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March 27, 2023Bill Dakin
“Going To The Sun: Building the NPS’ first road, 1916-1932”
Columbia Falls native Bill Dakin attained a B.S. in History at MSU (’71) and an M.A. in Anthropology at UM (’81). He was a Glacier Park Road Crew leader and equipment operator for a dozen years, and, with the late fellow crewman/historian Dennis Holden, was tasked by Supt. Robert Haraden to research the Road’s construction history for the park’s 50th anniversary ‘reunion’ of surviving construction workers in 1983. His program was presented to the Montana Historical Society’s 2010 conference focused on Glacier’s centennial. As new historic resources are found, he has enhanced this one hour slide presentation and narrative.
“I’ve been a history buff since I could listen and read. I spent a decade of my working life on ‘the hill’. I think being informed about why the Road came to be and how and by whom it was built enhances anyone’s enjoyment of it.”
He suggests that attendees review the Ken Burns PBS documentary on our national parks (episodes 3 and 4) to add perspective to the program. Bill was appointed in 2000 by Interior Secretary Babbitt to the NPS’ Going-To-The-Sun-Road Citizens Advisory Committee to advise on its reconstruction.
Please join us this presentation is Free and open to the Public.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Northwest Montana History Museum, Somers, United States