Title: Collection Custodian
Company: Montana Heritage Commission
Location: Miles City, Montana, United States
Collin Frare, Collection Custodian at the Montana Heritage Commission, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Educators for dedication, achievements and leadership in Public History.
Mr. Frare, an expert in history, currently serves as collection custodian for the Montana Heritage Commission in Virginia City, Montana, a position he has held since 2021. In this capacity, he is responsible for examining all displays under his supervision and ensuring that each exhibit is meticulously maintained and preserved. In addition to upholding a standard of cleanliness suitable for public tours, Mr. Frare communicates repair needs and additional maintenance requirements to his supervisors, facilitating prompt attention to any issues that arise.
During the summer season of 2025, Mr. Frare had the distinction of meeting Montana Governor Greg Gianforte during a special visit to Virginia City while working at the Montana Heritage Commission. Mr. Frare engaged in a meaningful conversation with the governor, an experience he regards as a significant professional milestone.
Before joining the Montana Heritage Commission, Mr. Frare managed operations at an Amazon prep center in Montana from 2018 to 2021. In this role, he oversaw inventory management for third-party Amazon sellers, handling logistics for products shipped to the center before forwarding them to official Amazon fulfillment centers. Mr. Frare’s responsibilities included receiving and unpacking shipments, inspecting merchandise for accuracy and condition, and ensuring the timely processing of client goods.
Mr. Frare’s diverse professional journey began immediately after graduating from high school when he joined his family’s trucking company in Montana. He dedicated approximately 10 years to this enterprise, which was owned by both his father and uncle. This formative experience provided Mr. Frare with valuable work experience, instilled a strong work ethic and allowed him to interact with a diverse range of individuals.
Mr. Frare’s academic background includes an Associate of Arts from Miles Community College in Miles City, Montana, earned in 2017, and a Bachelor of Arts in public history from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, conferred in 2021. His education has been instrumental in shaping his approach to museum work and public engagement. Initially aspiring to become a high school history teacher, Mr. Frare shifted his focus at Liberty University toward public history, seeking opportunities to educate and connect with audiences beyond the traditional classroom.
In addition to his professional responsibilities, Mr. Frare participates in church activities at Grace Bible Church in Miles City, including involvement with a gospel-focused school program that reflects his commitment to community service and education. Mr. Frare attributes much of his success to his Christian faith, his active involvement in his parish and the steadfast support of his family throughout his journey.
Throughout his career, Mr. Frare has developed expertise in public history and collections custodianship, earning recognition for his commitment to preserving historical artifacts and educating the public. Among his notable achievements was being granted a noble title by Queen Elizabeth II of England on Christmas Eve in 2019 while attending college, a distinction awarded through a random selection process. Mr. Frare’s career reflects a dedication to historical preservation, public education and civic engagement, qualities that have distinguished him in his field. Looking ahead, he plans to return to school to pursue advanced degrees at an Ivy League institution such as Princeton University or Oxford University.
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