Montana Historical Society to Honor Transportation Historian Jon Axline

HELENA — Jon Axline, Montana’s foremost authority on transportation history, will receive the prestigious Heritage Guardian Award from the Montana Historical Society at a public reception Friday evening.

The event will take place at 6 p.m. at Reeder’s Alley in Helena, celebrating Axline’s three-decade career as historian for the Montana Department of Transportation and his extensive contributions to preserving the state’s infrastructure history.

“Jon is a superstar in the world of Montana history,” said Laura Evilsizer, who nominated Axline for the award. “His dedication to his work has spread a love of history to many, and he has spent decades enriching the experience of travelers exploring Montana.”

Axline has authored more than nine books and dozens of articles documenting Montana’s roads, bridges and communities. His research has resulted in 57 National Register of Historic Places nominations, bringing recognition to historically significant transportation infrastructure across the state.

The Heritage Guardian Award recognizes individuals who have made lasting contributions to preserving Montana’s heritage through scholarship, advocacy and education, according to the Montana Historical Society. The award is given by the society’s Board of Trustees.

Through his writing and public presentations, Axline has made the technical aspects of infrastructure history both engaging and accessible to general audiences. His work ensures that stories of Montana’s transportation development are preserved for future generations.

Beyond his professional role, Axline serves as a sought-after speaker and educator, collaborating with historians and cultural organizations throughout Montana. His expertise spans the evolution of the state’s road systems, bridge construction and the communities that developed around transportation corridors.

The Friday reception is free and open to the public, with light refreshments provided. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from Axline and other historians as they celebrate his contributions to safeguarding Montana’s past.

For more information about the event, contact Jenni Carr at 406-444-1799 or [email protected].