Independent Historian

Kenneth “Ken” G. Robison is historian at the Overholser Historical Research Center in Fort Benton, Montana and the Great Falls/Cascade County Historic Preservation Commission in Great Falls, Montana. His M. A. in colonial history is from George Mason University, while his undergraduate degree is from the University of Montana. He co-authored the National Register nomination for Union Bethel A.M.E. Church in Great Falls; serves on the Montana Historical Society African American Heritage Committee; serves on the Board of Alma Smith Jacobs Foundation; authored articles on the Black experience in Montana, including “Breaking Racial Barriers ‘Everyone’s Welcome’ at the Ozark Club, Great Falls, Montana’s African American Nightclub” in Montana the Magazine of Western History, 62:2 (Summer 2012), 44-58. He was presented “Heritage Keeper Award” in 2010 by the Montana native of Montana Historical Society. He served a career in Naval Intelligence, retiring as a Captain.

Ken contributes to two websites: http://blackamericansmt.blogspot.com/ and http://www.fortbenton.blogspot.com/

Geraldine Washington Travis (1931- )

Geraldine W. Travis is the first African American elected to the MontanaState Legislature House of Representatives.   She worked actively to promote civil rights for African Americans, women, and children, and to break down racial barriers in Montana from 1967 to 1989. Geraldine Washington Travis was born in Albany, Georgia on September 3, … Read MoreGeraldine Washington Travis (1931- )