Born to African migrants, Alma Smith Jacobs pursued knowledge with all her heart. After graduating high school, she attended college receiving a degree in library science. She served as the head librarian of the Great Falls Public Library and later became the first African American Montana State Librarian.

Photo Courtesy of The History Museum, Great Falls, Montana

Annie was one of the first woman homesteaders in North Central Montana and she did it alone while raising multiple young children. Innovative in farming, she paved the way for other women to work the land. Annie’s legacy of wheat and barley continues today at her namesake taphouse in downtown Great Falls.

A fourth-generation Montanan, Norma Ashby Smith is a trailblazer and community advocate in every way. Called the “First Lady of Montana TV,” Norma spent more than two decades hosting “Today in Montana.” Norma founded the renowned Western Art Week, was named an honorary member of the Blackfeet Tribe, and continues to serve Great Falls in countless other ways.

One tough cookie, Stagecoach Mary was the first African American Woman to work as a star-route mail carrier. She was a beloved character in Montana history who could work, drink, and shoot a rifle just as well as any of the men. In fact, even better than some.

Photo Courtesy of The History Museum, Great Falls, Montana