Women in the Archives Research Guide

Women often kept records of their family lives in diaries or other materials. Some composed genealogies that traced their family histories over the course of generations. These family documents and genealogies trace patterns of family life over time. This is an invaluable resource for anyone looking into family trees or relations, particularly in Montana.

The Olson Papers include a photocopied family tree chart for the Olson and Gillies families as well as an essay composed by Leah's daughter, Karen. This essay, entitled "Back to 1782," regards the genealogy of the Olson and Gillies families. Other materials contain a historical essay and a day book for Douglas G. Gillies.

This collection is a combined transcription and genealogy essay. It includes transcriptions of Fisher family letters in the 1860s, genealogical charts of the Baker, Fisher, and Gardner families, and a history of the Bozeman Presbyterian Church. 

This collection consists of family papers, diaries, letters, and memorabilia produced or exchanged by the Haynes family and assembled by Isabel. Subjects addressed within the Papers include Minnesota schools and Minneapolis life, Bozeman, and Yellowstone National Park. Of particular note is the ability to trace the growth of numerous family members through records spread out over long periods of time.

Within this massive collection is a variety of family correspondence, letters, estate documents, research, and literary productions. In terms of women's contributions, there are valuable letters, business documents, and photographs.

The Smith-Mendenhall Papers contain a variety of information on the two families. Of note in terms of women's contributions are Civil War letters written by Robert Henry Smith's wife, letters from Mary Susan Mendenhall to her husband and son, and a photocopy of Mary Susan Mendenhall's scrapbook. 

The Bates Papers include, among other materials, notes on the genealogy of the Bates family. There is also an autobiographical essay by Grace's husband Avery V. Bates and a biographical essay on Grace's father John T. Kamp.