A Legacy of Patriotic Statesmanship
Founded by an Act of Congress in 1983, the Mansfield Center fosters globally minded leaders of integrity. We are the sole Rural West nonpartisan institution supporting youth and communities through civic and international education guided by the Mansfield Legacy of ethical leadership, civic responsibility, respect for the U.S. Constitution, and an unconditional commitment to the public good.
The Mansfield Murals: Join the Unveiling of the Third and Final Mural on December 2
Mansfield Mural III:
International Service and Diplomacy
A glimpse of one corner of the mural before color was added
Join the unveiling of the final mural on Wednesday, December 2 at 5:30 pm at the Mansfield Center to celebrate the unveiling of the third and final panel of Hadley Ferguson’s Mansfield Mural series – and see the completed series together for the first time.
International Service and Diplomacy honors Mike Mansfield’s journey from Montana to the world stage. As America’s longest-serving ambassador to Japan and a trusted adviser to presidents of both parties, Mansfield helped strengthen an alliance essential to peace and security in the Pacific. His international service reflected a lasting belief in the power of mutual understanding and personal trust to shape relations among nations.
The series was painted in collaboration with Ann Karp and Lillian Nelson.
Click here to see the first two murals
The Mansfield Stories Project
The Mansfield Legacy lives on not only in major policy achievements but also in the lives they touched. As the 25th anniverary of Mike's passing approaches, we invite you to contribute to the Mansfield Stories Project by sharing your memories and reflections.
Upcoming Events
In 2025, our programming impacted:
102
Countries
50
States
56
Montana Counties
What We Do
Mansfield Dialogues
Promoting Dialogue — Public lectures and conferences are an important part of our community outreach and education, offering the opportunity to engage in conversation about local, national, and international topics.
Strengthening Democracy
A Way Forward — Examine the role that ethical values can and should play in public life, the moral quandaries faced by those who govern, and the issues of leadership and character in public service.
High School Opportunities
Tomorrow's Leaders — We embrace UM’s Priorities for Action to place student success at the center of all we do. Our commitment is not just to UM students, but also to Montana high school students.
UM Student Opportunities
UM Students — From long-running study abroad programs to courses on public diplomacy, we are committed to providing students with opportunities to develop their leadership skills and global competence.
Community Engagement
A Special Community — Maureen and Mike Mansfield loved Montana. We strive to engage communities throughout Montana in our programs, to bring the world to Montana and present Montana to the world.
Exchanges
Explore the World — We offer opportunities for youth, community members, professionals, and educators to bridge divides and explore critical global issues
Es mistéʔes qe es lʔ, ci łu l ,T,atʔ̓ ayaqn u Qlispélixʷ sqlixʷúʔulexʷs t Nłʔaycčstm Kʷtis Snacx̓ ̣łqe̓ ym̓ ín. Qe es putʔem łu Sqélixʷ m̓ im̓ éʔeye̓ ms x̣ʷl ,olqʷštulexʷ łu x̣ʷl ,qł sqlqelixʷ.
The University of Montana acknowledges that we are in the aboriginal territories of the Salish and Kalispel people. We honor the path they have always shown us in caring for this place for the generations to come.