Category Archives: Wyoming history

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

John B. Kendrick and the Teapot Dome Scandal: A Historical Perspective

100 years ago, on October 25, 1923, the U.S. Senate Committee on Public Lands published its first report on the Teapot Dome scandal. The scandal stands as one of the most notorious episodes of political corruption in American history. Centered … Continue reading

Posted in American history, Corruption and scandals, Government accountability, Historical scandals, Petroleum history, Political controversy, Political history, Uncategorized, Western history, Wyoming history | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Oppenheimer” and the Wyoming Senator Who Defied the U.S. President

Christopher Nolan’s latest film Oppenheimer depicts the dramatic events that surrounded the development of the atomic bomb and its aftermath. One of the key episodes in the film is the confirmation hearings for Lewis Strauss, who was nominated by President … Continue reading

Posted in American history, Government accountability, Political controversy, Political history, Uncategorized, Wyoming history | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment