The Gallery of Outstanding Montanans was established by the State Legislature in 1979 to pay homage to citizens of the Treasure State who made contributions of state or national significance to their selected fields of endeavor while epitomizing the unique spirit and character that defines Montana. Inductees into Montana’s hall of fame are rotated into the gallery on a biennial basis; each is honored for an eight-year period. This program is managed by the Montana Historical Society.

Current honorees include:

CHARLO, SALISH PATRIOT (ca. 1830–1910)

JOHN LOUIS CLARKE, CUTAPUIS—“THE MAN WHO TALKS NOT” (1881–1970)

FANNY CORY COONEY, UNDAUNTED MONTANA ARTIST (1877–1972)

RAYMOND FRANCIS GRAY, “INDOMITABLE ADVOCATE OF METIS RIGHTS” (1900–1961)

ELLA KNOWLES HASKELL, “THE PORTIA OF THE PEOPLE” (1860–1911)

NORMAN J. “JEFF” HOLTER, “THE RENAISSANCE SCIENTIST” (1914–1983)

JOSEPH KINSEY HOWARD, “MONTANA’S CONSCIENCE” (1906–1951)

DR. CAROLINE M. McGILL, “A REMARKABLE LIFE” (1879–1959)

Past honorees have included:

Mattie Bost Bell Castner, booster of community spirit (1848–1920)
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Gary Cooper, actor (1901–1961)
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Plenty Coups, statesman (c. 1848–1932)
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Marcus Daly, entrepreneur (1841–1900)
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William Wylie Galt, community building (1854 - 1945)

Maggie Smith Hathaway, social crusader (1867–1955)
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Richard Hugo, poet (1923–1982)
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Chet Huntley, journalist (1911–1974)
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Frank Bird Linderman, author (1869–1938)
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Mike Mansfield, statesman (1903–2001)
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H.G. Merriam, author and educator (1883–1980)
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E.S. Paxson, artist (1852–1919)
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Marguerite K. Pfeifle, gemologist (1907–1981)
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Thomas C. Power, entrepreneur (1839–1923)
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Charles M. Russell, artist (1864–1926)
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Reno H. Sales, mining geologist (1876–1969)
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Granville Stuart, entrepreneur (1834–1918)
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K. Ross Toole, historian and educator (1920–1981)
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Harold Urey, nuclear chemist (1893–1981)
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William Van Orsdel, minister (1848–1919)
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Susie Walking Bear Yellowtail, health care and Native rights advocate (1903–1981)
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