The MT 250 Commission's pick this month for Montana Reads: The Treasure State's Book Club is American Nations: A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures of North America, by Colin Woodard. MT 250 Commission members and the author will lead this online discussion.

If you would like to attend at the Lewis and Clark Library in Helena, where we will have the video call set up on the big screen, please register for in-person attendance below. If you would like to attend from home, please register for online attendance.

According to award-winning journalist and historian Colin Woodard, North America is made up of eleven distinct nations, each with its own unique historical roots. In American Nations: A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures of North America, he takes readers on a journey through the history of our fractured continent, offering a revolutionary and revelatory take on American identity, and how the conflicts between them have shaped our past and continue to mold our future. From the Deep South to the Far West, to Yankeedom to El Norte, Woodard (author of American Character: A History of the Epic Struggle Between Individual Liberty and the Common Good) reveals how each region continues to uphold its distinguishing ideals and identities today, with results that can be seen in the composition of the U.S. Congress or on the county-by-county election maps of any hotly contested election in our history. 

Please register here to receive the Zoom link for the meeting. You will receive the link in the automatic confirmation email, and we will send out a reminder on the day of the event. Participants are encouraged, but not required, to read the book before the meeting.

Please join the Montana 250th Commission and the Montana Historical Society in this year-along series of virtual events designed to build excitement around The United States's 250th birthday in 2026. "Montana Reads: The Treasure State's Book Club" is a monthly online book discussion that will cover exciting topics and figures from United States, Montana, and Tribal history.

Each month, a member of the Montana 250th Commission will lead a presentation and discussion on books that explore myriad aspects of our shared history - from the Founding Fathers to Montana statesmen and women, cultural traditions to amazing innovation. These monthly discussions will feature conversations around the books' central themes, seeking applications to current challenges and initiatives facing our state and nation. Montanans are encouraged to participate in any and all of these events that they find interesting, and where possible to read the book in advance.

The Montana 250th Commission is excited to share these stories with all Montanans and will be bringing in special guests where possible to further bring this history to life. Events will be held on Zoom each second Thursday of the month from 6:30 to 7:30pm.

For further information on the Montana 250th Commission, please visit Montana 250 or email mt250@mt.gov.