The MT 250 Commission's May 2026’s book selection is One Vast Winter Count: The Native American West before Lewis and Clark, by Colin G. Calloway.

This work traces the histories of the Native peoples of the American West from their arrival thousands of years ago to the early years of the nineteenth century. Emphasizing conflict and change, One Vast Winter Count offers a new look at the early history of the region by blending ethnohistory, colonial history, and frontier history. Drawing on a wide range of oral and archival sources from across the West, Colin G. Calloway offers an unparalleled glimpse at the lives of generations of Native peoples in a western land soon to be overrun.

Please register here to receive the Zoom link for the meeting or to attend in person at the Lewis and Clark Library in Helena. 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.