Archives West Finding Aid

The Montana Department of Transportation, Photo Section Unit photograph collection is a compilation of the materials of the Department of Highways (later the Department of Transportation) Photo Section unit. The Photo Section unit employed photographers for the Montana Highways Department/Department of Transportation beginning in 1958. Many Department divisions utilized the Department photographers for various assignments. These included: the Safety Division for images of traffic accidents and safety procedures; the Materials Bureau to capture images of materials used; Construction and Preconstruction Division to capture before, during, and after images of Highway projects; and the Highways’ Attorneys to capture images for legal purposes. The Department of Highways Information Unit, later the Department of Transportation Public Affairs Bureau also frequently utilized department photographers for media relations such as images used by the Department for public information and awareness, images of major state events such as the National Governors’ Conference in 1960, Federal officials or National and International dignitaries visiting the state, and inauguration events for State Governors and Lieutenant Governors. The photographic services were also used for Department events such as retirement parties, employee identification photos, and Highway conferences. The Photo Section Unit operated until 1998. A list of the photographers that were employed by the Highways Department/Department of Transportation are: Chet Dreher, 1958-1965; Marvin Kalland, 1959-1970s; Ernie Neath, 1960s; Walter Sill, 1963-1965; Garry Wunderwald, 1965 to 1971, and Travis Smith, 1971-1990s.