McCracken Research Library at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West

09/07/2026

Happy Labor Day! Across Wyoming, Labor Day has long been a time to honor hard work, community, and tradition. In Meeteetse, that celebration came alive in 1962 with the Meeteetse Labor Day Rodeo, where riders, families, and neighbors gathered to mark the holiday with grit and good cheer.

The McCracken Research Library preserves images from that rodeo, reminding us that Labor Day in the West has always been about celebrating the people whose work and spirit keep communities strong.

PN.89.31.5289.01.09, MS 89 Jack Richard Collection

09/06/2026

If you live in Cody, you've likely seen our local population of vultures. Curious to learn more about them? Check out this great blog on the Center's website!

https://centerofthewest.org/2026/06/19/exploring-the-turkey-vultures-sense-of-smell/

09/04/2026

Today is National Wildlife Day! If you can't get outside to experience your local wildlife, check out some of our favorite wildlife shots from our MS 301 Gabby Barrus Collection.

https://library.centerofthewest.org/digital/collection/GYSS/search

09/02/2026

Join us September 11–12 for the James Ersfeld Symposium: “Buffalo Bill Cody and the Bison in American History” at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West!

Historians, authors, and museum curators will come together for two days of fascinating conversations exploring Buffalo Bill Cody, the American West, and the enduring significance of the bison. The weekend includes panel discussions, a keynote by historian Paul Andrew Hutton, special presentations, receptions, and more.

Learn more and register: https://centerofthewest.org/event/james-ersfeld-symposium-sept-11-12/

08/25/2026

Happy Founder’s Day to the National Park Service!

For over a century, park rangers have been the stewards of America’s most treasured landscapes, from towering peaks to sprawling plains. At the McCracken Research Library, we’re proud to preserve historic images of these rangers, capturing the legacy of those who have protected and interpreted the West’s natural wonders.

See more collection items on the National Park Service here: https://library.centerofthewest.org/digital/search/searchterm/national%20park%20service/page/1

PN.89.74.13104.65, MS 89 Jack Richard Collection

08/22/2026

You've seen our spotlight, now get ready to experience the story of America’s national mammal in Buffalo Nation, a special exhibition marking the 250th anniversary of the United States. Through art, artifacts, photography, natural history, and immersive design, the exhibition explores how the buffalo shaped the American West and continues to inspire today.

The experience culminates in the public opening TODAY of an expansive, hands-on gallery filled with larger-than-life visuals, interactive storytelling, and engaging displays that bring visitors face to face with the enduring spirit of the buffalo.

For more information, visit: https://centerofthewest.org/buffalo-nation/

08/20/2026

Today is the day! Join us for our Local Lore program on the Elgin Brothers and early aviation today at 12 PM in the Coe Auditorium.

Following the presentation, join officials from the Wyoming Aviation Hall of Fame for a special induction ceremony honoring John and Ray Elgin’s lasting contributions to Wyoming aviation.

08/19/2026

Why don't archivists describe every single document in a collection?

Check out "The Myth of the Fully Processed Archive," where archivist Cassandra Day explores why archives are processed at the folder level rather than the item level. It's a strategic decision that allows archivists to make more collections accessible to researchers while balancing time, resources, and the needs of the collection.

Read the blog here: https://centerofthewest.org/.../the-myth-of-the-fully.../

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08/14/2026

08/12/2026

Today is the day! Join the McCracken Research Library for our next Bison Book Club discussion of "Blood Memory: The Tragic Decline and Improbable Resurrection of the American Buffalo" by Dayton Duncan and Ken Burns. Award-winning writer and filmmaker Dayton Duncan will join participants virtually for a special guest appearance!

The discussion will take place in person at the Park County Public Library in Cody, with a virtual attendance option available via Zoom.

Learn more at: https://centerofthewest.org/event/mccracken-research-library-bison-book-club/