Magera honored for preservation work

Jim Magera has long been an expert in Havre history - from ancient times to the early days of the city to today.

He was rewarded for his service with the annual award handed out by the Havre/Hill County Preservation Commission.

Annually, the commission honors people who have helped preserve the county's rich history.

The award was presented on Monday at the Havre City Council meeting.

Becki Miller, the historic preservation officer for the commission, praised Magera for his many years of service.

At Havre High, he taught local history classes for many years and his students worked on preservation projects.

Miller noted that Magera, an avid reader, donated his collection of 2,000 books including many on local and Native American history to Havre High School's library so they would be preserved.

His students interviewed many local people for an oral history project.

Miller said the oral history project is being digitized with the help of the Havre-Hill County Library.

Magera quietly came to the front of the council chambers, accepted his award, posed for pictures and sat down.