About this project

After some discussions and workshops hosted by the National 4-H History Preservation Program, it is clear that this project won’t happen without a team of dedicated individuals who will work together and offer their talents and time toward this endeavor.

We have begun some initial conversations with several interested Montanans, and will add to this page as we build our team. If you are interested in joining us, please contact Luke: elementl@icloud.com

My name is Luke Duran. I am a life-long 4-H’er and the organizer for this endeavor. I have launched the Montana 4-H History project for two express purposes:

  1. Professional: To collect, preserve, and commemorate the cultural contributions 4-H had made to Big Sky Country. There is a rich story to tell, dating back more than 100 years. Together, let’s share this wonderful tale today, and for future generations.
  2. Personal: To pay it forward, and share my own passion and enthusiasm for 4-H. I believe that every Montana kid can find their place in 4-H, and benefit from the excellent growth opportunities the program provides. I learned self-confidence, leadership, community service, and many other qualities as a result of my participation in 4-H. Later, as a parent, I watched my own kids grow and get the most out of all that 4-H has to offer.

My hope in celebrating the Montana 4-H story through a historical lens will help to bring more light to this great organization, and to raise the public profile even further so that more Montana youth can benefit from 4-H.

Luke Duran

Montana 4-H History Project organizer

I am a 4-H'er for life:

  • • 4-H Alumni: Active member from 1978–87
  • • Proud 4-H parent of two college-age 4-H'ers
  • • 4-H volunteer and project superintendent, Lewis & Clark County, 2008-current
  • • 4-H Club Leader: Prickly Pear 4-H Club, Helena, Montana
  • • Montana 4-H Leader's Council, District 6 representative
  • • Lewis & Clark County 4-H summer camp director
  • • Montanans For 4-H committee member

Luke Duran, October 1979
This is me, 9 years old, as a club member of the Fleshman Creek Mountaineers 4-H Club in Livingston. Our club was receiving recognition at the Park County 4-H Awards Night ceremony. This was my second year in 4-H, and I had just been elected to my first officer position as club historian.

Dedicated to all the Montana 4-H volunteers and professionals who came before us.

The 4-H program is administered by professionals at federal, state and local levels. Their expertise and talent provide structure and opportunity for 4-H youth. But the strength and effectiveness of the program has always been measured by the dedication and commitment of 4-H volunteers in our communities. Without them, 4-H would wither on the vine. Both 4-H professionals and volunteers have made countless and priceless contributions to the Montana 4-H program, and we honor them. 

A tribute to Betty McCoy
Elizabeth “Betty” McCoy started her career as a county extension agent and  state 4-H specialist. In 1988, she became Montana’s state program leader, where she oversaw the establishment of the Center for 4-H Youth Development at Montana State University. Betty enjoyed a 35-year career in 4-H at MSU.

Betty was also the author of Past, Present, Possibilities: Exploring 100 Years of Montana 4-H 1912-2012, a book she wrote to commemorate Montana’s 4-H centennial.

Betty was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame in 2018.

Betty McCoy and Luke Duran, March 2024
In 1984, Betty was my chaperone to National 4-H Congress in Chicago. We had a ball together, celebrating 4-H achievement, touring the city, and the two of us even got out for a night to see Yul Brynner’s final performance of The King and I musical.

Betty was both inspiration and mentor to me. She helped me to pursue and implement some statewide 4-H projects when I was a high schooler in Livingston. I was very grateful to reconnect with her in 2024 at a 4-H Volunteers Institute. Betty passed away in June 2025. Betty provided a fair amount of 4-H historical research through her book.

Outside of 4-H, I am a graphic artist who specializes in publications and brand identity. I currently work for the publications division of the Montana Historical Society, designing Montana, The Magazine of Western History, and books published by the Montana Historical Society Press. Prior to this I served as the art director for Montana Outdoors magazine published by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks for 23 years.

For more than 35 years, I have also operated Element L Design, a freelance business dedicated to graphic design for education, environment, and non-profits. 

I’m proud that my own kids also chose to be 4-H’ers, and took their 4-H experience all the way to the national and international levels. My son Cade and daughter Stella both served as Montana State 4-H Ambassadors,