The Montana Historical Society has received a $50,000 grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana to create a free field trip program aimed at Montana students statewide. This initiative will bring students from every corner of the state to the Montana Heritage Center and the State Capitol for immersive educational experiences focused on Montanaʼs history and government. Announced on July 15 alongside other community investments, the grant marks a significant advance in the Societyʼs mission to make state history and civics education accessible to all Montana students, regardless of geographic or economic barriers.
“For many Montana students and teachers, especially those in rural areas, a visit to Helenaʼs State Capitol and the Heritage Center has long been a costly and logistically challenging effort,” said Darby Bramble, Education Officer at the Montana Historical Society. “This program removes those barriers by covering transportation and lodging costs, allowing schools to provide this valuable experience.”
The History and Civics Education Program will offer comprehensive grants that cover travel and accommodation expenses. Participating students will explore engaging exhibits and artifacts at the Museum at the Montana Heritage Center and enjoy guided tours of the State Capitol to witness Montanaʼs government in action and learn about democratic processes firsthand.
An 8th-grade teacher from Bonner reflected on a recent trip with his class: “This trip, more than anything else in the classroom, sparked my studentsʼ interest in local and state history. After visiting Helena, many of them became eager to learn more about civics and their community.” Thanks to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montanaʼs $50,000 contribution, the program is set to
launch in early 2026. Schools can apply for funding in two rounds: the first deadline is October
13, 2025, and the second deadline is January 4, 2026.
To ensure the programʼs sustainability, the Montana Historical Society is actively fundraising through an endowment campaign aimed at providing long-term support. The goal is to guarantee that all Montana students, regardless of location or financial means, have the opportunity to connect with their stateʼs history and government.