Jean Baucus: Herb Jacobson Award For Lifetime Commitment To Local History.

Jean Baucus has made an outstanding and continuous contribution to the history of Helena. Look on any bookshelf devoted to Helena history and it will contain the name of Jean Baucus. Whether authored by herself or with her friend Vivian Paladin, her work sets the foundation for published Helena history. Jean’s written works include the publication of “Helena, Her Historic Homes, Vol. I” in 1976,  “Helena Her Historic Homes, Vol. II, in 1979 and “Gold in the Gulch, in 1981. A most significant contribution was “Helena, An Illustrated History,” produced with Jean’s friend Vivian Paladin. First out in 1983, this work remains at the center of histories of the city. Along with her work with the Montana Historical Society and many groups supporting the arts and culture that greatly benefited Lewis & Clark County. Moreover, Jean Baucus’ interest in and commitment to area history helped inspire the Baucus family to protect the rich history of the ranch on which they live. The people of Lewis & Clark County, thought their preservation commission, wish to recognize Jean’s enduring devotion to their history so that her legacy might serve as an example to the future.

   Robert “Bob” Morgan: Herb Jacobson Award For Lifetime Commitment To Local History.

For his outstanding contribution to the preservation of Helena and Lewis and Clark County for over four decades. Bob Morgan has devoted his life to bringing history alive for people of all ages to experience. As the Montana Historical Society curator of exhibits, Bob created three dimensional scenes and displays for the viewing public. He did the same for the spectacular Montana Military Museum at Fort Harrison. His paintings of the area, especially the significant buildings of Helena, will carry the spirit of times gone by into the future for countless generations. Certainly, public understanding of the Lewis and Clark expedition will be forever enhanced by Bob Morgan renditions of that historic adventure. His most recent contribution to the city and the county, the courthouse murals, are a source of inspiration and instruction relative to local traditions and heritage. In addition, Bob continually donates his work to worthy causes. Through his many reminiscent images Bob grants a gift of great value to our community and to every person curious about our area’s history. We cherish that gift and cannot fully express how grateful we are for its quality and its wisdom. Above all, we appreciate Bob Morgan’s wonderful and rare sense of sharing his visions with us.

    The Jackson Street Parking Garage: New Construction in a Historic District

Designing a monolithic structure like a parking garage in a way that fits visually into a historic district is a significant challenge. Karhu – Cullen Architects, with Ron Cullen as principle designer on the project, successfully created a historic façade on the Jackson Street Parking Garage.  By careful study of the historic scene, the selection of affordable materials and a well-considered placement scheme Ron successfully melded history and design. The result is a rusticated concrete façade alternated in design to vary its appearance in a way similar to individual historic buildings standing on a street. The Jackson Street parking garage thus lends character to the Helena Historic District and offers a lesson in how such design is made possible.

   George Hoff: Helena Trolley Project Volunteer

For his stalwart dedication to the rescue and restoration of Helena Trolley # 3. When word arrived of the existence of an old Helena trolley being available, George Hoff began work to see the historic vehicle saved. With tireless and consistent effort, George has participated in gaining ownership of the trolley, seeking funding for its repair and, most impressively, has taken a leadership role in working with the restoration itself. Many hours of George’s time are devoted to the operation of the “Trolley Shop” on Custer Avenue. His efforts, frequently supported by donations from his own pocket, lead to constant progress the trolley restoration and improvements to the historic repair shop where the trolley is stored. The value of his personal contribution as Trolley Car Restoration Volunteer Supervisor cannot be underestimated. Without the help and encouragement of George Hoff, Helena would not have a trolley car restoration project and for this we thank him most heartily.

   902 North Park: Historic House Rehabilitation.

In October 2002, Brian & Jill Michelotti took possession of a historic house at the corner of Park and Hauser.   Undaunted by its state of disrepair, the family began a long and intensive process of completely fixing, restoring and upgrading the old house from the basement up. Often working late into the night, Brian and Jill Michelotti rebuilt the kitchen, laid tile on degraded floors, painted walls and ceilings, repaired windows, repainted brick and otherwise brought the house to its beautiful condition. A new garage, visually compatible with the style of the house, replaced an aging lean-to on the east side. The transformation of 902 North Park is truly a historic preservation story worthy of recognition and appreciation.