The Oral History Collection
In addition to the three radio series (found under the Programs tab), the Verdigris Project includes 100 new oral histories recorded in partnership with the Butte-Silver Bow Archives. These oral histories are also transcribed as part of the project, and will be available to the general public and researchers alike at the Archives, the Montana Memory Project, and the list below. As we complete the transcription and audio processing for each oral history, they will be posted here.
Oral histories are conducted by Archives Director Aubrey Jaap and
Clark Grant.
Alan Brown - Labor Relations Manager
Alan Brown talks with Clark Grant about his time as a labor relations manager for the Anaconda Company, including his role in shutting off the pumps at the Kelley Mine in Butte, Montana.
Bob Kovacich, Army Veteran and Lifelong Butte Musician
Bob “Ace” Kovacich tells us about his childhood in Butte in the 1940s, his time in the 101st Airborne, and his role in Butte bands spanning decades, including time in the well-known Renegades.
Bob Facincani, Korean War Veteran and High School Teacher
Bob Facincani, born in Butte in 1929, was drafted and fought in the Korean War. When he returned home, he became a teacher of German at Butte High School, a position he held for many years until he became librarian.
Betty Lester, Career Elementary School Teacher
Betty Lester taught at Kennedy Elementary school in Butte for 32 years. She is the grandchild of Anton Canonica and in this oral history tells of her own education and her childhood in Butte.
Andy Kuchtyn, Lifelong Miner For ACM and MR
Andy Kuchtyn’s oral history tells of his lively childhood in East Butte (including some big accidental fires) and of his life of work in mining for the Anaconda Company and Montana Resources.
Alan Brown, Underground Miner and Pilot
Alan Brown worked for the Anaconda company as an underground miner before he joined the military and became a pilot.
Al Beavis, Former Mayor of Walkerville
Al Beavis, former underground miner and mayor of Walkerville, gives this oral history from his home on Main Street in Walkerville.