Eileen Tenney

I think my purpose in Bozeman has been to have people learn about how important this house was for Black history in Bozeman.”

Eileen Tenney’s story is intertwined deeply with another’s. Though they died long before Tenney was born, the two shared a house and a connection that has informed and enriched her life, she said. In 1975 ahead of her family’s move to Bozeman, she visited the city to look for a house for them. “The minute I walked in the house was a mess and it was in really bad condition, but I felt it was the right house and I called [my husband] and said I found it.” She said the house was perfect for them, even before they learned of its historic significance. Someone came to her door and asked if they could find out the history of the house. Tenney said yes, and the woman soon returned and handed her the obituary of Samuel Lewis, an African American man born in Haiti who had this house built in 1881. He was a business owner in Bozeman, operating both a barbershop and a bathouse. Like Lewis, Tenney and her husband had previously lived in Haiti and loved the experience and country. That’s when the “connection” started for Tenney. “And I’ve had this great life because of him and his half-sister Edmonia Lewis,” Tenney said. Edmonia was a famed African American and Native American sculptor, who was known internationally for her art. While attending graduate school years later, Tenney encountered Edmonia again randomly in an art book and saw it as a sign that she was “supposed to write about her.” That led to Tenney doing significant research on Edmonia, Samuel and the house. She also came to be acquainted with a wide array of people due to her association with the Lewis’. She exchanged letters and formed connections and friendships with other writers, historians and researchers interested in the family. As a result, she traveled to Washington D.C. to attend a celebratory event the Smithsonian had for Edmonia. “It was wonderful, and it was an opportunity I never would have had.” In Bozeman, Tenney has worked to try and help educate the local community about the Lewis’ by having open houses, working with the Gallatin History Museum and having the house added to the National Register of Historic Homes. “I think my purpose in Bozeman has been to have people learn about how important this house was for Black history in Bozeman.” Tenney is also proud of the work she has done as a substitute teacher and helping rescue homeless and lost pets. She’s known locally too for helping start the Sweet Pea Festival, which continues to this day, and writing a children’s book .