“From Montana’s earliest boomtowns and mining camps, Chinese residents were a visible and vital part of frontier life. Living far from home and facing regular hostility from anti-Chinese groups, these communities turned to familiar religious and cultural traditions for strength and belonging. This talk explores the history of Chinese New Year celebrations in Montana, revealing how parades, feasts, fireworks, and ritual gatherings helped Chinese Montanans maintain cultural continuity in an often-unwelcoming place. More than moments of celebration, Chinese New Year observances became powerful statements of perseverance, community, and identity on the Montana frontier.” – Mark Johnson

The Brown Bag presentation will begin at noon on Wednesday, February 25^th, 2026, and will last about an hour. The presentation will be held in the auditorium at the Butte-Silver Bow Public Archives located at 17 W. Quartz Street. Guests are encouraged to bring a sack lunch. Coffee and water will be provided.

Brown Bag Lunches are held on the second and fourth Wednesdays of every month. Upcoming lectures will focus on topics of local interest. For more information, contact the Archives at (406)782-3280.