Howdy! Update from Garryowen

Greetings!

Howdy! My name is Robert Hartsig, and I am the newest (yet not so new anymore) intern here at the Custer Battlefield Museum. I am from Nashville, Tennessee, and recently graduated from the University of Tennessee in May. I arrived in the town of Garryowen on July 16, two months ago, and have had an incredible experience so far.

Aside from working with and on some incredible projects, I have also ventured into the ‘Great West’ that is Montana and its surrounding areas. Just yesterday, I returned from a three day visit at the Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks with my parents. It was truly awe-inspiring to say the least, and it has made my experience here so much more memorable. In the month of August, fellow intern Aimee Wechsler and myself made a quick but long journey to western South Dakota, seeing such sights as the town of Deadwood, Mount Rushmore, the Devil’s Tower (in eastern Wyoming), and even making a stop at the town of Sturgis during the world-famous Sturgis Bike Rally. It was a great experience, something to be remembered for a lifetime. Attending Clark Days at Pompey’s Pillar with fellow interns Aimee Wechsler and Sam Lambert were also very entertaining and educational, giving me more insight into the history and beauty of this part of the United States.

Cultural events I have witnessed have also been just as exciting. On my second day here, the interns and I, as well as Aaron (the Subway manager in Garryowen) made a trek down to the town of Sheridan, Wyoming, to attend the annual Sheridan Rodeo. This was my first time in Wyoming, my first time attending a rodeo, and my first time attending Native American horse games (at the same rodeo). Needless to say, it was a culture shock. I thoroughly enjoyed the races, the bull-riding, and the number of people dawning cowboy hats and boots. I was so impressed and enthralled, that I bought a cowboy hat of my own! Towards the end of August, we made a similar trek to the Crow Indian Fair, a week-long festival of dancing, parading, and of course, lots of fried bread and Indian Tacos. This is a huge and significant event of the United States – it’s the largest gathering of Tee-pees on the North American continent every year, and heavily populated with folks from different Native tribes, as well as people from other countries, all coming together to celebrate culture and festivities. I thoroughly enjoyed this fair and am glad I was able to be part of a great coming-together of so many distinct peoples.

My work experience here in Garryowen have been progressive and very developing. Working closely with Chris and Linda on several projects has helped me understand the basics and in-depth processes that are needed to operate a historical site and museum. I have developed some great skills and am always excited and encouraged to help the museum to develop anyway I can. Some project I have been part of, working closely with my fellow interns, have been installing new LED lights (important for preservation of so many artifacts!), installing a fierce war-club of the Sioux, possibly used by Sitting Bull, and working on various online operations to help the museum connect to a broader audience. The work is something I am passionate about and love working on, and the chance to build on these skills and develop professionally I absorb into myself all too much, and look forward to future projects and operations and accomplishing goals with my fellow co-workers.

Apologies for making my first blog so belated. Life here in Garryowen is surprisingly busy, even if only four people live here. I am greatly appreciating my experience here at the Custer Battlefield Museum and in the Western United States (my original home; born in Phoenix, Arizona). Aimee and I will keep you all (or yal for my Southern audience) updated on everything that develops here, as we both have quite the work cut out for us in the upcoming months. Thanks for checking in!