Category Archives: Biography and profiles

The Man Behind the Music: Carl Stalling and His Contributions to Disney Studio

In commemorating the 100th anniversary of Disney Brothers Studio, now known as the Walt Disney Company, it’s a good time to reflect on the remarkable individuals who have left an indelible mark on its history. Disney is a studio that … Continue reading

Posted in Animation history, Biography and profiles, Composers, Entertainment history, Film Music, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Lucile Wright: Commercial Pilot and All-Around-Go-Getter

Lucile Wright was a “Lady of Firsts,” as one biographer called her, and acquired a long list of accomplishments in her lifetime. Described as being “nearer pint sized than quart,” her petite frame nonetheless housed a voraciously curious mind and … Continue reading

Posted in aviation, Biography and profiles, Uncategorized, women's history, World War I, World War II | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

The Fascinating Life of Nellie Bly

Elizabeth Cochrane was born in 1867 near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Little is known about her early life except that she grew up in a large family and was particularly independent minded. While still a teenager, she was offended by a Pittsburgh … Continue reading

Posted in American history, Biography and profiles, Journalism, Travel, Uncategorized, women's history | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

American Heritage Center Exhibit Celebrates Buddy Ebsen, 1908-2003

Do you remember the TV comedy series The Beverly Hillbillies? How about the mystery series Barnaby Jones? More recently the series King of the Hill? No doubt you’ve seen the classic films The Wizard of Oz or Breakfast at Tiffany’s. … Continue reading

Posted in Actors, Biography and profiles, exhibits, Hollywood history, Motion picture actors and actresses, television history, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Wyoming Statesman Alan K. Simpson

Al Simpson is pillar of Wyoming politics, a well-known name across the country, and a benefactor of the American Heritage Center. Simpson enjoyed a long political career spanning the years 1964 to 1997. He is both a politician and a … Continue reading

Posted in Biography and profiles, Heart Mountain Relocation Center, Immigration Policy, Interns' projects, Uncategorized, Western history, western politics and leadership, Wyoming history | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

No Room at the Inn: Owen Wister Encounters Wyoming, July – August 1885

In July 1885, Owen Wister visited Medicine Bow in Wyoming Territory as part of his tour of the region, only to discover there were no rooms available in town to sleep. Instead of moving on when he arrived on July … Continue reading

Posted in 19th century, Authors and literature, Biography and profiles, Book history, Uncategorized, Western fiction, Western history, Wyoming history | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Happy Birthday Hoppy!

William Lawrence Boyd, known throughout the world as “Hopalong Cassidy,” was born June 5, 1895 in Hendrysburg, Ohio, to Charles William Boyd, and his wife, the former Lida Wilkens (aka Lyda). Following his father’s death, Boyd moved to California to … Continue reading

Posted in Animal actors, Biography and profiles, Film History, Hollywood history, Motion picture actors and actresses, Pop Culture, popular culture, television history, Uncategorized, Western Films, Western history | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Your Loving Frank: Romance on the Transcontinental Railroad

It might surprise you to find romance amid the story of the back-breaking and dangerous labor involved in building the transcontinental railroad. But we have one for you. We’re commemorating the anniversary of the joining of the Central Pacific and … Continue reading

Posted in 19th century, Biography and profiles, Railroad History, Uncategorized, Western history, Westward migration, women's history, Wyoming history | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Frontier Life Chronicles: The Legacy of Mable Wyoming Cheney Moudy

Mable Wyoming Cheney was born on May 2, 1878, in Atlantic City, near South Pass, Wyoming. Her father, Ervin F. Cheney (1844-1922), came west to Fort Sanders as a soldier after the Civil War. He helped survey the town of … Continue reading

Posted in Biography and profiles, Laramie, Uncategorized, University of Wyoming history, Western history, women's history, Wyoming history | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

The Last of the Great Train Bandits – Bill Carlisle

February 9th marks the 106th anniversary of William L. “Bill” Carlisle’s first train robbery, which took place in 1916 outside Green River. It was a sensational event in the state, all the more notable as it was thought that the … Continue reading

Posted in Biography and profiles, outlaws, Uncategorized, Western history, Wyoming history | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment