Wyoming State Museum

09/02/2026

Family Day is back and heading to LARAMIE to participate in Archaeology Fair! Be sure to head to Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site on Saturday, Sept. 12 from 10-3 for free, family friendly fun, hands-on activities, live performances and music, and so much more!

08/28/2026

One amazing fact about Wyoming is that all three of the major territories from the 1800s met right here! That means parts of Wyoming were claimed by Great Britain, France, and Mexico... in addition to the Republic of Texas. Let's learn about where in Wyoming these different countries claimed, and see some cool artifacts from those countries!

08/25/2026

The National Park Service was established by President Woodrow Wilson on August 25, 1916. However, some National Parks were established prior to the organization of this federal management bureau. Wyoming is home to two National Parks. Yellowstone was the first National Park established in the United States in 1872. Grand Teton National Park was established in 1929. Over eight million people visit these parks every year.
1. Oil painting, "Yellowstone Falls" by Cyrenius Hall, late 1800s.
2. Mixed Media Painting, Grand Teton Mountains with Jenny Lake by Christine Meytras, 2016.

08/24/2026

The Friends of the Wyoming State Museum is holding a raffle to help support educational programs at the museum!

Enter for your change to win 2 UW football tickets using this link: https://wyomingstatemuseum.square.site/product/uw-football-ticket-raffle/5RCCDLYXNH66TGORZPUPGLQJ?cs=true&cst=custom

08/18/2026

Although there are not nearly as many catalogs in your mailbox as there used to be, National Mail Order Catalog Day is still celebrated on August 18. This is the date the first Montgomery Ward catalog was sent out in 1872. This “catalog” was actually just a single sheet of paper listing merchandise with prices, but it led to a major change in how people, especially in rural areas, could access a wider variety of goods. Check out some of the catalogs in our collection that Wyoming's residents would have ordered from over the years. order catalog
1. The Oliver Typewriter Co. catalog, 1910s
2. Frederick Herrschner Needlecrafts, 1946-1947
3. Lee Ward Mills Arts and Crafts, 1954-1955
4. Western Ranchman Outfitters, 1963

08/17/2026

Jim Gatchell knew a thing or two about show-and-tell.

Long before his collection became the foundation of the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum, Jim understood that preserving history was only part of the story. He also shared what he collected—showing objects to visitors, telling their stories, and creating opportunities for others to connect with the region’s past.

Now, some of that history is getting ready for another audience.

Opening August 29 in the Wyoming Capitol Gallery, “A Prescription for History: The Legacy of Jim Gatchell” brings artifacts, artwork, and historic photographs from Buffalo to Cheyenne to explore Jim’s life, his collection, and the legacy he left behind.

Stay tuned as the exhibition comes together and join us for the opening reception. Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/share/19EbXtqSXP/?mibextid=wwXIfr

08/14/2026

Three new works of Wyoming art are joining the Wyoming State Museum’s permanent collection!

The Governor’s Capitol Art Exhibition is more than an opportunity to showcase the incredible work being created by artists across Wyoming—it also helps preserve the story of Wyoming art for generations to come.

Each exhibition, the Wyoming State Museum selects works for purchase awards to become part of its permanent art collection. Sales to the public help make those acquisitions possible, with a portion of each sale supporting the purchase of additional works for the Museum.

This year was a particularly exciting one: 10 works found new homes through public sales, and the Museum was able to acquire three works for its permanent collection:

Kardiaform # 005 — Josh Buettner
Cottonwood and lacquer

Wyoming Rocking Chair — Rocio Gomez Sandoval
Tufting, latch hooking, embroidery, and needle felting

When Seas Became Deserts, I, II and III — Paula McCormick
Encaustic wax mixed-media carbon triptych painting

Congratulations to Josh, Rocio, and Paula; to each of the artists whose works were purchased; and to all of the Wyoming artists selected for this year’s Governor’s Capitol Art Exhibition. Thank you for sharing your creativity and helping us celebrate the remarkable range of art being made across our state.

Wyoming artists, mark your calendars! The Call for Entries for the 2028 Governor’s Capitol Art Exhibition will open in August 2027.

08/10/2026

Check out the Wyoming State Museum's two Yellowstone wagons. Our famous observation wagon - Wagon 99 - and our new stagecoach - Wagon 1002!

08/07/2026

So happy to have been invited to participate in Cheyenne Frontier Days this year! We were able to talk to hundreds of people from all around the state and country about Wyoming, its wildlife, and our museum!

08/05/2026

We are once again in the running for 2026 Best of the Best Museum, but there is some stiff competition from other amazing museums in Cheyenne!

Use the link below to cast your vote (for us, of course 😉) before August 14th!

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