August 5, 2024 will mark the 75th anniversary of the Mann Gulch Fire in which a wildfire entrapped 15 smokejumpers and a fire guard in Mann Gulch. Before it was controlled, the fire took the lives of 13 men and burned nearly 5,000 acres. To commemorate that tragic day, the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest will host several community events in Helena, Montana.  As a partner with the Forest, The Montana Discovery Foundation promotes stewardship, understanding and enjoyment of our natural resources by connecting community and nature through education. The Foundation will assist the Forest in scheduled events. In planning, sponsoring and executing these community events, we’re attempting to involve the local Helena community, other government agencies, and corporations. The tentative schedule for the weekend-long event is as follows: Saturday, August 3, 2024Myrna Loy Event – “Higgins Ridge” showing in the evening with post-film panel by former fire lab director, Colin Hardy. Sunday, August 4, 2024Beer Launch at Ten Mile Creek Brewing– Join us on the walking mall by Ten Mile Creek Brewing as we officially unveil a special commemorative beer brewed just for this event! $1 from each pint sold will be donated to the Montana Discovery Foundation to help raise money for the August 5th commemoration. There will be other community members on the walking mall with family-friendly displays and activities. Monday, August 5, 2024Capital Event – Join us for a commemorative evening on the west lawn of the Montana Capitol building. The evening will include opening remarks from U.S. Forest Service leadership, followed by John N. Maclean (son of Norman Maclean who wrote Young Men and Fire) as our keynote speaker. Weather and FAA clearance permitting, Miss Montana will pass over the Capitol. We will also have wreaths set up to honor each of the men.

Hello <span contenteditable="false" data-custom-variable="{{firstname}}" fr-original-class="fr-deletable styled-tag-chip " fr-original-style style="background-color:rgb(248, 248, 255);border:1px solid rgb(191, 191, 255);border-radius:4px;color:rgb(42, 42, 196);display:inline-block;margin:0px;padding:1px 8px;font-size:11px;line-height:16px;overflow-wrap:anywhere;user-select:none;box-sizing:inherit">First name <span contenteditable="false" data-custom-variable="{{lastname}}" fr-original-class="fr-deletable styled-tag-chip " fr-original-style style="background-color:rgb(248, 248, 255);border:1px solid rgb(191, 191, 255);border-radius:4px;color:rgb(42, 42, 196);display:inline-block;margin:0px;padding:1px 8px;font-size:11px;line-height:16px;overflow-wrap:anywhere;user-select:none;box-sizing:inherit">Last name, We thank you from the bottom of our heart. This donation greatly helps our mission.  If you would like to contribute further, contact us to become a volunteer, or talk to your friends about our cause! Montana Discovery Foundation montanadiscoveryfoundation@gmail.com 4064953711

Thank you for fundraising with us this year again! Here is more information.

August 5, 2024 will mark the 75th anniversary of the Mann Gulch Fire in which a wildfire entrapped 15 smokejumpers and a fire guard in Mann Gulch. Before it was controlled, the fire took the lives of 13 men and burned nearly 5,000 acres. To commemorate that tragic day, the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest will host several community events in Helena, Montana.  As a partner with the Forest, The Montana Discovery Foundation promotes stewardship, understanding and enjoyment of our natural resources by connecting community and nature through education. The Foundation will assist the Forest in scheduled events. In planning, sponsoring and executing these community events, we’re attempting to involve the local Helena community, other government agencies, and corporations. The tentative schedule for the weekend-long event is as follows: Saturday, August 3, 2024Myrna Loy Event – “Higgins Ridge” showing in the evening with post-film panel by former fire lab director, Colin Hardy. Sunday, August 4, 2024Beer Launch at Ten Mile Creek Brewing– Join us on the walking mall by Ten Mile Creek Brewing as we officially unveil a special commemorative beer brewed just for this event! $1 from each pint sold will be donated to the Montana Discovery Foundation to help raise money for the August 5th commemoration. There will be other community members on the walking mall with family-friendly displays and activities. Monday, August 5, 2024Capital Event – Join us for a commemorative evening on the west lawn of the Montana Capitol building. The evening will include opening remarks from U.S. Forest Service leadership, followed by John N. Maclean (son of Norman Maclean who wrote Young Men and Fire) as our keynote speaker. Weather and FAA clearance permitting, Miss Montana will pass over the Capitol. We will also have wreaths set up to honor each of the men.

Montana Discovery Foundation

Mann Gulch 75th Tribute Event: Honoring the Individuals Lost in Mann Gulch

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