Category Archives: Agriculture

Breaking the “Grass” Ceiling: Women Ranchers of Wyoming

When University of Wyoming graduate student Josie Corbett arrived at the American Heritage Center in 2024 as a Women in Public Life Fellow, she came with a mission: to investigate the “multifaceted contributions of women ranchers in Wyoming to the … Continue reading

Posted in Agriculture, Oral history, Uncategorized, women's history, Wyoming history | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Rethinking Ranchers and Government: A Fresh Look at an Old Debate

For decades, the conventional wisdom has portrayed Western ranchers as caught in a paradox—an industry built on independence that criticized federal regulation while relying on government programs. It’s become the accepted narrative—and according to Dr. Tim Gresham, it misses the … Continue reading

Posted in Agricultural history, Agriculture, American history, American West, Cattle industry, Ranch history, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Designing the University of Wyoming: The Architecture of Agricultural Education

When the University of Wyoming opened its doors in 1887, agriculture was more than just another field of study—it was a cornerstone of the institution’s mission. The Morrill Act of 1862 had established land-grant universities across America with a clear … Continue reading

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Roped In: Sara Hagel and Horsehair Rope Making

What is simple work? In a fast-paced society, we often overlook jobs which require a lot of time, skill, and mistake making to master. Many jobs today are considered “simple,” “easy,” or “low-skill” despite requiring specific skills and a great … Continue reading

Posted in Agricultural history, Agriculture, Artists, Fiber Arts, Folklife, Interns' projects, Livestock industry, Uncategorized, women's history, Wyoming history | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

University of Wyoming’s Afghanistan Mission, 1953 to 1973

The current troubling events in Afghanistan brings to mind the bond that the University of Wyoming once enjoyed with that country. Under George “Duke” Humphrey – UW’s president from 1945 to 1964 – the university began developing international programs to … Continue reading

Posted in Afghanistan, Agricultural history, Agriculture, Political history, Uncategorized, University of Wyoming history, Wyoming history | Tagged , , , , , , , | 16 Comments

Foremost Fungi Authority: W.G. Solheim

Wilhelm G. Solheim was born in Stoughton, Wisconsin, in 1898. He earned his M.A. degree in 1926, followed by his Doctorate in 1928, from the University of Illinois. He came to UW that next year and worked as professor emeritus … Continue reading

Posted in Agricultural history, Agriculture, environmental history, faculty/staff profiles, Interns' projects, Local history, University of Wyoming, University of Wyoming history, Wyoming, Wyoming history | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Ranching Roots: Exploring Laramie’s Livestock Legacy

While the railroad was the main hub of employment early in Laramie’s history, the cattle and sheep businesses helped grow the economy of the burgeoning town. Names such as Philip Mandel, Thomas Alsop, Charles Hutton, Robert Homer, and the Bath … Continue reading

Posted in Agricultural history, Agriculture, Laramie, Uncategorized, University of Wyoming history, Wyoming history | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Tracing the Trails of Wyoming’s Cattle Industry through the AHC Archives

The records of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association held at the AHC form the nucleus of a large body of material documenting animal husbandry in the West. The Association’s stated mission is to advocate for issues related to the cattle industry, … Continue reading

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