Merlin CCC

Philosophy Walk: On Civil Disobedience
2025-07-26 09:30 - 12:30 (America/Denver) | Missouri River Beaver Creek Trail (Hauser Dam Trail), Helena, MT, 59602, United States
What We’ll Explore

“If the injustice is part of the necessary friction of the machine of government, let it go, let it go: perchance it will wear smooth,—certainly the machine will wear out. If the injustice has a spring, or a pulley, or a rope, or a crank, exclusively for itself, then perhaps you may consider whether the remedy will not be worse than the evil; but if it is of such a nature that it requires you to be the agent of injustice to another, then, I say, break the law. Let your life be a counter friction to stop the machine.” (Henry David Thoreau)

In Thoreau’s essay Civil Disobedience, Thoreau takes the position that unjust laws exist. But does that mean we should be content to obey them? What are the alternatives? Amend them and obey until we have succeeded? Transgress them at once?
In this walk led by community philosopher Mitch Conway we’ll explore how we might respond to the world in cases of injustice asking: When do the unjust actions of a government make one “the agent of injustice to another”? When is civil disobedience the necessary, just course of action? And when is one justified in hoping, “perchance it will wear smooth”?
When
Saturday, July 26th from 9:30am-12:30pm
(Please arrive 10 minutes prior to our walk start time to give yourself time to get ready to stroll.)
RSVP

Let us know you’re coming. RSVP here!

Cost
FREE (Donations Appreciated)

Other
Wear weather appropriate attire & comfortable shoes. Dogs are allowed on this trail but need to be on leashes. We recommend that you also bring or wear bug repellent.
Where
Missouri River Beaver Creek Trail (Hauser Dam Trail)
Directions/Parking/Meeting Spot: From Helena, head toward Lake Helena via the I-15 & East Lincoln Road or Highway 287 & Lake Helena Drive. Once at Lake Helena, head north on Hauser Dam Road. Just before the dam crossing, there will be a small lot off to the left side (parking is free). If there are no spots available in the lot, cars will frequently parallel park along the road closer to the dam crossing (where there is also a restroom and some signage). Our group will meet in the lot. From there, we’ll walk across the dam as a group and begin our walk. The trail follows the Missouri River until Beaver Creek Recreation Area (where some restrooms are located). It’s well-maintained but can get rocky and a little uneven in various locations so make sure to wear good shoes.

Walk Leader
Mitchell Conway is a Community Philosopher at Merlin CCC, a branch facilitator/educator at Cottonwood ALC, and serves on the Academic Advisory Board & Questions? Journal for The Philosophy Learning and Teaching Organization.
A student of philosophy, a theater maker, and a teacher who cares ardently about empowering young learners, his work has often been an interweaving of education, story, and inquiry. At the BIRD Theatre in Tottori, Japan, among other productions, he collaborated with Korean group TUIDA to create The Poetry Class about the colonial period and Pacific war; he also directed students at Kei Ai High School in Romeo & Juliet. Using applied theater, he performed with Village Playback Theatre creating improvisations from audience members’ personal stories, and for a three-month residency he taught embodied methods of community dialogue through the Colombo Americano in Medellin, Colombia. He has also taught theater to elementary school students at 82nd St. Academics and middle school students at Summer Institute for the Gifted.
For a year, Mitch taught at the English Immersion Program in Umphium Mai refugee camp on the Thailand-Myanmar border using a curriculum based in literature and critical thinking. With the New York Foundling at Queens College, he supervised the academic component of The Dorm Project, a program supporting youth in foster care through college. Mitch has a Bachelor’s degree in Theater from Skidmore College and a Master’s degree in Philosophy & Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. Mitch has recently presented at the North Eastern Philosophy of Education Society (NEPES) and Philosophy Learning and Teaching Organization (PLATO) conferences. He also relishes walking in the forest.
Make a Donation Here
Our philosophy activities are FREE to the community. While donations are never expected, they are always appreciated and help to keep programs like these going. Donations help to cover activity leader honorariums, implementation, and resource archiving, and more! If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution you can do so by clicking here. For those facing more challenging financial circumstances, we ask that you please try to “pay it forward” with acts of kindness for your neighbors and community.

Community Sponsor & PartnerThank you to our community sponsor & partner Doubletree by Hilton Downtown Helena.

Reeder's Alley Summer Series (RASS)
2025-07-29 17:00 - 20:00, 2025-08-05 17:00 - 20:00, 2025-08-12 17:00 - 20:00, 2025-08-19 17:00 - 20:00, 2025-08-26 17:00 - 20:00, 2025-09-02 17:00 - 20:00, 2025-09-09 17:00 - 20:00, 2025-09-16 17:00 - 20:00 and 2 more dates | Reeder’s Alley, 200 S. Park Avenue, Helena, MT, 59601, United States
Kick-Back & Enjoy Community!
Join us for the 2nd Season of our Reeder’s Alley Summer Series! Nestled in the grounds of historic Reeder’s Alley, this fun, grassroots-inspired Summer series hosted by community philosophy non-profit Merlin CCC features live local music, tasty eats, a beer & wine garden, historic Pioneer Cabin tours, living history, games & more.
Dog-friendly and laid-back, this community-oriented event invites you to take in the charm of the alley & history of Helena in only the way that Reeder’s Alley can offer! Bring a picnic blanket or your favorite low-riding lawn chair & grab a spot in Caretaker’s Lawn. Roam the alley, share stories, play games, eat food, sip brews or wine, and take in the tunes. What better way to celebrate Tuesday nights in Helena this coming Summer?!
Check out the 2025 Music & Activities Schedule Here!

Philosophy Workshop: Are You What You Love?
2025-08-09 09:00 - 11:00 | Pioneer Park, 120 S. Last Chance Gulch, Helena, Montana, 59601
What We’ll Explore

In the first few pages of Friedrich Nietzsche’s essay “Schopenhauer as Educator,” Nietzsche invites us to consider a particular way of knowing ourselves by asking us to look back over our lives and consider the question: “what have you truly loved up to now?”

“[Look] back on [your] life with the question: what have you truly loved up to now, what has drawn your soul aloft, what has mastered it and at the same time blessed it? Set up these revered objects before you and perhaps their nature and their sequence will give you a law, the fundamental law of your own true self. Compare these objects one with another, see how one completes, expands, surpasses, transfigures another, how they constitute a stepladder upon which you have clambered up to yourself as you are now; for your true nature lies, not concealed deep within you, but immeasurably high above you, or at least above that which you usually take yourself to be.” (Friedrich Nietzsche, “Schopenhauer as Educator”)

In this workshop, we’ll undertake the personal task of this very reflection, following the structure that Nietzsche lays out for us. Based on these (private) reflections, we’ll then be invited to create drawings (A Ladder to a Bridge) that render abstractly those reflections. Afterward, we’ll have the opportunity to share and reflect on those, inquiring into one of the motivations behind Nietzche’s exercise: can we discern the fundamental law of our own true self? Finally, we’ll reflect on this way of knowing ourselves more broadly: To what extent are we what we love?
When
Saturday, August 9th from 9:00am-11:00am
Where
Pioneer Park (at the snails benches)
RSVP
Yes, I Want to Come to this Workshop!
Cost
FREE (Donations appreciated)
Other
Please bring something to write with. We’ll provide clipboards so you have a solid surface to work with.

Walk Leader
Mitchell Conway is a Community Philosopher at Merlin CCC, a branch facilitator/educator at Cottonwood ALC, and serves on the Academic Advisory Board & Questions? Journal for The Philosophy Learning and Teaching Organization. A student of philosophy, a theater maker, and a teacher who cares ardently about empowering young learners, his work has often been an interweaving of education, story, and inquiry. At the BIRD Theatre in Tottori, Japan, among other productions, he collaborated with Korean group TUIDA to create The Poetry Class about the colonial period and Pacific war; he also directed students at Kei Ai High School in Romeo & Juliet. Using applied theater, he performed with Village Playback Theatre creating improvisations from audience members’ personal stories, and for a three-month residency he taught embodied methods of community dialogue through the Colombo Americano in Medellin, Colombia. He has also taught theater to elementary school students at 82nd St. Academics and middle school students at Summer Institute for the Gifted. For a year, Mitch taught at the English Immersion Program in Umphium Mai refugee camp on the Thailand-Myanmar border using a curriculum based in literature and critical thinking. With the New York Foundling at Queens College, he supervised the academic component of The Dorm Project, a program supporting youth in foster care through college. Mitch has a Bachelor’s degree in Theater from Skidmore College and a Master’s degree in Philosophy & Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. Mitch has recently presented at the North Eastern Philosophy of Education Society (NEPES) and Philosophy Learning and Teaching Organization (PLATO) conferences. He also relishes walking in the forest.
Make a Donation Here
Our philosophy activities are FREE to the community. While donations are never expected, they are always appreciated and help to keep programs like these going. Donations help to cover activity leader honorariums, implementation, and resource archiving, and more! If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution you can do so by clicking here. For those facing more challenging financial circumstances, we ask that you please try to “pay it forward” with acts of kindness for your neighbors and community.

Community SponsorThank you to our community sponsor Doubletree by Hilton Helena Downtown.

Philosophy Think & Drink
2025-08-14 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-09-11 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-10-09 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-11-13 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-11 19:00 - 21:00 | Reeder’s Alley Conference Center, 101 Reeder's Alley, Helena, MT, 59601, United States
Fun Gatherings that Stimulate the Mind!
Our Philosophy Think & Drinks are casual, community-oriented gatherings that are intellectually stimulating and fun. You don’t need a background in philosophy to enjoy & participate. An open mind & desire to engage in thoughtful dialogue (whether from a listening or contribution standpoint) is all that’s needed! For those who love philosophy but prefer not to partake in the libations side of things, don’t let that stop you from participating in the fun. We emphasize the think over the drink!
When
2nd Thursday of every month from 7pm-9pm
Where
Reeder’s Alley — If the weather is conducive, we meet outdoors in the pavilion. If it’s cantankerous, we meet indoors in the Conference Center.
Other
Light snacks provided. BYOB.

How Do They Work?
Step into the dojo! Our Think & Drinks are monthly gatherings that consist of a “meeting of minds” over libations. After nabbing goodies and seats, getting acquainted & settling in…the eve begins.

No topics are off-limit; no questions are too broad, narrow, abstract, or concrete. Questions are posed by participants in a “round-robin” fashion, clarified, and then voted upon collectively.
Once our “avenue of philosophical pursuit” is in place, we’re ready to dive into a fun night of facilitated philosophical discussion.

Hayride Philosophy Walk: On Story & Meaning (*NO MORE SEATS LEFT*)
2025-09-21 10:00 - 13:00 | Merlin Nature Preserve, 6042 Lincoln Road West, Helena, Montana, 59602, United States
What We’ll Explore

“Interpretation is revelation based on information.” (Freeman Tilden)

Interpretation is oft defined as a kind of educational activity that places hands-on experience and thinking and meaning-making as primary (over the acquisition, say, of just a set of facts). It is also a tradition that has deep roots in the cultural and philosophical movements of the Enlightenment and Romanticism and has been influenced by such figures as Plato, John Locke, Lean Jacques Rousseau, John Dewey, Freeman Tilden, and more.
Join long-time interpretive professionals Ken Soderberg & Darby Bramble for a hayride philosophy walk on Merlin Nature Preserve & Little Falcon Farm where we’ll examine how we perceive and come to know and understand the world by way of interpretation. Using interpretive principles and sensory exploration, we’ll connect with the landscape and one another while we identify and explore meaning and connection with the world around us.

When
Sunday, September 21st from 10am-1pm
(Please arrive 15 minutes prior to our walk start time to give yourself time to get situated in our hayride wagon comfortably.)
RSVP
Given hayride & nature preserve logistics, RSVP’s are required. Space is limited.
~ There are no more seats left. Please e-mail marisa@merlinccc.org if you would like to add your name to our waiting list & we will contact you if there is a cancellation. ~

Cost
FREE (Donations Very Much Appreciated)
Other
Wear weather appropriate attire & comfortable shoes, and bring a snack/water. We’re sorry, but no dogs for this walk (due to nature preserve and hayride wagon logistics). The walking portion of our meandering will be on a flat and relatively well-maintained dirt road approximately 1.5 miles in length.
Where
Merlin Nature Preserve/Little Falcon Farm (our group will meet/park at the old Silver City Saloon location and ride the hayride wagon from there onto the preserve.)
Directions/Parking/Meeting Spot: Our group will meet at the old Silver City Saloon located at 6042 Lincoln Road West. Our hayride trailer will be parked in the lot (you won’t miss it!). Please note that the Silver City Saloon sign is gone and a part of the facade has been removed. However, the basic sturcture still remains and is recognizable. To get there from Helena, take either the 15, N. Montana Ave. or Green Meadow Drive to Lincoln Rd. Turn left onto Lincoln Road & head west (toward Marysville/Canyon Creek). Drive roughly 6.5 miles. The Silver City Saloon parking lot will be on your right hand side. Click here for google maps directions.

Hayride Philosophy Walk Leaders

Darby Bramble has invested a lifetime into educating the public and interpreting natural and cultural resources across the West. As an interpretive park ranger at Hovenweep National Monument, and Saguaro and Grand Canyon National Parks, she led tours of archeological sites and historic structures for visitors from around the world. In Lolo, Montana she worked as Program Coordinator for Travelers’ Rest Preservation and Heritage Association, where she built a flourishing education program, oversaw the volunteer program, supported the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial and collaborated with local tribes in cultural programming and the “Winter Storytelling Series.”

Currently, Darby works as the Museum Education Officer at the Montana Historical Society, where she oversees tours and fieldtrip at the Montana Capitol, Original Governor’s Mansion and starting December 2, the History Museum at the Montana Heritage Center. When she’s not working at the Historical Society, she can be found in her garden growing food to share with the community, butchering local meat, discussing Montana history with her husband who works for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, exploring state parks and public lands in Montana, or cheering for her three teenage children on soccer pitches and cross-country courses across the state.

Makoshika, Chief Plenty Coups, Lewis and Clark Caverns, Bannack — these are only some of the beautiful places that Ken Soderberg has been fortunate enough to help provide a voice for through his work with Montana State Parks.

A combined love of the outdoors (and the frightening thought of starvation if he pursued an acting career) led him to a degree in park management.

Thankfully his brief theater training was put to use throughout his 35 year career in parks. Each park has a story to tell. Whether the script came alive through the words of a park ranger he helped train or an exhibit he helped to create, giving voice to these special places remains one of his most cherished career memories.

To come full circle you can find Ken at the Grandstreet Theater these days either on stage or behind the scenes building the magical sets that help bring the story to life.

Make a Donation Here
Our philosophy activities are FREE to the community. While donations are never expected, they are always appreciated and help to keep programs like these going. Donations help to cover activity leader honorariums, implementation, and resource archiving, and more! If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution you can do so by clicking here. For those facing more challenging financial circumstances, we ask that you please try to “pay it forward” with acts of kindness for your neighbors and community.

Community Sponsor & PartnerThank you to our community sponsor & partner Doubletree by Hilton Downtown Helena.

Philosophy Symposium: On Growth Policy, Wildlife & the Environment
2025-10-01 17:30 - 20:00 | Lewis & Clark Library (Large Community Room), 120 S. Last Chance Gulch, Helena, Montana, 59601, United States
What We’ll Explore
In this mini-symposium facilitated by community philosopher Marisa Diaz-Waian we’ll talk with guest panelists and authors Christopher Preston & Robert Frodeman about growth policy and development, wildlife, and the environment. The symposium is in collaboration with the Lewis & Clark Library (as part of their NEA Big Reads grant programming), and will be structured in a way that allows ample time for community Q & A, as well as an opportunity to mingle with the authors/scholars after the community conversation.
When
Wednesday, October 1st from 5:30pm-8pm
5:30pm-7:15pm – Community Conversation and 7:15pm-8pm – Book signing & author mingle
Where
Lewis & Clark Library (in the Large Community Room)
RSVP
While an RSVP is not required, it’s very helpful for us in terms of logistical planning (e.g., how many chairs to set out, if important information about the program or venue needs to be communicated, etc.). With this in mind, we’re including an RSVP link here if you are so inclined.
Yes, I want to come!
Cost
FREE (Donations appreciated)
Other
*Books will be available for purchase from the authors. Book signing & author mingle after the community conversation.
​

Make a Donation HereInvest in community by investing in philosophyOur philosophy activities are FREE to the community. While donations are never expected, they are always appreciated and help to keep programs like these going. Donations help to cover activity leader honorariums, implementation, and resource archiving, and more! If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution you can do so by clicking here. For those facing more challenging financial circumstances, we ask that you please try to “pay it forward” with acts of kindness for your neighbors and community.

Guest Scholars
Chrsitopher Preston is a an award-winning author, environmental philosopher, public speaker, and clean energy enthusiast based in Missoula, Montana. A Professor of Philosophy at the University of Montana, his areas of specialty include environmental philosophy, climate ethics, the ethics of emerging technologies, rewilding, and feminist philosophy. A native of England – who has studied and worked in Colorado, Alaska, Oregon, Washington DC, and South Carolina – his life in the US is oriented in many ways around the power of wild landscapes. In addition to being a professor, Christopher has worked as a commercial fisherman, a tool librarian, and a backcountry Park Service Ranger. Christopher has published extensively on climate engineering, synthetic biology, and the new epoch of the Anthropocene, and finds significance in both the new, and the traditional, wild. Christopher’s writings have appeared in The Atlantic, Smithsonian, Discover, Orion, Slate, the Wall Street Journal, The Conversation, Salon, The BBC, Yale E360 and other outlets. His books and journal articles explore technology, wildlife, climate change, justice, and numerous other topics that bear on how we live. His most recent book, Tenacious Beasts, won the 2024 High Plains Book Award for non-fiction and was included in The New Yorker’s ‘Best Books of 2023.’ It probes the mystery of wildlife back from the brink and asks what they have to teach.

Robert Frodeman writes on environmental philosophy and public policy, the philosophy of science and technology, and the future of the university. A graduate of St Louis University (history and philosophy, 1981), holder of a PhD in Philosophy (Penn State, 1988) and a MS in Geology (climate science, CU-Boulder, 1996), Frodeman is the author or editor of 15 books and more than 150 articles, and has been awarded more than 5 million dollars in grants. Founding Director of the Center for the Study of Interdisciplinarity at the University of North Texas (2008), he has also held academic positions at the University of Colorado and the Colorado School of Mines, and ran the Socrates Untenured series at the journal Issues in Science and Technology from 2017 – 2021. In the fall of 2023 Frodeman was a Fulbright Fellow at the Institute of Advanced Studies at the University of Turku, Finland, where he conducted research on the future of the university. His most recent publications include his co-edited books A Watershed Moment: The American West in the Age of Limits (2024) and Field Philosophy: Different Places, Different Cultures (forthcoming 2024).​

Community Sponsors & PartnersThank you to our community sponsors & partners Doubletree by Hilton Downtown Helena and the Lewis & Clark Library.

National Endowment for the Arts This symposium is in collaboraton with the Lewis & Clark Library by way of a Big Read grant award they receieved from the National Endowment for the Arts. The NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. To find out more about how National Endowment for the Arts grants impact individuals and communities, visit www.arts.gov

BINGO Night at Lewis & Clark Taproom: A FUN-draiser for Community Philosophy
2025-10-03 19:00 - 21:00 | Lewis & Clark Taproom, 1535 Dodge Avenue, Helena, Montana, 59601, United States
How BINGO Fundraiser Night Works!Come early & claim your tableGrab your BINGO cards ($5 suggested donation)* Each card is good for 5 rounds! *Play some BINGO & Win Some Prizes – A caller calls out numbers, you mark them on your card, yell out ‘BINGO!’ when you’ve completed a card pattern (different patterns for different rounds), and win some great prizes (including Lewis & Clark Brewing beer)!Sip on some award-winning brews!Grab some grub from Vigilante Pizza!Enjoy great conversation & laughs with friends!Have fun & support a great cause!Friday, October 3rd (7pm-9pm)~ 100% of BINGO card proceeds & other donations go toward Merlin ~Join us for a fun night of BINGO, community & prizes!Marisa Diaz-Waian, Director of Merlin

Awesome BINGO Prizes

BINGO has never been so fun! Not only do you get to revel in the joy of being able to shout out “BINGO!” (who doesn’t love that!), when you’ve filled your card…you also get the opportunity to win some awesome prizes from some of your favorite Helena businesses like the Holter Museum of Art, Mae & June’s, Raven’s Feather Productions, Lewis & Clark Brewery and more!

Why Support Merlin?
Imagine a world where thoughtful dialogue & community co-exist. Where differing perspectives break bread. Where understanding, truth, and wisdom is a goal. Imagine you live in that world, that city, that neighborhood, that community.
Be part of that vision. Invest in that community. Support philosophy.
100% of BINGO card proceeds & other donations will toward our Fall & Winter philosophy in the community programming and help to support critical, creative thinking, the exchange of ideas, and the application of philosophy to everyday living. Our programs are free to the community and are opportunities for people of all backgrounds and ages — from children to elders — to gather, to learn from and with one another, and to uniquely cultivate their personal and civic selves.

How to giveCome to Lewis & Clark Brewery on Friday, October 3rd.Pick up your BINGO cards ($5 suggested donation)Make on-site donations!Can’t make it? Give on-line here!~ Merlin CCC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible ~See you at L&C T-A-P-R-O-O-M (BINGO!) on October 3rd.Marisa Diaz-Waian, Director of Merlin

Philosophy Shorts (For Youth): Storytelling & Animals
2025-10-26 12:00 - 14:00 | Lewis & Clark Library (Large Community Room), 120 S. Last Chance Gulch, Helena, Montana, 59601, United States
What We’ll Explore
A storytelling event for youth that features heartwarming tales starring animals such as coyote, raven, wolf, and more. Weaving art, philosophy, history, science, and community together, our storytellers will invite youth to imagine, wonder, question, and play, and learn more about indigenous perspectives on the enlightening & enchanting role of animals in our lives and collective history.
Imagine, Wonder, Question & Play

Given Halloween’s proximity, our storytelling focus, and our love of play…we’re dressing up! And invite you to join fun. Get inspired by and come costumed up as your favorite critter!

When & Where
Sunday, October 26th from 12pm-2pm
Lewis & Clark Library (in the Large Community Room)
RSVP
While you are welcome to attend without RSVP’ing, your RSVP helps us get an idea of how many people to anticipate so we can prepare accordingly.
Yes, I Want to Come!
Other
Light snacks provided
Cost
FREE (Donations appreciated)

Make a Donation HereInvest in community by Investing in philosophyAll of our philosophy activities are FREE to the community. While donations are never expected, they are always appreciated and help to keep programs like these going. Donations help to cover activity leader honorariums, implementation, and resource archiving, and more! If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution you can do so by clicking here. For those facing more challenging financial circumstances, we ask that you please try to “pay it forward” with acts of kindness for your neighbors and community.

Guest Storytellers

Shane Doyle (Independent Educational & Cultural Consultant, Native Nexus Consulting) is a Crow tribal member who grew up in Crow Agency, and currently resides in Bozeman, MT. A singer of Northern Plains tribal style of music for 30 years, Shane also holds a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction, and completed a post-doctoral appointment in genetics with the University of Copenhagen, Denmark, in 2016. With 20 years of teaching experience, Shane is a full-time educational and cultural consultant, designing American Indian curriculum for many organizations, including Montana public schools, the National Park Service, and the Museum of the Rockies. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Bozeman-based Extreme History Project, Hopa Mountain, and the Archaeological Conservancy, as well as serving on the Montana Arts Council culture and aesthetics committee and the Governors Parks in Focus Committee. Shane was a founding member of the Montana Wilderness Association’s Hold Our Ground Campaign in 2017, and speaks throughout the region on the topics of northern Plains Tribal culture and the importance of public lands in Montana. He was instrumental in the repatriation of the Anzick Clovis Child, and worked as a consultant and actor for the History Channel’s “Lost Treasure of the Little Bighorn Battle.”

Louise Ogemahgeshig Fischer (Anishinaabe Elder, Storyteller, Speaker, Artist and Cultural Consultant) is a member of the Midewiwin Society and her clan is the Eagle. Her home away from home is in York, MT where her home and studio are located. Louise lives there with her husband, Chuck, whom she has been married to for over 40 years, alongside her big dog and bird. Louise graduated in fine arts at Kingman, AZ college and has had shows in most all of the midwest states, including the Museum of the Plains Indians in Browning, MT. Devil’s Elbow State Campground currently features some of her art plaques, as well as other locations. In addition to her art, Louise has led a sweat lodge for the staff and PTSD Veterans for over 13 years at Fort Harrison and other VA facilities and worked with suicidal youth at Shodair Children’s Hospital for over 10 years. She has also been a speaker for Humanities Montana for over 20 years. Rich with meaning and depth, Louise’s storytelling reveals a tapestry of Native American history, traditions, art, music and more.

Community Sponsors & PartnersThank you to our community sponsors & partners the Lewis & Clark Library, Helena BID, Doubletree by Hilton Downtown Helena Downtown and Helena Indian Alliance.

National Endowment for the ArtsThis storytelling event is in collaboraton with the Lewis & Clark Library by way of a Big Read grant award they receieved from the National Endowment for the Arts. The NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. To find out more about how National Endowment for the Arts grants impact individuals and communities, visit www.arts.gov

Giving Tuesday 2025
2025-12-02 00:00 - 23:59
Play

WHAT IS GIVING TUESDAY?
GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Since then, it has grown into a year-round global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.
When: Tuesday, December 2nd (Starting @ 12am for 24-Hours)
How to give: DONATE HERE!
Give by check: Make out to ‘Merlin CCC’, write ‘GivingTuesday’ in the memo line, and mail to 119 Reeder’s Alley, Helena MT 59601

WHY GIVE TO MERLIN?
Imagine a world where thoughtful dialogue & community co-exist. Where differing perspectives break bread. Where understanding, truth, and wisdom is a goal. Imagine you live in that world, that city, that neighborhood, that community.
Be part of that vision. Invest in that community. Support philosophy.
Your contributions on GivingTuesday will help to support our Winter & Spring philosophy in the community programming, critical, creative thinking, the exchange of ideas, and the application of philosophy to everyday living. Our programs are free to the community and are opportunities for people of all backgrounds and ages — from children to elders — to gather, to learn from and with one another, and to uniquely cultivate their personal and civic selves.

Philosophy Think & Drink
2026-02-12 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-03-12 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-04-09 19:00 - 21:00 | Reeder’s Alley Conference Center, 101 Reeder's Alley, Helena, MT, 59601, United States
Fun Gatherings that Stimulate the Mind!
Our Philosophy Think & Drinks are casual, community-oriented gatherings that are intellectually stimulating and fun. You don’t need a background in philosophy to enjoy & participate. An open mind & desire to engage in thoughtful dialogue (whether from a listening or contribution standpoint) is all that’s needed! For those who love philosophy but prefer not to partake in the libations side of things, don’t let that stop you from participating in the fun. We emphasize the think over the drink!
When
2nd Thursday of every month from 7pm-9pm
Where
Reeder’s Alley — In the colder months, we’ll meet indoors in the Conference Center. In the warmer, we’ll meet outdoors in the Pavilion.
Other
Light snacks provided. BYOB.

How Do They Work?
Step into the dojo! Our Think & Drinks are monthly gatherings that consist of a “meeting of minds” over libations. After nabbing goodies and seats, getting acquainted & settling in…the eve begins.

No topics are off-limit; no questions are too broad, narrow, abstract, or concrete. Questions are posed by participants in a “round-robin” fashion, clarified, and then voted upon collectively.
Once our “avenue of philosophical pursuit” is in place, we’re ready to dive into a fun night of facilitated philosophical discussion.

Philosophy Shorts: The Virtues of the Student
2026-02-18 18:00 - 20:00 | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88569988299
What We’ll Explore
What are the qualities of an excellent student? Or, as ancient Greek philosophers would put it, what are the virtues, or excellences, which belong to students in general, and especially to students of philosophy?

In this evening’s Zoom program, we’ll examine some short passages on this theme, written by thinkers at both ends of the thousand-year tradition of Hellenic philosophy. We’ll begin with a few short excerpts from Plato, in which Socrates compares the lackluster standards of Athens with the far superior pedagogy of the Persian royal court, and Aristotle on the special class of “intellectual virtues.” We’ll then move nearly 900 years forward in time, to visit with two of the last heads of the Platonic Academy in Athens: Proclus, who famously declares — in a rebuttal of Aristotle — that “the highest good is not contemplation,” and examines three key virtues of young Socrates as a student, and Damascius, who uses this same list of three virtues in some scathing critiques of the intellectuals of his day.

Through lively conversation and dialogue — both with the ancient authors, and with each other — we will explore the goals and methods of education in Hellenic philosophy, and the virtues (or excellences) that correspond to that educational program. And we will consider the applicability of those goals, methods, and virtues to our own lives as students and seekers after wisdom.
WHEN & WHEREWednesday, February 18th6pm-8pm (MST)via Zoom ZOOM INFOTo join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88569988299?pwd=[REDACTED] ID: 885 6998 8299Passcode: [REDACTED] (Donations appreciated)OTHERView & Download the document. You are welcome to read in advance, but it is not required. We'll be referencing it periodically during our event so having it handy then will be helpful.

About Our Discussion Facilitator

David Nowakowski is a community philosopher and educator whose professional work is dedicated to helping people of all ages and backgrounds access, understand, and apply the traditions of ancient philosophy to their own lives. David began studying ancient philosophies and classical languages in 2001 and has continued ever since.

Read more about David…
A scholar of the philosophical traditions of the ancient Mediterranean (Greece, Rome, and North Africa) and of the Indian subcontinent, reading Sanskrit, Latin, and classical Greek, he earned his Ph.D. in philosophy from Princeton University in 2014. His work has appeared in a variety of scholarly journals, including Philosophy East & West, Asian Philosophy, and the Journal of Indian Philosophy, as well as in presentations to academic audiences at Harvard, Columbia University, the University of Toronto, Yale-NUS College in Singapore, and elsewhere. After half a decade teaching at liberal arts colleges in the northeast, David chose to leave the academy in order to focus his energies on the transformative value of these ancient philosophical and spiritual traditions in his own life and practice, and on building new systems of education and community learning that will make this rich heritage alive and available to others. A hermit by nature and by committed choice, he balances contemplative solitude with his active work in teaching, counseling, and the healing arts. David can be reached at david@merlinccc.org or via his personal website.

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Thank you to Our Community Partners

Piano Concert Fundraiser w/ Johnny Moore
2026-03-14 19:00 - 21:00 | Carroll College (St. Charles Hall), 1601 N. Benton Avenue, Helena, Montana, 59625, United States
For love of the Arts

A fundraiser evening in the old chapel at St. Charles Hall featuring local artist Johnny Moore.

Come enjoy a night of original music and Randy Newman tunes, as Johnny tickles the ivories…and shares stories along the way. All proceeds raised go toward our Special Public Philosophy Project: Art as Transformation.

Event DetailsWHEN & WHERESaturday, March 14th7pm – 9pm (Doors open at 6:30pm)St. Charles Hall (1st Floor, Hall 133)Carroll CollegeOTHERFREE/Suggested Donation $15 at the doorCash BarENTRANCENorth entrance of St. Charles HallWe’ll have a greeter welcoming you at the door and directing you to the old chapel (Room 133, located on the second floor of St. Charles Hall across from the philosophy offices). We’ll have signage up as well. See map below with entrance and parking highlighted or click here for a printable unmarked pdf of the campus map.PARKINGStaff, student, and visitor lots (no permit required)

Save Your Seat for our Piano Concert Fundraiser (RSVP)

While an RSVP is not required, it is much appreciated. RSVP’ing also allows you to save the event directly into your calendar (via the confirmation email you will receive once you RSVP for our event).

About the Artist

Born in Harlowton, Montana, Johnny Moore grew up in Great Falls, where he formed his first band in eighth grade. “Lots more fun than piano lessons,” he recalls. Over the years, he has played in 20 different bands covering the musical gamut – rock, soul, blues and jazz. “And one quasi-country group.” Johnny has been involved with four albums of original music. Two were group efforts (Diamond City and Uncharted Waters), and two were solo albums. “Well,” says Johnny, “those two featured lots of great friends.” His musical friendships led to the founding of Lost & Foundation, a local nonprofit focused on ‘Music Helping Humanity.’

Johnny cites several musical influences. “The first was my father,” he says. “Great jazz pianist.” Others include Steely Dan, Billy Joel and, perhaps most of all, Randy Newman – “delightfully eccentric.”

What’s the EveNING helping to support?

All proceeds raised will help support our Fall 2026 Art as Transformation Project — an innovative public philosophy program exploring the role of art in society & our everyday lives. Featuring a unique blend of live music, story, performance & media art, and community conversation, the program invites people to consider art and its relationship to human flourishing and personal, civic, and cultural change.

Film & Philosophy: Kafka's "The Trial"
2026-03-22 14:00 - 17:00 | Reeder’s Alley (Stonehouse Grotto), 101 Reeder's Alley, Helena, MT, 59601, United States
What We’ll Be Doing
We’re excited to be resurrecting our film & philosophy events this year. We’ll be kicking off our first in the series with a matinee viewing of The Trial — a 1962 film based on Franz Kafka’s posthumously published novel of the same name.
Described in Orson Welles’ opening narrative as a film with “the logic of a dream…of a nightmare,” The Trial explores the nature of justice (both its beauty and its arbitrariness), law, authority, alienation, bureaucracy, oppression, and (more generally) questions about freedom, choice, meaning, and human condition.
After the film, we’ll have a community conversation led by Student Scholar Fellow Gavin Payne based on questions inspired by the film.
WHENSunday, March 22nd2pm-5pm (MST)WHEREIn the Stonehouse Grotto @ Reeder's AlleyCOSTFree ($5 suggested donation)OTHERBYOB & SnacksFilm Run Time: 1 Hr. 47 MinutesShort break & community conversation to follow

About Our Facilitator

Gavin Payne is a senior at Helena High School, a regular participant at Merlin activities, and our first ever high school student scholar fellow. The founder of the Helena High School Moral Science Club, he aims to go on to the University of Montana to study philosophy and classics. In his free time Gavin loves to read, analyze poetry, and write. Gavin will be leading the Merlin film viewing & discussion nights later this spring and is kicking off with a film adaptation of one of his favorite books, Franz Kafka’s The Trial.

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Thank you to Our Community Partners

Philosophy On Broadway 2026
2026-04-20 16:00 - 22:00 | On Broadway, 106 E. Broadway St., Helena, Montana, 59601, United States
A fun Night w/ Friends

Live music, good food & wine, good convo & company…sounds like a community symposium to us! And what a fun way to celebrate and support philosophical thinking in Helena?! Please join us for our fundraiser eve at On Broadway. Live music by local legend Dan Henry, a silent auction & a touch of theater. Head to On Broadway. Enjoy some apps, a meal & some drinks…and On Broadway will donate 50% of sales from your night of merriment to our organization! How cool is that?!

Make a Night out of it!Treat yourself to appetizers & dinnerSip on some fantastic bevies!Listen to live music by Dan HenryEnjoy great conversation with friendsHave fun & support a great cause!On BroadwayMonday, April 20th (4pm-10pm)50% of food & beverage sales donated to MerlinPlease join us in celebrating community!Marisa Diaz-Waian, Founder & Director of Merlin

Live Music in the Lounge with Dan Henry

Helena is home to some amazing musicians. This year we’ll be featuring local legend Dan Henry. Born in the Mountains of Montana, Dan Henry is a multi-instrumentalist performing year-round as a One-Man Band. With a combination of rhythmic guitar playing, bluesy harmonica, thumping stomp box and soulful vocals, Mr. Henry bounces from genre to genre playing whichever style suits his musical curiosity.

Silent Auction

Last year we had a great spread of items for our silent auction. And 2025 will be even better! Here’s how it works. We’ll have a table with prizes set up next to the band. Bid on what moves you. Win yourself some sweet auction prizes (to keep or give to others as gifts!). It’s that simple. And a fun way to show some extra love for Merlin.

Door Prizes

It wouldn’t be a symposium without togas! (We’ll be wearing them. You don’t have to!). HOWEVER, for all of you who want to join the fun…door prizes will be given to every person who shows up in a toga (or something toga-like) to dine!!

Why Give to Merlin?
Imagine a world where thoughtful dialogue & community co-exist. Where differing perspectives break bread. Where understanding, truth, and wisdom is a goal. Imagine you live in that world, that city, that neighborhood, that community.
Be part of that vision. Invest in that community. Support philosophy.
All donations made and winning bids on our silent auction, as well as 50% of your food and beverages during our Philosophy on Broadway fundraiser night, will go toward our Spring & Summer philosophy in the community programming, critical, creative thinking, the exchange of ideas, and the application of philosophy to everyday living. Our programs are free to the community and are opportunities for people of all backgrounds and ages — from children to elders — to gather, to learn from and with one another, and to uniquely cultivate their personal and civic selves.

How to giveCOME TO ON BROADWAY ON MONDAY, APRIL 20TH4pm-10pm. Enjoy some apps, a meal & some bevies. Bid on silent auction items. Listen to live music by Dan Henry. Enjoy great food & great people. Have fun! On Broadway will be donating 50% of food and beverage sales to Merlin!DONATE ON-LINEMake a tax-deductible donation!Become a sustaining donor!GIVE BY CHECKYour tax-deductible donation can be made out to ‘Merlin CCC’. Please write ‘On Broadway Night 2026’ in the memo line and mail to 119 Reeder’s Alley, Helena MT 59601 or bring it with you to On Broadway on April 20th!See you at On Broadway for the festivities!Marisa Diaz-Waian, Founder & Director of Merlin

Greater Helena Gives 2026
2026-05-06 20:00 - 2026-05-07 20:00
WHAT IS GREATER HELENA GIVES?
Hosted by the Helena Area Community Foundation, Greater Helena Gives is a 24-hour online fundraiser that raises money for non-profits across Helena. We love participating in this event and have set this year’s fundraising goal at $4,000, which will be put toward for our Summer & Fall programming.
When: Wednesday, May 6th – Thursday, May 7th (8pm-8pm)
How to give: Yes, I want to support critical, creative thinking in our community by making a donation to Merlin here!
Give by check: Make out to ‘Merlin CCC’, write ‘Greater Helena Gives’ in the memo line, and mail to 119 Reeder’s Alley, Helena MT 59601

WHY GIVE TO MERLIN?
Imagine a world where thoughtful dialogue & community co-exist. Where differing perspectives break bread. Where understanding, truth, and wisdom is a goal. Imagine you live in that world, that city, that neighborhood, that community.
Be part of that vision. Invest in that community. Support philosophy.
A lot goes into putting on programs in the community. In addition to the public-facing side of things, there is a lot of behind-the-scenes work that has to get done in order for a program to take flight. That’s where you come in! Your contributions on Greater Helena Gives will help to support our Summer & Fall philosophy in the community programming, critical, creative thinking, the exchange of ideas, and the application of philosophy to everyday living. Our programs are free to the community and are opportunities for people of all backgrounds and ages — from children to elders — to gather, to learn from and with one another, and to uniquely cultivate their personal and civic selves.

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WHY iS PHILOSOPHY IMPORTANT & wHAT aRE YOU HELPING TO SUPPORT BY BECOMING A CONTRIBUTOR?
By supporting our organization, you are contributing to the well-being & enrichment of Helena by providing opportunities for community members to strengthen their analytic & creative thinking skills, cultivate robust strategies for thinking about and navigating the complexities & nuances of life, foster empathy & compassion, nurture and encourage wonder & curiosity, and build community inspired by an appreciation for and love of place.

Philosophy is the backbone of civil discourse & the heartbeat of a critical, creative & thinking community.
