The 4 History Buffs, a volunteer-run history club, meets the fourth Tuesday of every month (except December) from about 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Cooper Room on the fourth floor of the Missoula Public Library, club member and retired educator Lee Silliman said on the MCAT program Your Missoula.

The club offers free talks on local, regional and national history and does not charge admission or collect dues, Silliman said. "We don't charge anybody to come in, it's free," he said, noting members occasionally provide modest travel allowances to out-of-town speakers but that most presenters volunteer. Silliman said recent programs have included topics such as the Lewis and Clark expedition, local architecture and Montana political satire in art.

Joel Baer, general manager of Missoula Community Access Television, told viewers that MCAT provides free recording assistance to local clubs and nonprofits and that recordings are posted online. "MCAT has a program to offer free recording, assistance to any club or nonprofit," Baer said. He directed viewers to mcat.org (under Our Services) where groups can request recording; Baer said MCAT has been offering that support for about 25 years and maintains a YouTube playlist of past programs.

Silliman described the club's origins at the University Gallagher Building, where monthly gatherings included speakers and refreshments, and said the group moved its meetings to the Missoula Public Library's meeting rooms. He identified Paulette Parpart as the group's leader and Maria Greer as a library employee who helps with logistics; Silliman said he serves on the committee and sometimes fills in as presenter.

Meetings typically feature a one-hour presentation followed by audience questions and answers; the club uses a microphone so MCAT can capture audience Q&A, Silliman said. He estimated that popular talks can draw around 60 attendees and described arranging extra chairs when needed. Upcoming topics mentioned by Silliman include a summer presentation on the history of the grizzly bear.

For groups or individuals interested in presenting, Silliman said people may contact Paulette Parpart, the Missoula Public Library, or the club directly. Baer gave MCAT's phone number as (406) 542-6228 and pointed viewers to mcat.org for the recording request form; he also suggested checking the Missoula Public Library website and the library's events listings to find the club's schedule.

The program concluded with Baer reiterating MCAT's offer to record local groups and thanking viewers for watching. The 4 History Buffs continue to meet in-person and MCAT makes past talks available for later viewing online.