March is Women’s History Month and 2012 is the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America.   What better way to recognize Women’s History  month than by highlighting one of the organizations that strives to empower young girls to become strong, confident, and capable young women.   Founded in 1912 by Juliette Gordon Low, it began as a means to provide young girls with a social environment outside of the confines of home and family.   According to its mission statement, the organization “builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.”

The American Heritage Center holds the Girl Scouts of Wyoming records among its collections.  Take a look at some of these Girl Scouts of years past.  Whether you yourself were a Brownie,  Daisy, or moved on to more senior levels of Girl Scouting–or perhaps you just look forward to Girl Scout Cookie season, this sampling from the collection will provide you with a glimpse into Girl Scout activities in the Wyoming of the 1960s.

Sheridan Day Camp, 1960. Scouts demonstrating blue printing technique with leaves. Girl Scouts of Wyoming Records, Box 6. “1960.” American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.

Girl Scout Troop 274’s Scrapbook. Girl Scouts of Wyoming records, Box 11. American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.

Celebrating Girl Scout Week in Worland, WY, 1965. Girls dress in international garb. Girl Scouts of Wyoming records, Box 6. American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.

–Rachael Dreyer, Reference Archivist