About this episode

Rebecca and Shannon discuss the Anaconda Copper Mining Company with guest Megan Sanford, exploring its historical significance and community impact.

On this episode of We're No Dam Experts , Rebecca and Shannon welcome back Megan Sanford, Archives and Operations Manager at The History Museum & Research Center, to discuss her new book, The Anaconda Copper Mining Company of Great Falls . From 1892 to 1982, Great Falls was home to one of the most important copper smelting and refining operations in the world. Megan shares the story of the plant's impact on the community, the people who worked there, and the legacy it left behind. She also offers a behind-the-scenes look at the research process, revealing how photographs, artifacts, and personal accounts helped bring this fascinating chapter of Montana and American industrial history to life. Library Author Talk: https://greatfallslibrary.org/event/author-talk-with-megan-sanford-the-anaconda-copper-mining-company-of-great-falls/ History Museum Event: https://www.greatfallshistorymuseum.org/events/the-anaconda-copper-mining-company-of-great-falls-with-megan-sanford

People in this episode

Hosts: Rebecca Engum, Shannon Newth

Guest: Megan Sanford

Topics covered

• copper mining
• industrial history
• community impact
• research process
• Montana history

Keywords

• Anaconda Copper Mining Company
• Great Falls
• Megan Sanford
• copper smelting
• industrial legacy
• Montana history
• research process

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The History Museum & Research Center

Books & works: The Anaconda Copper Mining Company of Great Falls

Places: Great Falls

More episodes of We're No Dam Experts

• Episode 291: Indian Horse Relays · July 17, 2026 · 39 min
• Episode 290: Motorcycles, Dirt Bikes, and Scenic Drives · July 10, 2026 · 53 min
• Episode 289: The Cottonwood Festival · July 3, 2026 · 47 min
• Episode 288: Rocks, Rivers & Return Visits · June 26, 2026 · 50 min
• Episode 287: Tiki Culture with Dirk Vermin · June 19, 2026 · 1h 4m
• Episode 286: Roots of Great Falls - Exploring Trees, Gardens & Local Harvests · June 12, 2026 · 57 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the We're No Dam Experts podcast page.