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The Extreme History Project UNEARTHING the PAST at the CROSSROADS of CULTURES

FOUNDATIONS FOUNDATIONS FOUNDATIONS FOUNDATIONS ▪ 2011 2011 2011 2011

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Table of Contents

1.1.1.1. History isn’t PrettyHistory isn’t PrettyHistory isn’t PrettyHistory isn’t Pretty ---------------------------------------------------------------- 1 1 1 1

2.2.2.2. The View from AboveThe View from AboveThe View from AboveThe View from Above --------------------------------------------------------------------3333

3.3.3.3. The HistoricaThe HistoricaThe HistoricaThe Historical Actil Actil Actil Activist Manifesto / The vist Manifesto / The vist Manifesto / The vist Manifesto / The

Truth AgenTruth AgenTruth AgenTruth Agendadadada ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5555

4.4.4.4. Theoretical foundations of Historical Theoretical foundations of Historical Theoretical foundations of Historical Theoretical foundations of Historical

ActivismActivismActivismActivism ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6666

5.5.5.5. VisionVisionVisionVision ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11 11 11 11

6.6.6.6. LegsLegsLegsLegs ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 15 15 15 15

7.7.7.7. HeartHeartHeartHeart -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14 14 14 14

8.8.8.8. ArmsArmsArmsArms ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 15 15 15 15

9.9.9.9. HandsHandsHandsHands -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16 16 16 16

10.10.10.10. MindMindMindMind -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18 18 18 18

11.11.11.11. Voice Voice Voice Voice ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23 23 23 23

12.12.12.12. WingsWingsWingsWings ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 25 25 25 25

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History Isn't Pretty... but you wouldn’t know that from most history textbooks. We all learned about the fortitude

of George Washington as he courageously crossed the Delaware; the forthrightness of

Abraham Lincoln as he so generously freed the southern slaves; the glory of Manifest Destiny

and the honor of the Civil War. It sure looks so neat and tidy from this distance, but what we

don’t see is what’s missing: the voices of the downtrodden, the suffering of the subjugated,

the struggle of the powerless. How has our traditional historical paradigm benefitted our

society? Has it empowered us? Has it unified us? Has it dispelled ignorance, instilled tolerance

and offered us a collective cultural identity? We answer these questions with a resounding

NO!NO!NO!NO!

Historical ActivismHistorical ActivismHistorical ActivismHistorical Activism is an idea that grew out of our frustration with the

traditional historical paradigm. Through joint experiences and dialogue, we formulated a plan

to make history engaging, relevant and actualized as a means for social change. We searched

our souls for validation of historical knowledge. Why is history important? How does

knowledge of history benefit us? Does history have relevance beyond the academy? Can

history be used as a means for social change? Our answer is a resounding YES! YES! YES! YES! After

much discussion, we found that there were important and substantial reasons for learning

and understanding history and that this knowledge has significant relevance to address real

social problems. Through these discussions and ideas, we discovered that we could create a

new historical paradigm that would empower, unify and instill tolerance which could lead to a

better world for everyone. This was the moment the Extreme History Extreme History Extreme History Extreme History ProjectProjectProjectProject was born.

Our first project very clearly fit these ideas as we began to explore the reservation period of

the Plains Indians and in particular, the Crow People. Immediately we found new challenges

which would require new tools to add to our new methods of Historical Historical Historical Historical ActivismActivismActivismActivism. The reservation period of the American Indian is a painful and difficult history

to uncover. In many ways it’s an ugly history. In order to penetrate it, difficult questions had

to be asked; partnerships had to be built and trust had to permeate the process. Traditionally,

such subjects have been ignoredignoredignoredignored or denieddenieddenieddenied in order to avoid discomfort and

deflect blamedeflect blamedeflect blamedeflect blame. Not only have these choices blocked our knowledge of history, it has

caused tremendous harm to descendant populations still burdened with the weight of their

ancestors’ suffering. Could validationvalidationvalidationvalidation through honest dialogue and collaboration

begin to heal the generational cultural trauma? This is the assumption we are bringing to this

project which has the potential to offer a valuable tool to work with descendant descendant descendant descendant communities communities communities communities and the general public.

Our process couples traditional historical research with oral histories and dialogue around

difficult issues, including new languagelanguagelanguagelanguage and terminologyterminologyterminologyterminology which will facilitate

dialogue without causing retreat due to feelings of disrespect. Descendant communities still

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feel the raw pain of the suffering of their ancestors and the legacy of their history. Seemingly

innocuous words and terms used by those viewed as representatives of the harming

community can be interpreted as disrespectful by the descendant community. Use of such

terms in a dialogue can cause an immediate stoppagestoppagestoppagestoppage of progress. Are there new

words and terms that we can use, empty of the baggage of historyempty of the baggage of historyempty of the baggage of historyempty of the baggage of history, to keep the discussion moving forward? Our project hopes to create a model for such

dialogue.

Historical ActivismHistorical ActivismHistorical ActivismHistorical Activism doesn’t shy away from the tough topics and controversial

issues. It courageously moves into the challenges in order to open a dialogue and

move toward a process of healing. It is fearlessfearlessfearlessfearless, thoughtfulthoughtfulthoughtfulthoughtful and engaging in its

inception, process and result. Its goals are challenging and its standards are high because the

results have the potential for nothing less than powerful social changepowerful social changepowerful social changepowerful social change. It is

not our goal, it is our imperativeimperativeimperativeimperative.

This document hopes to manifest into reality, our hopes and dreams for this project as we

look towards the whowhowhowho, whatwhatwhatwhat, whenwhenwhenwhen, wherewherewherewhere and howhowhowhow of achieving this imperative. As

history is made up of the endless collective stories of humanity, this document is organized

around our humanness. Our VISIONVISIONVISIONVISION looks towards our short-term and long-term

PLANS AND GOALSPLANS AND GOALSPLANS AND GOALSPLANS AND GOALS. The LEGSLEGSLEGSLEGS of our organization provide the FINANCIAL FINANCIAL FINANCIAL FINANCIAL STABILITY and support for us to make our dreams reality. Our PEOPLEPEOPLEPEOPLEPEOPLE are the HEARTHEARTHEARTHEART of

our organization. Who they are, what they will contribute, what roles they will play are the

means of pumping the life blood through the organization’s system. Our collective MINDMINDMINDMIND produces the ideas for our PROJECTSPROJECTSPROJECTSPROJECTS which we hope to implement. Our ARMSARMSARMSARMS embrace

OTHERSOTHERSOTHERSOTHERS whose vision, goals and projects follow our new paradigm and need our support.

We join hands with our brother and sister organizations to collaborate and empower each

other and our joint goals. Our WINGSWINGSWINGSWINGS allow us to fly to new heights and dream NEW NEW NEW NEW DREAMSDREAMSDREAMSDREAMS as our journey continues.

History isn’t prettyHistory isn’t prettyHistory isn’t prettyHistory isn’t pretty…but by recognizing and acknowledging its ugliness; its

pain; its dirtiness; its shame, we can find a new way of reaching out to each other in

tolerancetolerancetolerancetolerance, acceptance acceptance acceptance acceptance and unityunityunityunity.

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The View From Above

The Extreme History Project was organized exclusively for charitable and educational

purposes. Specifically, the Extreme History Project creates and supports, events, programs,

publications, research and any public offerings which promote social change through the

understanding of shared history.

Social ills such as cultural and historical trauma, prejudices, historical denial and other such

problems undermine the fabric of society by creating divisions, anger and hate. Often these

problems stem from a lack of understanding and transparency of the underlining history

which caused the formation of these conditions. The Extreme History Project looks for

opportunities to research and present such history as a means to start a dialogue which can

lead to healing individuals, communities and society as a whole. An understanding of our

shared history and the complexities which formed our modern society, has the potential to

ignite a sympathy / empathy response where only misunderstanding and antipathy previously

existed. This response can lead to building bridges between alienated communities, as well as

sharing in the reconstruction of a new social paradigm.

The Extreme History Project began as a means of making the humanities more fun,

interesting and accessible to the general public and as a real means of generating social

change. The Project hopes to encompass a variety of events and activities which will enhance

the public’s understanding of how history has shaped our present and how understanding

that legacy can affect the way we behave towards one another. Extreme History believes in

setting a Truth Agenda which will work toward eradicating political and social agendas from

the traditional historical narratives and pursue a more balanced and honest expression of the

past.

The Extreme History Project is the brainchild of Marsha Fulton and Crystal Alegria who will

function as compensated co-directors of the organization.

Marsha Fulton brings a variety of experience, skills and interests to the table. As a University

Professor, Marsha has taught in both the Anthropology and Art History departments of

several universities including Kent State University in Ohio, William Paterson University in New

Jersey and the State University of New York at New Paltz. Her museum background includes

working in the North American Archaeology Lab at the American Museum of Natural History

in New York City and remodeling the Native Cultures area of the Yellowstone Gateway

Museum in Livingston, MT. She has also worked at many North American archaeological sites

around the country and has developed several archaeology educational programs for K-12

students. Her business experience includes a degree in Marketing as well as 15 years of retail

management. She has contributed her marketing skills to several non-profit organizations and

specializes in web-based marketing opportunities. She also has experience in both theatrical

and interior design.

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Crystal Alegria has worked in the field of heritage and archaeological education for the past

ten years with an emphasis on curriculum development for upper elementary students.

Crystal has worked for a variety of museums doing curation, exhibit design, collections

management, and curricular development. She is presently on the Bozeman Historic

Preservation Advisory Board and is Vice President of the Montana Archaeological Society.

Research interests include community archaeology, archaeology education, participatory

action research, and public archaeology. Crystal has a B.S. in Anthropology and a M.A. in

History from Montana State University.

The Extreme History Project will research, create and implement events, activities, films,

publications, presentations and other public offerings which educate the public about our

shared past and create dialogue around historical origins of modern social problems. We will

also fund, support and promote others doing work that fits within our mission and guidelines.

The Extreme History Project hopes to build a network of partners and collaborators to extend

the boundaries of our present work and create a new educational paradigm for the relevancy

of public history.

The Extreme History Project administrative and grant-awarding will be generally funded

through both corporate and individual donations, fundraising events, promotional events,

historical tours, research services, merchandise sales and online income generating

opportunities. Individual projects initiated by the Extreme History Project will be funded

through grant-writing in addition to the general fundraising mentioned above.

This corporation is organized exclusively for educational purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code,

including, for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under sec-

tion 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or the corresponding section of any future United States Internal Revenue law.

Upon the winding up and dissolution of the corporation, after paying or adequately providing for the debts and obligations of the

corporation, the remaining assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the

Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code.

No part of the net earnings of the corporation shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to, any of its members, trustees, officers or

other private persons, except that the corporation shall be authorized to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make

payments and distributions in furtherance of the exempt purposes.

No substantial part of the activities of the corporation shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence

legislation, and the corporation shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political

campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office.

Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, the corporation shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on

(a) by a corporation exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of

any future federal tax code, or (b) by a corporation, contributions to which are deductible under section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue

Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code.

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The Historical Activist

Manifesto

We, the Historical Activists, are committed to bringing cultures together through

dialogue, history, archaeology, stories or ANY MEANS NECESSARY ; Eradicating

ignorance and promoting unity through education and interaction;

connecting people with places and objects that express the

HISTORICAL MOMENT; Exploring and creating new avenues of transmitting knowledge;

Actively engaging in political / social REVOLUTIONARY PARADIGM SHIFTS; Committing

RANDOM ACTS OF HISTORY.

The Truth Agenda

THE EXTREME HISTORY PROJECTTHE EXTREME HISTORY PROJECTTHE EXTREME HISTORY PROJECTTHE EXTREME HISTORY PROJECT is dedicated to eradicating political and social agendas from

traditional historical narratives and pursuing a more balanced and honest

expression of the past.

• To examine historical narratives from multiple voices.

• To view historical narratives through multiple lenses.

� Political

� Economic

� Gender

� Cultural

� Social

• To provide new facts that revise past fallacies based on certain agendas.

• To differentiate fact from legend in historical accounts.

• To expose lesser known historical narratives which shift the understanding of the

historical era or event to a more balanced

perspective.

• To promote historical writings that follow the TRUTH AGENDA.

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Theoretical Foundations of

Historical Activism

Foundational Assumptions

• The Extreme History ProjectThe Extreme History ProjectThe Extreme History ProjectThe Extreme History Project seeks positive social change through

a deeper and richer understanding of our shared historyshared historyshared historyshared history.

• Experiencing history in a unique and innovative way creates an impact which leads to a

deeper and richerdeeper and richerdeeper and richerdeeper and richer understanding understanding understanding understanding of that history.

• a deeper and richer understanding of history:

o offers an individual cultural identitycultural identitycultural identitycultural identity which opens up an

understanding of ones place in the world leading toward a sense of belonging

for descendant communities.

o offers historicahistoricahistoricahistorical l l l modelsmodelsmodelsmodels of modern issues and problems which can

inspire solutions – either by learning from what worked in the past or what

didn’t.

o offers a sympathy / empathysympathy / empathysympathy / empathysympathy / empathy response between disparate

communities creating a deeper connection to others and their plights,

building bridges and leading towards tolerance, acceptance and respect.

o offers a foundation for understanding how people, places, systems, and

institutions evolved into what they are today, dispelling myths dispelling myths dispelling myths dispelling myths and misconceptionsand misconceptionsand misconceptionsand misconceptions and leading towards insight and

understanding.

o offers community engagementcommunity engagementcommunity engagementcommunity engagement around shared connections leading

toward unity.

o Encourages supportsupportsupportsupport for historical / heritage / preservation projects and

programs leading towards sustainabilitysustainabilitysustainabilitysustainability.

• Offering individuals and communities a shared and respected cultural identity, a sense

of belonging, resources for problem-solving, insight and understanding, encouraging

tolerance, acceptance and respect and creating unity can manifest in profound profound profound profound positive positive positive positive social changesocial changesocial changesocial change.

• The The The The Extreme HistoryExtreme HistoryExtreme HistoryExtreme History Project Project Project Project seeks positive social change through

a deeper and richer understanding of our shared historyshared historyshared historyshared history.

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Cultural / Historical Trauma

In “The American Indian Holocaust: Healing Unresolved Greif” The authors write

“American Indians experienced massive losses of lives, land, and culture from

European contact and colonization resulting in a long legacy of chronic trauma and

unresolved grief across generations. This phenomenon, called historical unresolved

grief, contributes to current social pathology of high rates of suicide, homicide,

domestic violence, child abuse, alcoholism and other social problems among American

Indians.”

Jeffrey Alexander writes in Cultural Trauma and Collective Identity, “By allowing

members of wider publics to participate in the pain of others, cultural traumas

broaden the realm of social understanding and sympathy, and they provide powerful

avenues for new forms of social incorporation.”

Yellow Horse Brave Heart, Maria, Ph.D and Lemyra M. DeBruyn, Ph.d, “The American Indian Holocaust: Healing Historical

Unresolved Grief.”

http://www.theannainstitute.org/American%20Indians%20and%20Alaska%20Natives/American_Indian_holocaust.pdf

Alexander, Jeffrey. “Towards a Theory of Cultural Trauma” in Cultural Trauma and Collective Identity. Jeffrey, et al. eds. Berkeley:

University of California Press, 2004

The Extreme History Project recognizes the experience of historical unresolved grief in

Native American populations, among others, and hopes to educate the wider public

about the historical events that led to this historical trauma in order to provide such

avenues for sympathy and social understanding.

Cultural Identity Theory

In “A Cultural Theory of Drug Abuse,” Tammy L. Anderson uses Cultural Identity Theory

to propose that drug abuse is an outcome of a drug-related identity change process

which results from both personal and social marginalization. She explains the concept

of social marginalization as “an individual’s disadvantaged or oppressed economic,

social and cultural situation in comparison to important groups and / or entities

around him or her.” She supports this association between social marginalization and

drug abuse by noting that ”research shows increased levels of drug and alcohol use

and abuse among ethnic and racial minorities with increased pressure to adopt white-

centered cultural norms.” She concludes that “drugs are sought as the solution

because they provide . . . material symbolism, affect control, and identity creation.”

Anderson, Tammy L. “A Cultural Identity Theory of Drug Abuse”

http://people.oregonstate.edu/~flayb/TTI%20citations/Substance%20use/Anderson%2098%20Cultural%20Identity%20T

heroy%20of%20Drug%20Abuse.pdf

The Extreme History Project recognizes increased levels of drug and alcohol abuse on

Native American reservations and suggests that such high levels may be a result of

social and cultural marginalization of Native American populations. Extreme History

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believes that by increasing a sympathetic awareness of the historical events that have

led to the marginalization of Native American populations, such marginalization will

decrease along with drug and alcohol abuse.

Community Engagement In “Promoting health through community development,” community engagement is

defined as “the process of working collaboratively with and through groups of people

affiliated by geographic proximity, special interest, or similar situations to address

issues affecting the well-being of those people. It is a powerful vehicle for bringing

about environmental and behavioral changes that will improve the health of the

community and its members. It often involves partnerships and coalitions that help

mobilize resources and influence systems, change relationships among partners, and

serve as catalysts for changing policies, programs, and practices.” Such community

collaboration, as noted in “Citizen involvement in community health promotion: a role

application of CDC’s PATCH model” has “demonstrated that a population can achieve

long-term health improvements when people become involved in their community

and work together to effect change.”

Fawcett SB, Paine-Andrews A, Francisco VT, Vliet M. Promoting health through community development. In: Glenwick, DS; Jason,

LA (editors). Promoting health and mental health in children, youth and families. New York: Springer Publishing Company; 1993.

Hanson P. Citizen involvement in community health promotion: a role application of CDC’s PATCH model. International Quarterly

of Community Health Education 1988-89;9(3):177-186.

The Extreme History Project recognizes that the overall health of a community can be

positively affected by collaboration and engagement. The Extreme History Project will

create opportunities for communities to engage and collaborate around projects which

express and examine their shared histories in order to facilitate healthy community

development. Furthermore, we hope to engage multiple communities in projects that

build social bridges and create unity among disparate communities which have been

estranged due to historical processes.

Democratic Education Democratic Education proposes that:

“If living in democratic societies committed to human rights creates well-being,

AND

If people learn primarily based on the people and environment that surrounds them,

AND

If culture is transmitted from one generation to another,

THEN

We need to create environments where people of all ages, especially youth, are

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immersed in the values, practices, and beliefs of democratic societies and human

rights.”

If we live in a democratic society based on participation, empowerment and

democracy, shouldn’t we employ those same principles in the educational process?

This is the foundation of Democratic Education. Dana Bennis explains that “Democratic

education sees young people not as passive recipients of knowledge, but rather as

active co-creators of their own learning. They are not the products of an education

system, but rather valued participants in a vibrant learning community.” Furthermore,

Bennis finds that “By supporting the individual development of each young person

within a caring community, democratic education helps young people learn about

themselves, engage with the world around them, and become positive and

contributing members of society. “

“Studies show that educational environments engaging young people as active

participants in their own learning are linked with higher student attendance and

student achievement, greater creativity and conceptual learning, and increased

intrinsic motivation and determination in learning. Moreover, recent brain and

cognitive research points to the value of the democratic education learning

environment, including key elements such as collaborative projects, age mixing,

learning through active experiences, and the importance of a caring community.”

Bennis concludes by suggesting that “democratic education is important not only for

the benefit to the young people who experience such a learning environment.

Democratic education also carries the potential for a broader societal impact, as the

self-determined and caring individuals who experience democratic education will be

the leaders in building a more democratic, vibrant, and just society.”

Bennis, Dana “What is Democratic Education?”

http://www.democraticeducation.org/index.php/features/what_is_democratic_education

The Extreme History Project recognizes that active engagement and co-creation are

powerful tools for learning among everyone, including young people. We will

implement opportunities for communities to actively engage and participate in

historical learning in order to implant the understanding of historical legacy. Such

means of transferring knowledge will make a powerful impression on individuals and

communities creating opportunities for real social dialogue. Furthermore, The Extreme

History Project will implement the fundamental directives of Democratic Education in

all of their educational offerings in order to build a future of leaders who will

understand that every action has its historical consequences.

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Vision Cassandra was given the gift of prophecy by Apollo in Greek mythology.

The future is a mysterious place but humans have the gift of intention. Here are the Extreme

History Projects intentions for the next ten years.

1-year plan (2012)

o Establish 501c3 status

o Complete and publish Fort Parker Book

o 3D digitalization of the Fort Parker site – Tim Urbaniak of MSU Billings

o In production with Fort Parker Documentary

o Complete Fort Parker Acquisition with the Archaeological Conservancy

o In process of Fort Parker Oral History Project

o Creating Fort Parker Digital Research Archive

o Initiate Extreme History Tours at Virginia City

5-year plan (2017)

o Archaeological survey at Fort Parker

� Non-invasive survey

� Test units

o Created and distribute a Fort Parker Curriculum in conjunction with Project

Archaeology

o Create and tour a Fort Parker and Stillwater Agency Traveling Exhibit

o Creating and presenting Fort Parker Educational opportunities

o Establish funding sources for project grants to outside projects

� Lecture series

� Publications

� Merchandise

� Fundraising events

� Corporate sponsorship

� Individual funding

o Supporting other projects concerning reservation period

o Planning stages of Interpretive center

o Writing additional Fort Parker Books and publications

o Create model for reservation period work and research

� Present at conferences

o Establishing opportunities for Crow events at Fort Parker

o Continuing historical tours and lectures

10-year plan

o Fort Parker Archaeological Park and interpretive center

� Museum and curatorial facilities

o Creating new projects that express our mission

o supporting projects expressing reservation period history

o Cultural and Historical Trauma workshops and research

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Legs

The mythical mermaids swam with fins under the seas but could grow legs on land for

a short time. Legs are the foundations of humans. They support us and propel us

forward. The legs of the Extreme History Project also support and propel the

organization by offering a firm financial foundation.

o Historical Tourism: The Extreme History Project will create and offer unique historical

tourism opportunities for students, teachers and the general public. Such tours will

include accommodations, experiences, lectures and talks, special “behind-the-scenes”

tours and other opportunities and activities. These tours will be marketed to the

“history buff” interested in a fully organized and authentic historical experience. We

will initiate these tours in the summer of 2012 at Virginia City, Montana. The Extreme

History Project will earn a percentage of the tour price.

o Research Services: The Extreme History Project will offer historical research services

for a fee to organizations, institutions and businesses that require historical research

for their projects. Monies earned from such research will go toward funding Extreme

History projects and events.

o Publications and Merchandise: The Extreme History Project will create and sell

publications, documents and merchandise whose income will help fund Extreme

History administration and projects.

o Corporate Sponsorship: Extreme History will look to the corporate world for

sponsorship and funding for both administrative expenses and projects.

o Individual funding: Extreme History will partner with Fundraising Consultant Laurie

Bishop to identify and contact individuals and foundations for financial support.

o Event fundraising: Extreme History will create local fundraising events to earn income

for administrative costs and projects as well as to earn support and good-will in the

community.

o Grant-writing: Extreme History will write grants for specific projects.

o Online sources of income

� Donation pages: Extreme History will utilize charitable and donation websites

to request funding from the online community.

� Internet Marketing: Extreme History will create an Internet marketing

presence utilizing such online income opportunities as Google ad-share,

Squidoo, Associated Content, Café Press and other such income generating

pages to earn a regular passive income.

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Heart The human heart is a wondrous thing. It regularly beats, pumping

life’s blood to all of the functions of the body. The life’s blood of Extreme History is its

people. The scope of our dreams requires support and assistance from a wide variety of

people and organizations. Our friendships and connections will create the heart of The

Extreme History Project:

o Historical Activists and Co-directors: Marsha Fulton and Crystal Alegria

o Board of Directors: Shane Doyle – education (Montana State University, Kevin

Kooistra - History (Western Heritage Center), Scott Carpenter - archaeology

(InterResources Management)

o Partnerships: Adam Sings in the Timber (photography and filmmaking), Barney

Old Coyote (Crow Tribe Historian), Tim and Randy Jacobson (Up A Creek Films),

Zena Dell Lowe (writing and filmmaking), Jim Walker (The Archaeological

Conservancy), Rosamond Stanton (The Archaeological Conservancy), Bill

Peterson (History and Tourism), Kate McCourt (Virginia City Archaeology),

Steve Platt (Archaeologist, Montana Dept. of Transportation), Pennie Redli

(Director, Museum of the Bearthooths), Susan Stewart (Director, Plenty Coups

State Park and Museum), Pat Bauerle, Mardell Plainfeather, Tim Urbaniak, Tim

McCleary (Crow Tribe Archaeologist), Shelly Bluejay Pierce (Public Relations).

o Partnering Organizations: Project Archaeology, The Archaeological

Conservancy, The Crow Tribe, Montana State University, Museum of the

Rockies, Montana Heritage Commission, Montana Department of

Transportation, Montana Archaeological Society, Museum Association of

Montana, Museum of the Beartooths, Little Big Horn College, University of

Montana, The Montana State Historic Preservation Office, National Museum of

the American Indian, Plenty Coups State Park and Museum. The Western

Heritage Center.

o Consultants: Steve Aaburg (archaeology), Jack Fisher (archaeology), Jeanne

Moe (archaeology education), Ivy Merriott (education), Laurie Bishop

(fundraising), Bonnie Satchetello-Sawyer (Crow Tribal issues), Tim Urbaniak

(technology), Kate Hampton (Historic Preservation), Janine Pease (education),

Denise Juneau (education), Bill Yellowtail (tribal issues and government), Brad

Robinson (non-profit support).

o Supporters: Pat Davidson, Jim Bechtel (artist), Philip Fletcher, Storrs Bishop

(artist), Stan Wilmoth (Montana State Archaeologist), Mark Baumler (Montana

State Historic Preservation Officer) , Ellen Baumler (Montana Historian), Helen

Keremediev (Historian), Cheri Botic (Archaeologist, Historian), Terri Blackburn

(Fort Parker descendant), Terence Capellini (Archaeologist, Forensic

Anthropologist).

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Arms

The embrace of enfolding arms offering comfort, assistance, support and confidence. Humans

are blessed with long, enveloping arms to reach out and hold each other close.

The Extreme History Project wishes to reach out its long arms to recognize and support

projects and other work which promote ideas that are central to our mission. We will offer

such projects a home at Extreme History where we can partner and help fiscally manage such

projects. We will follow through with support and promotion of such projects in the hopes

of inspiring other individuals, groups or organizations to promote the ideals of historical

activism. We will also promote projects, work and ideas on our website which express similar

thoughts and motives as to our own. Finally, we will mentor and advise others wishing to

create projects which share our mission and goals.

Support Criteria:

Selection of collaborative opportunities will be based on Board’s understanding of

� alliance with the goals and mission of the Extreme History Project

� the quality and thoroughness of the project and its outcome

� proper and quality evaluation procedures of project

� Quality, experience and integrity of the people involved with the project.

What The Extreme History Project can potentially offer such partnerships

� Grant finding and writing assistance

� Fiscal management of awarded grants

� Project planning and organizing assistance

� Project management

� Work and meeting space

� Advertising and marketing assistance

� Graphic Design assistance

� Mentoring and guidance

The Extreme History Project hopes to pave the way for others interested in finding ways of

making history relevant in order to make a better world.

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Hands The Gemini twins, Castor and Pollux, were inseparable, though one was immortal and one

human. Even in their differences, they benefitted and supported each other through many

heroic deeds. The Extreme History Project holds out its hands to its organizational “brothers”

with whom it hopes to collaborate and mutually support. The Extreme History Project’s Co-

Directors are integrally connected to these organizations and the boundaries of their roles in

each organization are defined here.

Project Archaeology Project Archaeology is a national heritage education organization. Project Archaeology

is based out of Montana State University (MSU) in Bozeman, MT. Project Archaeology

uses archaeological inquiry to foster understanding of past and present cultures;

improve social studies and science education; and enhance citizenship education to

help preserve our archaeological legacy. Project Archaeology is a comprehensive

archaeology and heritage education program for everyone interested in learning or

teaching about our nation’s rich cultural legacy and protecting it for future generations

to learn from and enjoy. Project Archaeology includes publications, professional

development for educators, networking opportunities, and continuing support for

participants. Using an innovative hands-on approach to history, Project Archaeology

teaches scientific inquiry, citizenship, personal ethics and character, and cultural

understanding. Project Archaeology focuses on designing curriculum for upper

elementary age students in formal teaching arenas. This curriculum is then delivered

via professional development to educators who attend Project Archaeology

workshops, courses, and events. Project Archaeology has focused on the formal

education system, and is working towards developing curriculum for students in

informal settings such as museums, interpretive Centers and other informal learning

venues. Project Archaeology is currently funded by state and federal funds, the

majority of funding coming through the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

Project Archaeology and the Extreme History Project are currently collaborating on a joint

endeavor: the Crow Indian Oral History Project. We hope to continue this mutually beneficial

relationship with more opportunities in the future. Such collaboration requires defined

boundaries and here the boundaries are clearly defined. Aspects of the project having to do

with archaeology-based K-8 curriculum are defined as Project Archaeology opportunities and

responsibilities. All other aspects of projects will be defined as Extreme History

responsibilities.

The Extreme History Project’s Co-Director Crystal Alegria is the Montana State Coordinator for

Project Archaeology. As such, she earns a regular salary from Project Archaeology as well as

being additionally compensated for any teacher workshops which she organizes and

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implements. In joint projects between The Extreme History Project and Project Archaeology,

Crystal’s compensation will be clearly defined as to which organization will be providing the

compensation. This information will be written in a statement which will be included in the

project paperwork. Such situations will be determined on a case-by-case basis and will include

input by the Board of the Extreme History Project as well as the Project Lead from Project

Archaeology.

The Extreme History Project’s Co-Director Marsha Fulton occasionally contracts with Project

Archaeology to provide assistance to Crystal Alegria when requested. Such contracts will be

clearly defined as Project Archaeology-based opportunities with compensation being paid

through Project Archaeology. In instances of collaboration between Project Archaeology and

the Extreme History Project, Marsha’s compensation will be solely provided by the Extreme

History Project and her role will be solely as an employee of the Extreme History Project.

The Montana Site Stewardship Program Crystal Alegria is also the director of the Montana Site Stewardship Program. The MSSP

promotes public awareness of both pre-contact and historic cultural resources in

Montana. The program trains volunteers to monitor archaeological and historical sites

in danger of acts of nature, theft or vandalism. Crystal is compensated for her work

with the Montana Site Stewardship Program. In any joint ventures between the

Montana Site Stewardship Program and The Extreme History Project, Crystal’s

compensation will be clearly defined by each program and documented within the

project plan.

The Montana Archaeological Society The Montana Archaeological Society was created to stimulate interest in and promote

research into the archaeology of Montana. Encourage increased public appreciation and

involvement in this fascinating process. Develop a bond among both professionals and non-

professionals interested in Montana archaeology and to direct their efforts into scientific

channels and to advocate and assist in the conservation and preservation of archaeological

sites and materials.

Crystal Alegria is President of the Montana Archaeological Society for 2011-12 and Marsha

Fulton is a board member. The annual society conference will be a forum for Extreme History

projects and presentations.

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Mind

The human imagination is the foundation of all human actions. The mind of Extreme

history is limited only as far as our imaginations can soar. Countless projects wait on

the horizon. Here are our first adventures.

THE FORT PARKER PROJECTTHE FORT PARKER PROJECTTHE FORT PARKER PROJECTTHE FORT PARKER PROJECT

Project MissionProject MissionProject MissionProject Mission:

� Learn more about Fort Parker to understand the history of the reservation period from

multiple viewpoints and multiple voices.

� To understand the legacy of the reservation period for all peoples

� To explore this history for potential answers to current reservation issues.

� To educate the communities of this time period and its legacy

� To generate compassion for the Apsáalooke legacy of the reservation and a call for action.

� To generate an understanding of the complexity of the human condition which will lead to

compassion and tolerance.

� To instill a sense of stewardship for these sites which protects our shared history in order

for them to live in our consciousness and inform our courses of future action.

ProjectProjectProjectProject DescriptionDescriptionDescriptionDescription:

Fort Parker was the first Crow Indian Agency established by the Fort Laramie

Treaty of 1868. Constructed in the spring of 1869, its beginnings paralleled the

beginnings in a change of attitude and policy initiated by President Ulysses S. Grant

when he took office the same year. As the first agency for the Crow Tribe, Fort

Parker marked the beginning of a forced transition from their traditional buffalo

hunting lifestyle to a sedentary ranching / farming subsistence. This transition was

the culmination of a complex web of movements and events which included

increasing European settlement in the West, decreasing buffalo herds, mining and

the discovery of gold in Montana, the planned routes of the coming railroad, and

the violent reaction to these pressures by their traditional enemies, the Sioux.

On the national level, the ending of the Civil War shifted the spotlight to the

increasing violence by Western Indian tribes due to increasing pressures of non-

Indian encroachment. Older policies founded in Andrew Jackson’s Indian Removal

policy of the 1830s had failed and Eastern outrage over newly uncovered horrors

such as the Sand Creek Massacre forced Grant to turn to religious leadership in

order to develop a new approach to dealing with Western concerns. Grant’s

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“peace” policy, as it would come to be known, will begin to take form during the

period of Fort Parker, 1869 – 1875. Seen as a mixed bag, Grant’s policy would

come to dissolve the recognition of the collective tribal entity; however, it will also

pave the road to Indian citizenship, eventually obtained in 1924.

Grant’s “peace” policy will play out at Fort Parker in 1873 when Felix R. Brunot,

head of the Board of Indian Commissioners – an entity created by Grant to oversee

the previously corrupted Indian administration – comes to the agency for six days

of negotiations with the Crow tribe. These negotiations will lead to the cession of a

considerable part of the reservation and the relocation of the agency headquarters

to the Stillwater River. This event marks the intersection of local and national

history as Grant’s policy plays out at Fort Parker and a delegation of Crow tribal

chiefs travel to Washington to meet the president.

For the Crow tribe, much of this history has been lost. Their ancestors who lived

through this period chose not to “officially” remember the pain and suffering by

marking it within the known oral tradition. Today, however, members of the tribe

hope to recover this important part of their history. Though a time of great

difficulty and change, it was also a place where ancestors were born, married and

died, where significant events occurred that shaped who they are today and as

such, it is a place to be known. The Extreme History Project hopes to work with

members of the tribe to return this history to the Crow people by making Fort

Parker and the early reservation period: 1851 – 1875, the focus of this project.

Project Outcomes:Project Outcomes:Project Outcomes:Project Outcomes:

� Fort Parker Documentary Crystal and Marsha have been approached by PBS

Montana to create a documentary based on the book and the reservation period

for the Crow Tribe. Extreme History will partner with Randi and Tim Jacobson of Up

A Creek Films to create this film which hopes to highlight the legacy of the

reservation period on life on the Crow Reservation today.

� Fort Parker Site Acquisition The site of Fort Parker is in private hands. Extreme

History has been in contact with the Archaeological Conservancy to acquire the site

from the current landowners and preserve it for posterity. Extreme History will

partner with the Conservancy to monitor the site, create interpretation and

educational programming for the site. Extreme History will also partner with the

current Fort Parker landowners to create historical tourism opportunities for the

Mission Creek Lodge.

� Fort Parker Oral History Project In order to get the Crow perspective on Fort

Parker and its time period, Extreme History in collaboration with Project

Archaeology has received a grant from the Montana Department of Transportation

to film and document Crow oral histories of Fort Parker and the reservation period.

The transcripts and media will be made available to the general public by

distribution to various institutions in Montana as well as several planned and

ongoing public presentations.

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� Fort Parker Digital Research Archive Extreme History will create an online digital

research archive of all Fort Parker materials making future research easily

accessible through the Extreme History Website.

ExtExtExtExtreme History Experiencesreme History Experiencesreme History Experiencesreme History Experiences People love history. This fact is clear from the success of documentaries on the History

and Discovery Channels and the numbers of tourists flocking to important historical

sites around the country. From Gettysburg to the Getty Museum, people from all over

the world want to experience history in a personal and meaningful way. The Extreme

History Project recognizes this need to personally experience historical events and

places and will meet this need by creating and offering unique historical opportunities

and experiences. These experiences will include:

� Historian-guided tours of historical sites

� Archaeology volunteer opportunities at excavations

� Museum volunteer opportunities

� School field trips and opportunities

� Teacher education opportunities

As an example of these tours, starting in the summer of 2012, The Extreme History

project will create a unique historical week-long vacation package for Virginia City

Montana. The travel package will include accommodation in a historic building in

Virginia City, guided tours of Virginia City and Nevada City by local historians and living

history specialists, including access to some of the areas off-limits to other visitors.

Curation volunteer experiences at the McFarland Curatorial facility, opportunity to

excavate at a real archaeological site in Nevada City along with organized social events

which will re-create the feeling of living in Virginia City during the time of the gold

rush. Participants will experience history in a unique and personal way, Virginia City

and the Montana Heritage Commission will gain needed revenue as well as some

volunteer assistance and the Extreme History Project will gain support and funding for

expenses. It’s a win – win situation for everyone involved.

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Voice

MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE! You can’t be known if you can’t be heard. The Extreme

History Project hopes to shout its mission and projects from the rooftops!

Our Marketing Plan

� Website and blog: The Extreme History Project Website and Blog is at

http://www.extremehistory.wordpress.com This will be our primary

online base of operations. Here we will regularly update our projects

and events, support and promote others whose work aligns with our

Mission as well as express our thoughts and ideas about the relevancy

of public history. Supporters can subscribe to the blog / website to

receive regular updates and all updates will be posted to Facebook. We

will also offer merchandise for sale on the website which will go toward

supporting our organization and projects.

� Newsletter: The Extreme History Project will offer a quarterly

newsletter called Historical Activism both in print form and online,

which will focus on the organizations mission, projects and impacts. This

will go out to all interested parties and also be linked on the website.

� Online Marketing and Promotion

• Squidoo: We will create a series of Squidoo Lenses (webpages)

which will describe the organization’s mission and projects as

well as offer special interest pages about interesting historical

information. Each Squidoo Lens will offer merchandise for sale

through Amazon, Café Press and other entities which we will

then earn a passive income through sales and visits. The Squidoo

Lenses will link to the webpage and the webpage will link to the

Lenses.

• YouTube: We will produce a variety of videos using photos, text

and music which will promote our various projects and support

our mission. These videos will be uploaded to YouTube and

linked to our website and Squidoo Lenses.

• Slideshare: All PowerPoint presentations, documents and

brochures will be uploaded to Slideshare and linked on our

Webpage and Squidoo Lenses.

• Facebook: We will create a facebook page and draw followers to

promote our mission and projects. All updates to any of our

online marketing will be posted to Facebook.

• Wikipedia: We will create a Wikipedia page for our organization

as well as for all of our projects. The Wikipedia page will link to

all of our online Marketing entities.

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• Flickr: Photos of events and projects will be uploaded to Flickr

and then linked to all of our online entities.

Our Public Relations Plan

� Writing and Publishing: We will continue to document and write about

our process and our perspective concerning historical activism and

publish these writings in a number of media and venues including:

magazines, newspapers and pamphlets as well as online blogs, forums

and sites such as Scribd.

� Public Presentations: We will occasionally offer free public

presentations on our mission and our work to build good will in the

community as well as keep our name and mission in mind of the

community.

� Press Releases: all steps in the process of projects as well as any new

changes to the organization will be communicated through press

releases to the general and online media.

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Wings

If man had wings he could escape the earthly plain and soar with the angels,

higher and higher, until he touched the face of the sun.

Our hopes for the Extreme History Project soar with winged man through the

atmosphere and beyond. With each commitment we make, with each project

we undertake, we expand our borders and connect with others whose ideas

align with ours.

� We will expand and make room for all those who seek future social

change through an understanding of the processes of past.

� We will invite them into the fold to expand our mission and our

accomplishments.

� We will take every opportunity to evaluate our methods, think outside

the box and make changes where necessary.

� We imagine growth beyond our limitations.