A Narrative History of the Montana Heritage Project

Logging and Its Influence on the Community of Libby

Jeff Gruber
Bob Malyevac
Rose Goyen

Libby High School

1997-98

Libby High School juniors and seniors spent the year exploring the idea of heritage and applying it to better understand what makes their community of Libby, Libby? Students began by studying historic photographs from both public and private sources. Each student selected a few historic photos and wrote interpretative essays which were compiled into a permanent exhibit in a school meeting room. Students then turned their focus to logging, a major influence in Libby history. They explored the past and in addition, photo documented contemporary logging processes to better understand the use of photography as a documentation and preservation tool. Students also collected written information for old photos of large trees in the Libby area, collected citizen stories about Christmas in Libby, and researched the influence of Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camps in northwest Montana. Student work was displayed at the annual Art in the Park.

To print a final report for the year-end binder, click here.