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Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park Association records, 2004-2018

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Waterton-Glacer International Peace Park Association
Title
Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park Association records
Dates
2004-2018 (inclusive)
Quantity
0.6 linear feet
Collection Number
MC 459 (collection)
Summary
Formed in 1931 from Rotary International clubs in districts 5080, 5360, 5370, and 5390, the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park Association (WGIPPA) sought to establish a peace park comprised of Waterton Lakes National Park and Glacier National Park between the United States and Canada. After petitioning the two governments, the two parks were formally dedicated as the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park in 1932. Records (2004-2018) detail the activities of the association in Montana and abroad.
Repository
Montana Historical Society, Library & Archives
Montana Historical Society Research Center Archives
225 North Roberts
PO Box 201201
Helena MT
59620-1201
Telephone: 4064442681
Fax: 4064445297
mhslibrary@mt.gov
Access Restrictions

Collection open for research.

Languages
English
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Historical Note

In 1931 Rotarians, members of Rotary International, from Montana and Alberta organized a movement to establish an international peace park between the United States and Canada. The planned peace park was to be comprised of Glacier National Park and Waterton Lakes National Park. At an assembly of Rotarians at the Prince of Wales hotel in Waterton, the peace park plan was launched by a resolution introduced by Rev. Canon S. H. Middleton of Cardston, Alberta, and forwarded by H. B. Mitchell, president of the Great Falls, Montana, Rotary club. Ultimately, the resolution passed after the 100 Rotarians in attendance, many of whom represented cities from Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Montana, voted in support.

Following the successful passage of the resolution, the movement petitioned the governments of the United States and Canada to establish the parks as a permanent international peace park. In the Canadian Parliament, the petition was successfully passed through the efforts of Brigadier General J. S. Stewart, who represented Alberta. Simultaenously, Scott Leavitt, an active Rotarian and the U.S. representative of Montana’s second congressional district, successfully led the effort to pass the petition in the United States Congress. In 1932 Rotarians formally dedicated the neighboring parks as the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park.

The Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park Association (WGIPPA) represents the continued involvement of Rotary International in its peace park initiative between the United States and Canada since the inception of the peace park project in 1931. Comprised of Rotary clubs in districts 5080, 5360, 5370, and 5390, WGIPPA holds annual meetings and other events such as the “Hands Across the Borders” ceremony. These annual gatherings and ceremonies alternate each year between Glacier Park and Waterton Park.

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Content Description

This collection (2004-2018) documents WGIPPA's involvement in international humanitarian aid efforts and peace park initiatives. Materials are largely textual, consisting of correspondence, financial records, minutes, organizational records, and subject files.

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Use of the Collection

Restrictions on Use

Researchers must use collection in accordance with the policies of the Montana Historical Society Library & Archives. The Library & Archives does not necessarily hold copyright to all materials in the collection. In some cases permission for use may require additional authorization from the copyright owners. For more information contact an archivist.

Preferred Citation

[item description and date]. Name of Collection. Collection Number. [box and folder number]. Montana Historical Society Library & Archives. Helena, Montana.

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Administrative Information

Arrangement

This collection is arranged into five series: Correspondence (2006-2018, undated); Financial Records (2004-2018); Minutes (2005-2018); Organizational Records (2004-2018, undated); and Subject Files (2005-2018, undated).

Location of Collection

89: 6-1

Acquisition Information

Acquisition information available upon request.

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Detailed Description of the Collection

Detailed Description of the Collection

The following section contains a detailed listing of the materials in the collection

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Rotary International

Corporate Names

  • Glacier National Park (Mont.)
  • Waterton Lakes National Park (Alta.)
  • Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park (Mont. and Alta.)

Geographical Names

  • Canada -- Foreign relations -- United States
  • United States -- Foreign relations

Finding aid prepared by Aaron Rau
2023

CC Attribution
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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