Belgrade, Montana had its beginnings in the 1880s as a small agricultural community on the Gallatin Valley’s Northern Pacific Railroad line, but it quickly grew to become the “hub of the valley.” In their interactive presentation, Mary Ellen Fitzgerald and Rachel Phillips will show photos from Belgrade’s past, and talk about some of the businesses and individuals who have made Belgrade what it is today. Audience participation is encouraged, so bring your memories, stories, and knowledge! Mary Ellen (Miller) Fitzgerald, a descendant of early pioneer Granny Yates, is a Gallatin Valley native. She graduated from Belgrade High School and obtained both her B.S. and M.A. degrees from Montana State University. Her interest in local and Montana history was first inspired through college courses with Dr. Merrill Burlingame. Her teaching career spanned 37 1/2 years in the classroom before being elected in 2002 as Gallatin County Superintendent of Schools, a position she held until her retirement in January 2015. She presently serves as a board member of the Gallatin Historical Society and the Historic Preservation Board of Gallatin County. Rachel Phillips was born in Billings, but grew up in Bozeman. She graduated from Bozeman High School and completed a Bachelor’s degree in History with a minor in Museum Studies from Montana State University in 2006. After working for the U.S. Postal Service, she joined the staff of the Pioneer Museum (now the Gallatin History Museum) in 2008, to begin the process of digitizing collections. Rachel is now involved with multiple aspects of Museum operation, including overseeing the Research Library, helping to assemble the Quarterly Magazine, and assisting researchers. She loves finding fascinating stories from every corner of Gallatin County!