Michael J. Ober is four generations deep into Montana's history and lore. Born in Havre, Montana, he graduated from the University of Montana with a bachelor's degree in American history and English and, later, earned a master's degree in history at the university studying under the late K. Ross Toole. He also holds a master's of library and information science from the University of Denver. He has served as director of library services at Flathead Valley Community College for forty years, where he also taught Montana history. Seasonally, he worked as a wildland firefighter and backcountry ranger and law enforcement ranger in Glacier National Park for forty-four years. He is the author of Glacier Album, a showcase of vintage photographs of Glacier National Park, and numerous articles about Montana's culture and history in state and regional periodicals.