Category Archives: oral histories

‘It’s in My Heart’: A Lakota Chief’s Descendant Bridges Past and Present in Wyoming

I had the opportunity to listen to many interviews conducted for the American Heritage Center’s Wyoming Voices Project. It’s an oral history project, which means it is a collection and study of historical events and information using recordings of interviews … Continue reading

Posted in Interns' projects, Native American history, oral histories, Uncategorized, Wyoming history | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Bonds of Life and Limb: Women of the Union Pacific

In the rugged terrain of Wyoming, the railroad carves its path like a long river of steel, shaping the history and spirit of the place. Yet, the stories of those who spend their lives on the rails, laboring with grit, … Continue reading

Posted in oral histories, Railroad History, Uncategorized, Union Pacific Railroad, Women in the workforce, women's history | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Life Between the Rails”: National Hispanic Heritage Month and the Unseen Tracks of History

In the echoes of locomotive whistles and the steady rhythm of rolling steel, there lies a story often untold. From September 15 to October 15, we honor National Hispanic Heritage Month—a time to reflect on the deep and enduring contributions … Continue reading

Posted in Hispanic Heritage Month, oral histories, Railroad History, Uncategorized, Union Pacific Railroad | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

AHC Grants in Action: Uncovering the Coal Mining Heritage of Kemmerer and Diamondville

He laid the objects thoughtfully on top of the three card tables in his garage, a showcase of coveted and kept personal history of his family’s deep connection with the town, and with coal. Frank Scigliano is a third generation … Continue reading

Posted in Coal industry, community collections, Community Impact, Community Stories, Labor History, Local history, mining history, oral histories, Uncategorized, Wyoming history | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Sky is the Limit: The UW Atmospheric Science Department and an Oral History Project

Donald Veal is a name that many University of Wyoming employees and citizens of the state remember. Veal had many “firsts” at UW. He earned the first Ph.D. from the College of Engineering when he completed his Civil Engineering degree … Continue reading

Posted in aviation, oral histories, Uncategorized, University of Wyoming history, Wyoming history | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

James Watt: From Wyoming’s Landscapes to Political Stances, Faith as a Driving Force

James “Jim” Watt, the former Interior Secretary, passed away on May 27, 2023, at the age of 85. While his tenure as Interior Secretary during the Reagan administration defined him, his career spanned various roles and contributions. Born and raised … Continue reading

Posted in American history, conservation, Economic Geology, energy resources, environmental history, Natural resources, oral histories, Political controversy, Political history, Uncategorized, Wyoming history | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Wyoming Women’s History: Choices and Changes Oral History Project

In the United States, the generation born post-Depression, or about 1939 to the end of World War II in August 1945 have been named “War Babies.” The Baby Boomer generation soon followed, beginning in 1946, and has been credited with … Continue reading

Posted in oral histories, Post World War II, Uncategorized, Western history, women's history, Wyoming history | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Art of the Hunt: Jake Korell’s Story

Jacob “Trapper Jake” Korell (1914-2013) was a legendary Wyomingite who had a bright personality and a passion for trapping. He was skillful and thoughtful in his work and held great respect for the animals he caught. He began trapping when … Continue reading

Posted in Digital collections, oral histories, Uncategorized, Wyoming history | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Tales and Traditions: Folklife in Wyoming

Folklife is a complex, important and large component of culture. It encompasses the art, traditions and knowledge that passes down among a group of people and can be seen through dance, music, artwork, storytelling, ceremonies and belief sharing. While sometimes … Continue reading

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Nguyễn Cao Kỳ: A Prime Minister’s Voice in the Vietnam War

Understanding the Vietnam War requires examining perspectives from all sides of the conflict. Primary sources are incredibly valuable to historians studying specific topics. Those who would like to understand the myriad of perspectives from the Vietnam War may wish to turn … Continue reading

Posted in International Collections, International relations, military history, oral histories, Politics, Uncategorized, Vietnam War | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment