‘Mount Rushmore’ of Little Bighorn historians to convene for landmark 150th anniversary panel

[CROW AGENCY, MT] — The Friends of the Little Bighorn Battlefield invites everyone to hear speakers discuss: “From Custer to today: 150 years of anniversaries, changing perspectives and evolving interpretations.”
The men who helped the world see the Little Bighorn are gathering for one night only. Scheduled as a cornerstone event closing the Park Service 150th anniversary commemorations, the evening will bypass traditional lectures in favor of an intimate, open conversation about the battle’s enduring cultural and historical legacy.

Speakers include

• Neil Mangum: Former Superintendent of Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, and current Friends board member.
• John Doerner: Former Chief Historian of Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument.
• Billford Curley: Northern Cheyenne, current Friends board member, and leader of the annual June 25th Peace Through Unity sunrise ceremony at the Indian Memorial.
• Steve Adelson: Retired NPS Ranger interpreter for 13 years, and author of Little Bighorn: Voices from a Distant Wind.
• Michael Hasch: Current NPS Ranger interpreter providing powerful ‘Battle Talks’ on Last Stand Hill.

“This is not an evening of reading papers,” says Bob Reece, President of Friends. “This is an open discussion regarding important anniversaries at Little Bighorn Battlefield, and how telling its story has evolved since the Park Service began its stewardship of the battlefield in 1940.”

Event Info:
When: June 27, 2026, 8:00-10:00 PM. Doors open at 7:30 PM.
Where: Hardin Middle School Auditorium, 611 5th St W, Hardin, MT.
Tickets/Admission: Free to the Public. A gift for Montana and Wyoming from Friends.
Record: The event will be recorded for social media platforms.
About the Friends of the Little Bighorn Battlefield:
Friends is a non-profit organization and partner with the National Park Service dedicated to philanthropy, preservation, and interpretation of the Battle of the Little Bighorn.

-Friends of the Little Bighorn Battlefield