About the Center
We build civic engagement and advance civil discourse to develop effective
public policy in Montana.
At The Wheeler Center, our vision includes: civil dialogue, rigorous exploration, addressing relevant issues, including diverse perspectives, collaboration and continuing to
be an honest facilitator.
Our History
Burton K. Wheeler
The Wheeler Center is named for the late Burton K. Wheeler, who earned fame as the “fighting progressive” U.S. Senator from Montana from 1923 – 1947. Starting his federal career as a U.S. Attorney in 1912, he crusaded against Montana’s powerful economic interests, standing up for, and as a champion of, farmers and miners. He first won election to the Senate representing the great state of Montana in 1922. There he made his name as one of the “Montana scandalmongers,” railing against corruption in the Harding and Coolidge administrations. He is best remembered for: breaking from his political party in an epic battle against President Franklin Roosevelt’s attempt to pack the Supreme Court; for his stance as a newly-minted Senator pushing for the Senate investigation of corruption in the Harding Administration’s Justice Department during the infamous Teapot Dome scandal; and for his lifelong defense of civil liberties and commitment to economic opportunity for all Montana citizens.
Wheeler was known as a genuine maverick bucking both parties in defense of what he thought was right, and was a “lifelong opponent of concentrated power—whether economic, military, or executive—he consistently acted with a righteous personal and political independence that has all but disappeared from the public sphere.” (University of Oklahoma Press) The Senator passed away in 1975, but his legacy – a commitment to informed political discourse and democracy – lives on at the Burton K. Wheeler Center.
Who We Are
About the Center
Senator Burton K. Wheeler passed away in January of 1975 and to honor his memory, the Greater Montana Foundation (GMF) initiated the Wheeler Lecture Series. GMF founder Ed Craney enlisted Wheeler’s two eldest sons, John and Edward, in producing the series and later supporting the Burton K. Wheeler Public Policy Center, established at Montana State University in 1988.
Dr. Mike Malone, history professor (subsequently Academic Vice-President, then President of MSU) was the first Director of the Center. In 1991, Dr. Malone asked Dr. Gordon Brittan of the MSU philosophy faculty to assume the Director’s role, a position Brittan held for 17 years. Starting with Dr. Malone and then Dr. Brittan, all Directors have been connected to MSU and have served the Center on a part-time basis. In 1992, the Center incorporated as an independent Montana nonprofit organization, electing its own board of directors and creating the title of Executive Director.
The Burton K. Wheeler Center perpetuates the Senator’s belief that the informed discussion of public policy is the cornerstone of democracy. The Center hosts events that engage the public in thoughtful conversations around the pressing issues facing Montanans. These issues are addressed with a nonpartisan sensibility that allows all points of view to be explored in a structured and respectful format through two-day conferences, lectures, and outreach programs.
The Wheeler Center enjoys a close working relationship with MSU and the University President is a member of the board of directors, but the Center depends entirely on private contributions for its programs and administration.
We invite you to explore upcoming conferences, lectures, and other programs and consider joining the ongoing discourse about issues affecting Montana.
Become a Friend of the Wheeler Center
The Wheeler Center is 100% privately funded and your donation will help carry on the legacy of Senator Wheeler. All contributions are tax deductible.