Blue Ribbon Babies: Evaluating “Human Stock” in Montana’s “Better Baby Contests”

“Better Baby Contests” were part of a national movement to “scientifically” assess, rank, and reward “perfect” babies using a gamut of physical and psychological tests. Jefferson City historian Casey Pallister analyzes these eugenic examinations—typically conducted at county and state fairs alongside livestock and crops—which began in 1913 and continued throughout the World War I era.