Category Archives: Wyoming history

Wyoming Governor Frank Emerson’s KKK Conundrum

In the complex landscape of 1920s American politics, the resurgence of the Ku Klux Klan emerged as a significant, if geographically uneven, force. Even in Wyoming, far from the Klan’s southern roots, politicians found themselves navigating tricky waters when it … Continue reading →

Posted in 1920s America, Gubernatorial Campaigns, Politics, Uncategorized, Wyoming history | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Atoms on the Range: Exploring Wyoming’s Nuclear Frontier

In the wake of World War II, Wyoming found itself at the forefront of a new mineral rush – uranium. This development would add another chapter to the state’s boom-and-bust legacy in mineral extraction, joining the ranks of earlier oil … Continue reading →

Posted in energy resources, mining history, Natural resources, Nuclear energy, Uncategorized, Wyoming history | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Independence Day in the Cowboy State: A Look at Wyoming’s Traditions

Happy Independence Day! 248 years of independence, and Wyoming’s been celebrating in style. From fur traders to rodeo riders, here’s how our state has marked America’s birthday. We’re highlighting a few of Wyoming’s Fourth of July traditions and featuring some … Continue reading →

Posted in Holidays, Local history, Local Traditions, Uncategorized, Wyoming history | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Senator Lester Hunt: Life, Legacy, and 70th Anniversary Commemoration

Lester C. Hunt, a U.S. Senator from Wyoming, tragically took his own life on June 19, 1954, at his office in the Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C. This year marks the 70th anniversary of this somber event that left … Continue reading →

Posted in Biography and profiles, Political history, U.S. Senate, Uncategorized, Wyoming history | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Native American Day in Wyoming: Celebrating Nellie Scott

In 2004, the Wyoming State Legislature enacted House Bill HB0094, establishing the second Friday of May as Native American Day. This day is observed by public schools, state and local governments, and other organizations throughout Wyoming. This year, the American … Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy and Activism, Arapaho, Tribal Leadership, Uncategorized, Wyoming history | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Designing the University of Wyoming: Merica Hall

Welcome back to our series exploring the University of Wyoming’s building history. In these posts, we’re digging into the narratives behind UW’s most iconic structures. When UW opened for classes on September 12, 1887, no campus housing was available. Students … Continue reading →

Posted in architectural history, Architecture, Campus Heritage, Historic Buildings, Laramie, Student Life, Uncategorized, University of Wyoming history, Wyoming history | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Gale Cleven and George Niethammer: The Wyoming Connection in “Masters of the Air”

If you are interested in the history of the Second World War, or interested in aviation, you may have been watching Masters of the Air, a new television series on Apple TV+. A companion to Band of Brothers and The … Continue reading →

Posted in Actors, Adaptations, American history, aviation, Biography and profiles, military history, Uncategorized, University of Wyoming history, World War II, Wyoming history | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 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

Behind the Foibles of Wyoming’s Prohibition Era

Many of us popped the cork on a bottle of champagne to welcome 2024. But a century ago, such celebrations that involved alcohol were illegal across the United States. Wyoming’s own noble experiment banning liquor began on June 30, 1919, … Continue reading →

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Hands in Harmony: Archiving the Language of Love and Communication

For more than three decades, Hands in Harmony captivated audiences with their unique blend of music, sign language, and dance. This non-profit organization, based in Cheyenne, Wyoming, utilized the art of “sign-singing” to communicate with the hearing impaired and spread … Continue reading →

Posted in Arts & Culture, Community Impact, music, Performance Groups, Uncategorized, Wyoming history | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment