Happy birthday, Helena!

This sign will be unveiled at the south end of the walking mall on the anniversary of the strike.

Helena's 150th birthday is on Monday. It was on that day in 1864 that the four Georgians struck gold at Last Chance. I'll be celebrating tomorrow (Saturday, July 12), and I hope you'll join me. I'm going to give a talk called "The Town that Gold Built" at the Montana Historical Society at 12:00 pm and again at 2:00 pm. The Society will be serving birthday cake and ice cream at 1:00 pm, and kids can pan for gold at a “mining camp.” Food vendors will be on hand, too, and there will be a drawing for free gifts. Plus, it’s Second Saturday at the Society, so admission is free thanks to our sponsor, Helena Community Credit Union.

The fun continues on Monday with the unveiling of a sign to commemorate the gold strike. The unveiling will take place at 5:30 on the walking mall by the library. See you there!