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  The Montana Historical Society (MHS) has honored Evan Barrett of Highlands College and Montana Tech with its Heritage Guardian Award for his outstanding contribution to Montana history and heritage. The MHS’s special Heritage Guardian Award is only presented under special circumstances, in this case for a unique contribution to Montana history in the form of Barrett’s “In the Crucible of Change” video Montana history series. The award was last presented 2011. (see full statement below)

  Evan Barrett

  The Montana Historical Society (MHS) has honored Evan Barrett of Highlands College and Montana Tech with its highest award for his outstanding contribution to Montana history and heritage.

  Barrett was awarded the MHS’s special Heritage Guardian Award, which is only presented under special circumstances, for a unique contribution to Montana history in the form of his “In the Crucible of Change” video Montana history series. The award was last presented 2011.

  MHS Trustees President Bob Brown said: “Our 15-member Board of Trustees from across the state take great honor in recognizing [Evan’s] important contribution. The history of Montana has been enriched by [his] efforts and dedication to telling the stories of our great state.”

  According to MHS, Barrett was closely involved in major events in Montana from 1965 to 1980, a period University of Montana Professor Emeritus Harry Fritz has called the second most important time period in Montana history. It includes events like the growth of the environmental movement, the death of the Anaconda Company, the crafting of a new state Constitution, the rise of feminism and the reorganization of Montana’s executive branch of government. According to the Historical Society, Barrett while working at Highlands College at Montana Tech, was determined to preserve the history of this pivotal time while those who lived it were still alive. To do so he created the documentary series, “In the Crucible of Change: Montana’s Dramatic Period of Progressive Change, 1965-1980.” The effort was supported by Montana Tech and Highlands College, along with grants from Humanities Montana, the Montana History Foundation, the Greater Montana Foundation and the Lee & Donna Metcalf Charitable Trust.

  Montana Tech Chancellor Donald Blackketter noted this was a new area of research and scholarship at Tech. “The experience, knowledge and skills Evan brought to Montana Tech allowed us to play a role in chronicling this important period in Montana’s history. We are pleased that Montana Tech could have helped achieve this Montana history milestone. We add our congratulations and recognition of Evan to those provided by MHS.”

  Highlands College Dean John Garic said the series will remain important for future generations of researchers and historians: “This collection of valuable primary research - of significantly important Montana history – directly from the mouths of the people who were there - that’s what Evan has given us. The remarkable information that he has gathered in this series, will help generations of Montanans come to understand what that amazing period in Montana history was really like.”

  Barrett is on-screen host and writer for the series – and for good reason: he worked closely with many of the historical figures featured from 1965 to 1980.

  “The history-makers that were part of this series were an amazing group of people,” Barrett said. “I’m really honored to have had the opportunity to chronicle their efforts and humbled by the recognition the series has received.”

  The series has aired more than 1,000 times on Montana over-the-air PBS, statewide and local cable channels in 59 communities across Montana, and is available via internet as transcripts and video on Montana Tech’s Digital Commons. It features 43, hour-length discussions with more than 75 of the period’s history makers, including former members of the 1972 Constitutional Convention, office-holders, politicians, reporters and judges. MHS said that Barrett’s personal political and governmental experience during the period gave him unique access to key historical participants and armed him with the questions that needed to be asked. “With this award, we express our gratitude to Evan Barrett for illuminating this important period of history, preserving the voices and memories of its participants for future generations,” MHS Trustees wrote in making the award.

  Among others, Barrett conducted first-hand interviews of major state political players, including former governors Ted Schwinden and Brian Schweitzer; Montana Congressman Pat Williams; 20-year state Senator and Con Con Delegate Dorothy Eck; and more than a dozen remaining delegates to the historical 1972 Montana Constitutional Convention.

  “The entire group was a powerful collection of people and voices,” added Barrett. The award was presented at the 43rd Annual MHS Montana History Conference in September, 2016 in Hamilton.

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  Dorothy Bradley, Legislator & Political Leader: 1965-80 was a rare moment when all the stars lined up –the right history, the right leadership, the right Montana mindset. Thanks to Evan Barrett for memorializing such a remarkable era by putting together so many history-makers of that time in his series “In the Crucible of Change.” (see full statement below)

  Dorothy Bradley and Evan Barrett

  What good fortune to be among so many honorable players to recount a great piece of Montana history. Even more, how incredible to have actually lived it. If progressive history happens in pulses, 1965-80 was a shining flash. My error was in assuming that the level of creativity and energy was sustainable and would continue to be our way of life. Looking back, we now see it was a rare moment when all the stars lined up –the right history, the right leadership, the right Montana mindset. The only question that occasionally haunts me is whether we did justice to those momentous issues. Usually in the light of dawn, looking out at the beauty of the Crazy Mountains, I conclude that we thrashed our way through it pretty well. Thanks to Evan Barrett for memorializing such a remarkable era by putting together so many history-makers of that time in his seriesIn the Crucible of Change.

  Dorothy Bradley
  16-year Montana Legislator
  Candidate for Governor & Congress

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  Secretary of State Bob Brown: Evan Barrett's “In the Crucible of Change” is a timely and important series of recorded interviews of 75+ history-makers encompassing the period of what historians are coming to recognize as “Montana's second progressive era". “In the Crucible of Change” makes an invaluable contribution to the history of our state as it directly brings that history to life in the real voices and faces of those who lived and made it. (see full statement below)

  Bob Brown and Evan Barrett

  Evan Barrett's “In the Crucible of Change” is a timely and important series of recorded interviews of 75+ history-makers encompassing the period of what historians are coming to recognize as "Montana's second progressive era." In the 43-episode film series, Barrett has recorded the reflections of most of the key players of Montana’s 1965-80 period, making sure they are available both now and for the future. Because of his personal involvement in the politics of Montana during that time, Barrett’s knowledge and perspective shine through as he conducts this series of topical interviews, helping create direct, informative and lively accounts of the history as the participants lived it. “In the Crucible of Change” makes an invaluable contribution to the history of our state as it directly brings that history to life in the real voices and faces of those who lived and made it.

  Bob Brown, Retired Senior Teaching and Research Fellow, U of MT
  Former Montana State Senate President and Secretary of State
  (and GOP candidate for Governor 2004)

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  Governor Steve Bullock: "In the Crucible of Change” seeks to highlight these transformative changes across Montana…That is why the work of Evan Barrett to interview, record, and process the history of how our state put the people of Montana first is truly extraordinary. (see full statement below)

  Steve Bullock and Evan Barrett

  Montana has always been a state of free-thinkers with our own way of doing things and the populism that swept across Montana during the 1965-1980 period directly reflected those beliefs. During this period, the ‘copper collar’ that shackled the media and politics was cracking, shared conservation values and environmental stewardship were coming to the forefront of policy discussions, and Montana’s economy and industries were undergoing dynamic changes.

  Out of these changes came one of the most progressive state Constitutions in the United States—a Constitution that has now guided the values and safeguarded the rights of Montanans for nearly 50 years.

  “In the Crucible of Change,” seeks to highlight these transformative changes across Montana. Growing up as a kid in Helena during this time, these changes were not lost on me, but it is always hard to recognize the long-term impacts of decisions while living within an era. That is why the work of Evan Barrett to interview, record, and process the history of how our state put the people of Montana first is truly extraordinary.

  Montana never ceases to amaze me. From its scenic landscapes to the hardworking, industrious people that inhabit them, Montana is truly the Last Best Place.

  Steve Bullock
  Governor of Montana
  2013-2017

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  Mae Nan (Robinson) Ellingson, Constitutional Convention Delegate: The series “In the Crucible of Change,” so thoughtfully envisioned and developed by Evan Barrett, provides important insights into the actions, events, attitudes, public officials and advisors of those years. That unique combination fostered a political climate in which the new constitution could be written, resulting in positive and profound changes in the exercise of political power in and the governance of the State of Montana. (see full statement below)

  Mae Nan (Robinson) Ellingson and Evan Barrett

  March 22, 1972 was one of the most memorable days of my life – the day that I proudly joined ninety-nine other popularly-elected Montanans in signing a proposed new Constitution for the State of Montana. Following the Convention and a short 72 day hard-fought ratification campaign, on June 6 Montana voters approved the Constitution by the narrowest of margins.

  Montana’s 1972 Constitution has been hailed by scholars, political leaders and citizens alike as a remarkable document. A Lee Newspapers survey conducted late in the last century rated it as the second most influential or important person or event of Montana's 20th century.

  Could such a progressive and enlightened document be drafted and approved today? I doubt it. The remarkable period of the 1960s and 1970s was a special time when Montanans believed in the power and ability of “We the People” to create a government that could and would work for and in the best interests of the State and all of its citizens.

  The series “In the Crucible of Change,” so thoughtfully envisioned and developed by Evan Barrett, provides important insights into the actions, events, attitudes, public officials and advisors of those years. That unique combination fostered a political climate in which the new constitution could be written, resulting in positive and profound changes in the exercise of political power in and the governance of the State of Montana.

  Thanks to Highlands College of Montana Tech and to Evan for his dedication in creating this important treasure trove of historical information. I know of no one else with the breadth and depth of relationships, knowledge and experiences that could have pulled this off.

  Mae Nan (Robinson) Ellingson
  Youngest Constitutional Convention Delegate 1972
  Retired Attorney, Dorsey & Whitney
  Bond counsel to the State and local government entities

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  Chris Fisk, Historian & Teacher: Evan Barrett has built a bridge for history; a bridge that scholars, and more importantly our future scholars and leaders -- our children -- can utilize in gaining a clear and honest picture of how we got to where we are today.(see full statement below)

  Chris Fisk and Evan Barrett

  Evan Barrett has compiled a series of first-hand, primary accounts of a pivotal time in Montana’s existence. He has built a bridge for history; a bridge that scholars, and more importantly our future scholars and leaders -- our children -- can utilize in gaining a clear and honest picture of how we got to where we are today. The Highlands College/Montana Tech series by Barrett -- In the Crucible of Change -- shows the driving progressive effort of the period from 1965-80 and the courage of those who were both steadfast and bold in moving the Big Sky forward. It was a time when, after 75 years of the Copper Collar, the people of Montana needed to come first. This unique series has been delivered to us by a trusted scholar and former political leader. No one else I know could have given us this gift of truth in history, so lovers of Montana history will be thanking Evan Barrett for years to come.

  Chris Fisk
  2010 DAR State and National History Teacher of the Year
  Educators’ Hall of Fame, U of M Western
  Montana Heritage Keepers Award - Montana Historical Society

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  Chuck Johnson, Journalist: Evan Barrett does an outstanding job of capturing this critically important era with …“In the Crucible of Change.”… Current and future generations of Montanans will be able to watch these interviews to learn first-hand from some of the participants how this state and its people underwent such a dramatic transformation. (see full statement below)

  Chuck Johnson and Evan Barrett

  Montanans reformed their state government, practically from top to bottom, from 1965 to 1980. They adopted a widely-praised new Constitution in 1972 to replace an outdated one enacted in 1889, one that critics said had been written largely by copper mining company executives. The Legislature and Governor Forrest Anderson in 1971 reorganized the entire state executive branch to pinpoint responsibility with the governor and other state elected officials, not leave decisions to unaccountable appointed boards. Through the Constitution and new laws, Montanans began cleaning up their air and water, opening up government to the public and making it easier for citizens to participate. Montana started setting aside half of the revenues from a new higher coal severance tax to go into a permanent trust fund to be invested and not frittered away. The state passed laws to allow public employees to bargain collectively, to protect Montanans’ human rights and to revamp the state’s troubled institutions. Many more key changes followed.

  Evan Barrett does an outstanding job of capturing this critically important era in his 43-episode oral history project, “In the Crucible of Change,” which now is available for anyone to watch online. Better than anyone, Barrett knew which people to interview and what questions to ask. He was part of administrations of several governors who proposed many of the major changes and was an astute observer from the sidelines for other changes. Current and future generations of Montanans will be able to watch these interviews to learn first-hand from some of the participants how this state and its people underwent such a dramatic transformation. Evan Barrett, along with Montana Tech and Highlands College, deserves our — and their — thanks.

  Chuck Johnson
  Senior Reporter Montana State Government & Politics 1970-2015
  Associated Press, Lee Newspapers, Great Falls Tribune, and Missoulian.

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  Nancy Keenan, former State Superintendent & Activist: As someone who came of political age [in the 1960s and 1970s] … Evan Barrett has used his direct experience and extensive contacts to make his series “In the Crucible of Change” not only a fascinating history of this pivotal era, but also an essential primer for policy-makers today. (see full statement below)

  Nancy Keenan and Evan Barrett

  Harry Truman once said, “The only thing new in the world is the history you don’t know.” So many of the challenges Montana faces today – from controversies over resource extraction to funding shortfalls for public universities to the humane treatment of those committed to our mental health facilities – were also challenges encountered and dealt with by our leaders back in the 1960s and 70s. As someone who came of political age at that time, Evan Barrett has used his direct experience and extensive contacts to make his series “In the Crucible of Change” not only a fascinating history of this pivotal era, but also an essential primer for policy-makers today.

  Nancy Keenan
  State Legislator, 3 Terms
  State Superintendent of Public Instruction, 3 Terms
  President, NARAL-Pro Choice America, 9 Years
  Executive Director, Montana Democratic Party
  Goosetown (Anaconda) native

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  Jay Kohn, News Anchor/Reporter: Evan Barrett’s Montana history telefilm series “In the Crucible of Change” is a “must see” to gain an understanding of how Montana arrived at its current state of affairs. From Montana’s Constitutional Convention, to battles over a statewide Sales Tax, to the election of Montana’s youngest Governor, this series gives viewers a unique perspective into Montana politics and government during this important period of progressive change. (see full statement below)

  Jay Kohn and Evan Barrett

  In all my years covering state government and Montana politics, one thing remained the same. If you wanted to ‘really’ find out what was happening and why… Evan Barrett was the man. Now, he’s revealing many of his sources, interviewing and discussing issues with them for all to see and hear. Barrett’s Montana history telefilm series In the Crucible of Change, done under the auspices of Highlands College and Montana Tech, is a ‘must see’ to gain an understanding of how Montana arrived at its current state of affairs.

  From Montana’s Constitutional Convention, to battles over a statewide Sales Tax, to the election of Montana’s youngest Governor, this series gives viewers a unique perspective into Montana politics and government during this important period of progressive change. Hitch a ride with Professor Barrett and listen to state newsmakers from the 1960s and 1970s who helped shape Montana’s future.

  Jay Kohn, News Anchor/Reporter
  Montana Television Network
  1978 - present

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  Ian Marquand, Broadcast Journalist: “In the Crucible of Change”… goes beyond remembering and seeks wisdom that - for those who will listen and learn - can be applied to the Montana of today. (see full statement below)

  Ian Marquand and Evan Barrett

  Name an issue or situation facing Montana today and either its origin or a lesson can be found in the period of the 1960s and 1970s chronicled so well by Evan Barrett in his series, ‘In the Crucible of Change.’ It would be easy to simply ask the participants to recall anecdotes or otherwise engage in oral story-telling; ‘Crucible’ goes beyond remembering and seeks wisdom that - for those who will listen and learn - can be applied to the Montana of today.

  Ian Marquand
  30 year Montana broadcast journalist
  Missoula/Helena

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  John T. McNay, Historian & University Professor: In his series of focused video discussions featuring participants in the changes, Evan Barrett has performed a very valuable service to the people of Montana. He has illuminated an era of politics in which the state government really served to make Montana a better place …The series provides information and perspectives that historians and other scholars as well as regular Montana citizens will now have access to for generations to come. (see full statement below)

  John McNay and Evan Barrett

  Clearly, something very important happened in Montana history during the political reformation that occurred in the 1970s. A new Constitution, a press that was more free than before, a grassroots environmental movement, a more fair system of taxation, and progressive politicians and elected officials who broke out of the patterns of the past, all of these things helped bring Montana out from under the shadow of corporate domination that it had endured since the nineteenth century. In his series of focused video discussions featuring participants in the changes, Evan Barrett has performed a very valuable service to the people of Montana. He has illuminated an era of politics in which the state government really served to make Montana a better place. From journalists, to politicians, to scholars, to leaders in the women’s and environmental movements, “In the Crucible of Change” presents ordinary Montanans telling the story of the state’s second progressive movement. The series provides information and perspectives that historians and other scholars as well as regular Montana citizens will now have access to for generations to come.

  John T. McNay, PhD
  Professor and Chair
  Department of History, Philosophy, & Political Science
  University of Cincinnati – Blue Ash
  BA, Journalism, 1980 (University of Montana
  MA, History, 1991 (University of Montana)
  PhD, History, 1997 (Temple University)
  (former Montana journalist)

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  Lawrence K. Pettit, Political Scientist: I want to acknowledge the serious contribution Evan Barrett and the series have made to the understanding of Montana history… The interviews with major participants, the synthesis, the overview, the amassing of it all into a coherent narrative – all of this is a major contribution to Montana history. (see full statement below)

  Lawrence K. Pettit Ph.D. and Evan Barrett

  As a political scientist and history buff, but also as a participant in the period covered by Evan Barrett’s “In the Crucible of Change” series, I want to acknowledge the serious contribution Evan and the series have made to the understanding of Montana history. Because of his own deep involvement in the politics and government of this transformative period in Montana’s history, Evan Barrett is the only person who could have pulled this off. The interviews with major participants, the synthesis, the overview, the amassing of it all into a coherent narrative – all of this is a major contribution to Montana history. Only Evan could have known what questions to ask and how to steer the conversation to highlight what was truly important. Only he could have known whom to invite to participate, and only he could have cajoled all of them into service. Let us hope that other critical periods in Montana’s evolvement will get this kind of professional and personal attention.

  Lawrence K. Pettit, PhD
  B.A. University of Montana;
  M.A. Washington University in St. Louis
  Ph.D. University of Wisconsin
  Retired President of Pennsylvania University (Indiana) and Southern Illinois University;
  Former Political Science Professor at Montana State University
  Also campaign manager for Governor Thomas Judge in 1972 and the Montana University System’s first Commissioner of Higher Education, 1973-79.

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  Governor Brian Schweitzer: Evan Barrett’s historical series “In the Crucible of Change” chronicles one of the important periods of Montana history, a period that all aspiring Montana leaders need to understand... “In the Crucible of Change” not only accurately reveals that history and the forces behind it in first-person discussions with history-makers of that time, but also will have an impact on the future direction of our state. (see full statement below)

  Brian Schweitzer and Evan Barrett

  The words: “those who do not learn from history are condemned to repeat it” are of particular importance to those who labor in the vineyards of public policy and leadership. Knowing about and understanding Montana’s past helps shape its future. Evan Barrett’s historical series “In the Crucible of Change” chronicles one of the important periods of Montana history, a period that all aspiring Montana leaders need to understand. The progressive change of that time, including the writing and adoption of the nation’s best State Constitution, provides a framework for Montana’s future. “In the Crucible of Change” not only accurately reveals that history and the forces behind it in first-person discussions with history-makers of that time, but it also will have an impact on the future direction of our state. Because of the breadth, depth and length of his experience, Evan Barrett may well be the only person in Montana who could have pulled off this unique report on Montana’s “second most important decade.

  Brian Schweitzer
  Governor of Montana
  2005-2013

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  Brian Shovers, Historian: "The history Evan Barrett has documented on film is critical to Montanans understanding their recent past. These 43 films of more than 75 history-makers chronicle a transformational period in twentieth century Montana… The result – In the Crucible of Change – is a unique chronicle of the period." (see full statement below)

  Brian Shovers and Evan Barrett

  Evan Barrett's “In the Crucible of Change” is a structured and focused story of what Montana historian Harry Fritz calls the second most important decade in Montana’s history. The history Evan has documented on film is critical to Montanans understanding their recent past. Oral histories are an incredibly important source for historians, especially to those writing more contemporary history. These 43 films of more than 75 history-makers chronicle a transformational period in twentieth century Montana, beginning with executive reorganization, continuing with a new constitution, and the implementation of both of those major efforts.

  Evan’s personal political and governmental experience during this pivotal time of 1965-1980, made him the ideal interviewer of the major players of both parties who took part in this unique period in Montana politics and government organization, most of whom he knows personally. The result – “In the Crucible of Change” -- is a unique chronicle of the period.

  Brian Shovers
  Montana Historical Society Library Manager, Oral Historian – Retired, Jan. 2015
  Author of “Forrest Anderson, the 1972 Constitution, and the Reshaping of Montana”

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  Senator Jon Tester: The series “In the Crucible of Change” documents this unique and influential period of our state’s history, allowing future generations of Montanans to fully appreciate the leadership of that era. (see full statement below)

  Jon Tester and Evan Barrett

  From 1965 to 1980 Montana led the charge to ensure folks had access to clean air and clean water. We acknowledged that every child should receive a quality education, and promoted the rights of working class families. The series “In the Crucible of Change” documents this unique and influential period of our state’s history, allowing future generations of Montanans to fully appreciate the leadership of that era. Thank you to Evan Barrett and everyone for their hard work in making this film series available for all to experience.

  Jon Tester
  U.S. Senator, Montana

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  Congressman Pat Williams: Noted Montana History Professor Harry Fritz has called the period of Montana history between 1965-1980 the 2nd most important decade in Montana history. By capturing the essence of that dramatic period in his 43-episode series “In the Crucible of Change,” Evan Barrett has made a significant contribution to recorded Montana history. (see full statement below)

  Pat Williams and Evan Barrett

  Noted Montana History Professor Harry Fritz has called the period of Montana history between 1965-1980 the 2^nd most important decade in Montana history. By capturing the essence of that dramatic period in his 43-episode series “In the Crucible of Change,” Evan Barrett has made a significant contribution to recorded Montana history.

  The key players of that period who still are among us in 2014-15 are now on record for posterity about the important issues and activities of that time. Securing today the first person memories of the critical participants of this important time about the political and cultural events of this fifteen years was imperative given the pace by which we are losing these folks.

  In the series, Evan Barrett demonstrates that he is particularly capable of putting the people and the history together in a meaningful and understandable way because he was actively engaged during those years, knows the participants and is one of the few Montanans who understands which questions to ask. In this important series, Evan Barrett shows that he understands what to leave out and what to put in so as to truly create an understanding of Montana’s progressive change during those decades.

  Pat Williams
  Retired Senior Teaching and Research Fellow, U of MT
  U.S. Congress, Montana 1979-1997