Joel F. Overholser Historical Research Center in the Schwinden Library & Archives

The River & Plains Society’s Schwinden Library and Archives houses the Overholser Historical Research Center, a research center for historians, writers, students, and local history and family history researchers. The Center houses a substantial collection of unpublished archival records of individuals, families, organizations, businesses, and events. The manuscripts, documents, and photographs in the collection are important to each era in the history of Fort Benton, Chouteau County, the Upper Missouri River, and the Northern Great Plains. These eras include the following: Native Americans; the Fur and Bison Robe Trade; Upper Missouri Steamboating; Overland Freighting; the Canadian Trade; Open Range Ranching; Homesteading; the Frontier Military; and the People of Fort Benton and Chouteau County.

Use of the Overholser Historical Research Center:

The Center is open most Tuesdays from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm and other times on an appointment basis. Confirm all times at (406) 622-5316 or Email Center at [email protected].

The Center is accessible to the public through indices and the help of the volunteer staff.

The staff is available to help you get started in your research. The staff will respond to mail or email queries to the extent time permits. If you need detailed research conducted for you, such services are available for a fee.