The Toppan Rare Books Library is home to a remarkable piece of history – The Cheramy Collection. Donated in 2008 by Ed and Shirley Cheramy of Jackson, Wyoming, this collection comprises more than 150 books, articles, and government publications that explore American Indian history from the 19th and 20th centuries.

Focused primarily on the Plains Indians, with a spotlight on the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes, it covers diverse subjects such as American Indian Photographs and Portraits, Religion, Music, Language, Art, American Indian Wars, and U.S. Government Relations.

The bulk of the materials not only narrate the historical events but also provide a nuanced understanding of the cultural nuances, traditions, and challenges faced by the communities during this period.

The Cheramy Collection is a standout component in the University of Wyoming’s rare book collection, which includes more than 60,000 items. Beyond American Indian history, the library’s holdings extend to cover the American West, British and American literature, early exploration of North America, religion, hunting and fishing, natural history, women authors, and the book arts.

The Toppan Library welcomes visitors, making it a hub of learning for scholars, undergraduates, and the curious public alike. To access the Cheramy Collection or any other items in the Toppan Rare Books Library, you’re invited to connect with the rare books curator, Dr. Mary Beth Brown, at mary.brown@uwyo.edu or (307) 766-2565.

Supporting Wyoming’s Indian Education for All

The Cheramy Collection, along with the AHC’s extensive archival holdings and its K-5 Teaching Resources – Indigenous Tribes of Wyoming exhibit, serve as valuable resources for educators implementing Wyoming’s Indian Education for All mandate.

These primary source materials—including photographs, documents, manuscripts, and more related to Wyoming’s Northern Arapaho and Eastern Shoshone tribes—are available through digitized resources, online exhibits, and with assistance from Reference Department staff to help teachers educate students about the cultural heritage, history, and contributions of Wyoming’s tribal nations while supporting Wyoming Social Studies Standards.

For more information about the Center’s resources, contact the AHC’s Reference Department at ahcref@uwyo.edu.