing is done on earlier pieces.  If necessary, hand weaving is used to recreate historic fabrics no longer manufactured.  The Browns have created garments for display with various museums in the National Parks Service and have worked as historic consultants or costume advisors for the motion picture industry.  They are devoted to the accurate portrayal of historical interpretation and supply garments, materials, accessories and workshops in textile history, conservation, construction, early photography, and interpretation to over 1,400 living history sites in America, Canada, Europe, and Japan.  Pieces from their collection have also enjoyed international travel to foreign museums showcasing American history.   Mark has learned his tanning skills in order to make his authentic reenactment clothing and accessories.

Mark & Sharon are currently listed in the New England Speakers Sourcebook, ALHFAM, the Connecticut League of Historical Societies, and are speakers for the Humanities Councils for the states of Montana, Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, North & South Dakota, and Minnesota.  Together they have also founded Montana History "Live", which will provide a walk through time located near Whitehall, MT.

DONNA WORTH
Donna Worth was raised in Butte, Montana, and attended the University of Montana in Missoula where she majored in Art.  She moved to Seattle where she studied jewelry design and worked at the Seattle Public Library.  Worth returned to Montana in 1990 to become the director of the Whitehall Community Library.  She does all the marketing and advertising for the library as well as website design, and educational programming.   She designs jewelry, sculpts and makes period hats in her spare time.

DEBARA WHITMORE
Diagnosed in 2000 with Multiple Sclerosis, Debara Whitmore of Waitsburg, Washington turned to sidesaddle as a way to continue riding and fell in love.  She passed the tests, becoming certified as a sidesaddle instructor/judge by the International Sidesaddle Organization (ISSO) in 2002 and was the first and second recipient of the Irene Benjamin Handicapped Rider Award – given to an individual who has risen above their disability to promote the elegant art of sidesaddle.  She has won multiple other awards from the International Side Saddle Organization.  Debara has taught many other sidesaddle instructors how to instruct disabled riders.  She was certified in sidesaddle fit, and recertified as an instructor/judge in 2006.  She is a member of the Northwest Aside Group Sidesaddle Drill Team, and acts as their Communications Officer.

JUDY HASTINGS
Judy Hastings and her husband are dry-land farmers in eastern Washington.  She has been riding her mule 'Judy' sidesaddle for 6 – 7 years and was instrumental in forming the Northwest Aside Group Sidesaddle Drill Team.  Judy has been certified in sidesaddle fit, and as a sidesaddle judge/instructor, by the International Side Saddle Organization for two years – though she has been teaching for far more than that.  She and Judy Mule have won multiple awards from ISSO for their sidesaddle activities, including the "Spirit of the West" award.  Judy is currently training up 'Atti May', a young spotted mule, to be her future sidesaddle mount.  Judy is a member, and acts as Treasurer for, the Northwest Aside Group riding the incredible sliding mule.

CECELIA GOODMAN
Cecelia Goodman is a cultural history buff and familiar face at the Museum of the Rockies "Tinsley House" Living History Farm in Bozeman, where she demonstrated and taught home life skills that ran the gamut from quilting, rug-making and spinning to cooking on a wood stove.

BETH KIDWELL
Beth Kidwell is currently a resident of Whitehall, Montana, and works for the Whitehall Ledger. While growing up  Beth has worked with numerous living history groups throughout the country as her parents Mark & Sharon Brown traveled with Mark's Coast Guard assignments. At the age of nine she joined the Nutmeg Junior Volunteer Fife & Drum Corp, based out of Groton, Connecticut. Through this experience she mastered the fife, and less than two years later became the head fifer, as well as a teacher for new members. She has performed with the Nutmeg Fife and Drum Corp several times at WestPoint Academy, the New York City Saint Patrick's Day Parade and other regional parades and historic musters.
 
Upon moving to Montana in 1999 she found the area lacking in historical music involving the fife had become a major part of her life. In 2007, after many months of researching and years of planning, she began the Tobacco Root Reveilliers Fyfe & Drum Corp of Whitehall. While still growing, TRR has several dedicated members working to make the Corps a success. TRR Fyfe & Drum Corp is open to all ages and all experience levels. It has a goal to preserve the history of music and the culture around the time period from 1700-1900.

Dr. Ellen Baumler
Ellen Baumler is the interpretive historian at the Montana Historical Society in Helena. She is the author of many articles on a wide variety of subjects and several books. Her Beyond Spirit Tailings: Montana Ghosts, Mysteries and Haunted Places, earned a 2006 Award of Merit from the American Association for State and Local History. Dark Spaces, a history of the prison at Deer Lodge, is forthcoming this fall.

Lloyd Bradshaw

Attend the 13th Big Sky Draft Horse Expo and Antique Quilt, Lap Robe and Carriage Show  at the fairgrounds across from Grant Kohrs, Saturday and Sunday September 13 and 14. Singles to 6 horse hitches will again be showing at the Fairgrounds in Deer Lodge during two performances each day. Working teamster events including the popular feed team races are included. Some new events are included this year, as well as two additional performances.

The 2008 class of inductees to the Montana Draft Teamster Hall of Fame will be presented at the start of the Saturday afternoon performance on September 13th. This honor belongs to those Montana teamsters who have demonstrated a commitment to the preservation, education, and community service using draft animals.  The Hall is sponsored by both the Montana Draft Horse and Mule Association and Big Sky Draft Horse Expo.

Under the grandstand is a trade show of vendors, and the Antique Quilt, Lap Robe and Carriage show.  Lap robes and carriages are displayed to educate folks about these every day items from the Draft Era.

(Individuals may enter items in the Quilt and Carriage show.  Entry forms and more information are available at www.drafthorseexpo.com or by calling 406-846-2854 or 406-586-5113)

EXPO EVENT BUTTON

Purchase of the $15 Event Button Entry provides entry to both days of the 13th Annual Big Sky Draft Horse Expo, the Antique Quilt, Lap Robe and Carriage display, and the Trade Show.  This button also provides 4 days of free admission to the five Old Prisons Museums and discounts at some merchants in downtown Deer Lodge, and entry to prize drawings during the show.  The event button is truly a bargain.  (The daily admission alone to Expo is $8 and it is $8 per day for the Prison Museums admission.)

 Old Prison Museum
            Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Old Prison Museum was the working prison for Montana from 1871 to 1979. Old Montana Prison was built by inmate labor under the supervision of Warden Frank Conley. The complex survived riots and fire during its 108 years of operation until it was relocated 5 miles west of town.
 Yesterday’s Playthings
            Generations of toys played with by children of all ages, are on display. Trains, cars, doll, teddy bears, and antique dolls and doll furniture are just a few of the categories housed in this museum. Everyone can take a trip down memory lane while viewing all the playthings inside this museum.

Frontier Montana Museum
            Housed in the Old Prisons Mule Barn and fittingly so, artifacts in this museum showcase the old west. Items include saloon memorabilia, cowboy and Indian artifacts, and Libby Custer’s silver tea service. Situated next door is Cottonwood City, a representation of what a frontier town would have been like. This is the perfect place to get lost in your mind about how life was when the west was still wild.

Powell County Museum
            Powell County Museum features artifacts pertaining to the history of the Deer Lodge Valley. Current displays feature weapons, mining, period furnishings, and other collectables. Here visitors will find a little bit of everything to entertain their eyes.  

MONTANA HISTORY "LIVE"