The Fort Parker Project began in 2009 when a group of historians, archaeologists, and educators became interested in the history of Fort Parker. This group came together to pursue the preservation of this important place.  Fort Parker is an important story that needs to be told.  This period in history, the Native American Reservation period, is a part of our history that is rarely talked about, understood or even taught in our public schools. It is a history riddled with misinformation, misconceptions and denial. Yet a fully-researched, multi-vocal and unvarnished expression of this history would have the potential to do much good within Indigenous and descendant communities.

We have been working closely with the Archaeological Conservancy to purchase the site of Fort Parker, the first Crow Indian Agency, for preservation and education. See our work on Fort Parker under “Projects” above. If you would like to contribute to this important preservation project, you can donate online at https://donate.archaeologicalconservancy.org/  Choose Fort Parker on the drop down menu next to “Designation” and all of your contribution will go towards this project. Thank you for your support!

In 2011, the Extreme History Project was formed to serve as the umbrella organization for the Fort Parker project, and others of this kind.

The Extreme History Project began as a means of making the humanities more fun, interesting and accessible to the general public and as a real means of generating social change. The Project hopes to encompass a variety of events and activities which will enhance the public’s understanding of how history has shaped our present and how understanding that legacy can affect the way we behave towards one another. Extreme History believes in setting a Truth Agenda which will work toward eradicating political and social agendas from the traditional historical narratives and pursue a more balanced and honest expression of the past.

The Extreme History Project is the brainchild of Marsha Fulton and Crystal Alegria.

Crystal Alegria and Marsha Fulton at Virginia City, Montana.

Marsha Fulton brings a variety of experience, skills and interests to the table. As a University Professor, Marsha has taught in both the Anthropology and Art History departments of several universities including Kent State University in Ohio, William Paterson University in New Jersey and the State University of New York at New Paltz. Her museum background includes working in the North American Archaeology Lab at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City and remodeling the Native Cultures area of the Yellowstone Gateway Museum in Livingston, MT. She has also worked at many North American archaeological sites around the country and has developed several archaeology educational programs for K-12 students. Her business experience includes a degree in Marketing as well as 15 years of retail management. She has contributed her marketing skills to several non-profit organizations and specializes in web-based marketing opportunities. She also has a background in both theatrical and interior design. In her spare time you will find her crafting like crazy in her Livingston, Montana home where she sews, crochets and makes jewelry.

Crystal Alegria has worked in the field of heritage and archaeological education for the past ten years with an emphasis on curriculum development for upper elementary students. Crystal has worked for a variety of museums doing curation,  exhibit design, collections management, and curricular development. She is a former President of the Montana Archaeological Society. Research interests include historical archaeology, community archaeology, archaeology education, participatory action research, and public archaeology. Crystal has a B.S. in Anthropology and a M.A. in History from Montana State University.