Death on the Frontier with Crystal Alergria

Death on the Frontier: Mourning and Funeral Rituals in 19th-Century Montana explores how communities in Montana confronted death during the years of westward expansion and early settlement. This presentation delves into the diverse funeral practices, mourning customs, and burial traditions that took root in the region from the mid-1800s through the early 20th century. Drawing from historical records, Crystal will examines how Montanans honored their dead. From hastily-dug frontier graves to the rise of formal cemeteries and mourning traditions, this talk sheds light on the rituals of grief, remembrance, and resilience in a place where life and death were often inseparable companions.This presentation will be given by Crystal Alegria, Director of The Extreme History Project. Crystal is a public historian with over two decades of experience in historical interpretation, archaeology, and community-based history projects. She co-founded The Extreme History Project to make history more accessible and engaging to the public and has worked extensively on uncovering and sharing Montana’s rich and complex past.
As always, this event is free and open to the public!