Presentation about ghost town of Coolidge to be held at Archives on April 8

Ayme Swartz and Ciara Pares Kempf will give a presentation on “Coolidge: Life Behind the Ghost Town” and its history at the Butte-Silver Bow Public Archives’ Brown Bag Lunch Series at noon on Wednesday, April 8, at 17 W. Quartz St.

Coolidge, located on the Pioneer Mountain Scenic Byway, is the home of the largest silver mill in Montana, yet it only operated to capacity for about six months.

The speakers will look at the rise and fall of the mining camp, examine what life was like for residents during its 1920s heyday, and introduce how a proposed self-guided tour will improve visitors' experiences.

Swartz, a forest archeologist, and Kempf, a historian and writer, will also discuss future opportunities to help stabilize and protect what remains of this unique ghost town after the U.S. Forest Service wraps up reclamation efforts at the mill site in late summer 2026.

The presentation will be held in the Archives auditorium. Guests are encouraged to bring a sack lunch. Coffee and water will be provided. For more details, call 406-782-3280.