Category Archives: Under-documented communities
2018 marks the 20th remembrance of Matthew Shepard’s murder
To honor Matthew Shepard’s memory and continue efforts to strengthen compassion and inclusivity in our community for LGBTQ+ and all social identities, the American Heritage Center curated an exhibit that is on display until October 31 at the Buchanan Performing … Continue reading
Lovell’s Latin American Colony
In 1916, the sugar beet industry brought the first serious wave of Mexican-speaking migrants to Lovell: betabeleros, the beet workers, to hoe the fields and help with the harvest. Yet most were not Mexican nationals, but rather Spanish-speaking people from … Continue reading
Cementing a Relationship: How Concrete brought New Mexicans to Wyoming
The Mexican-American War (1846-1848) was one event that led to Hispanics first settling in Wyoming, as it brought the U.S. Army into Wyoming. Only shortly after the war ended, the United States sent the Regiment of Mounted Rifles to occupy … Continue reading
Transitioning to Her True Self: S.J. Moffat’s Story
Shannon Moffat, born Samuel Johnston Moffat and known professionally as S. J. Moffat, transitioned in her 50s and had a long and storied career in her 82 years. She was born on August 23, 1927 in a small suburb of Pittsburgh. … Continue reading
Washakie: Through the Lens of Time
Today we commemorate Chief Washakie, a leader of the Eastern Shoshones from the 1840s until his death on February 20, 1900 who embodied all the traits of great leadership. He exhibited bravery, skills as an orator and diplomat, and a … Continue reading
Celebrating Black History Month: The June Vanleer Williams Story
African-American journalist and editor June Vanleer Williams is not necessarily well-known, but what a rich life she led. Williams was an actress, a casting director, a journalist, a playwright, a poet, and an active member in Karamu House, which is the … Continue reading
The Rock Springs Massacre, Sept.2, 1885
During the summer of 1885, tensions had been building between Chinese coal miners and European coal miners in Rock Springs, Wyoming Territory. Both groups were employed by the Union Pacific Coal Company and were having a dispute over wages. According … Continue reading
