Public Programs
In Conversation
In Conversation: The Republic of Knowledge
with Melissa Ragain and Crystal Alegria
Thursday, May 21
7pm
Tinworks at Rialto
$12

Overview

Long before mass media, Americans built their own republic of knowledge through lecture halls, study clubs, and civic organizations. Join Crystal Alegria, Director of the Extreme History Project, and curator and historian Dr. Melissa Ragain for a conversation tracing two chapters of that story in Montana — from the 19th-century Lyceum movement to the Sweet Pea Study Club, whose Black women members helped shape community life in Bozeman through education, organizing, and mutual support.

In Conversation

Tinworks Art: In Conversation brings together artists, writers, scientists, and creative thinkers from various fields to discuss the topics of our time. For the third year in a row, through March, April and May, Tinworks will convene thought leaders from the region and beyond in consideration of Tinworks' 2026 exhibition Chisel & Razor: The Artistic Legacies of Edmonia & Samuel Lewis.

Tinworks Art: In Conversation are ticketed evening events, open to the public, presented by Tinworks at Rialto, in the historic Rialto theater in downtown Bozeman. Doors at 6:30pm, event at 7pm.