CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Aug. 18, 2026 – Opening Saturday, Aug. 29, in the Capitol Gallery, “A Prescription for History: The Legacy of Jim Gatchell” explores how Buffalo pharmacist Jim Gatchell’s curiosity, civic spirit, and commitment to preserving local history became a lasting legacy. Through artifacts, artwork, and photographs from the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum, the exhibition tells the story of northeastern Wyoming while celebrating the enduring impact one individual can have on preserving a community’s history.

An opening reception will be held from 10:00 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Aug. 29, featuring remarks from Governor Mark Gordon, Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum Executive Director Sylvia Bruner, and Wyoming State Museum Capitol Curator Nathan Doerr. Light refreshments will be served.

Following Gatchell’s death, his family donated his collection to the people of Johnson County with the understanding that a museum would be established to preserve it. Since opening in 1957, the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum has continued that mission. In 2023, the museum received the National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation’s highest honor for museums and libraries, in recognition of its exceptional service to the community.

“Jim Gatchell and his family epitomize one of the best and simplest examples of legacy: good people doing good works,” said Sylvia Bruner, executive director of the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum. “Jim didn’t walk into life with any special advantage or resource. He was a western boy, a pharmacist, and a family man. What wasn’t typical about him was his constant desire to learn from other people, cultures, and events.”

Drawing from the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum’s collections, including objects from Jim Gatchell’s original collection, the exhibition brings the history of northeastern Wyoming to new audiences through the Capitol Gallery. In doing so, it reflects the Gallery’s mission of providing museums across Wyoming with a unique opportunity to share their collections with visitors from across the state and beyond. “This exhibition shares the story of one community while celebrating the work taking place in museums across Wyoming,” said Nathan Doerr, capitol curator of the Wyoming State Museum. “Every museum collection tells a uniquely Wyoming story. Whether large or small, those collections preserve pieces of our shared history and help ensure those stories remain accessible for future generations.”

“A Prescription for History: The Legacy of Jim Gatchell” will be on view from Aug. 29, 2026, through March 12, 2027, in the Capitol Gallery in the Wyoming Capitol. The gallery features changing exhibitions developed in partnership with museums and cultural institutions from across the state.

The Wyoming Capitol is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Extended summer Saturday hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. continue through Sept. 26.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – June 19, 2026 – The Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street, in cooperation with the Wyoming State Museum, presents “Voices and Votes: Democracy in America.” The exhibition examines the nearly 250-year-old American experiment of a government “of, by and for the people,” and how each generation since continues to strive to form “a more perfect union.” Opening at the museum on June 19, “Voices and Votes” will be on view through Aug. 8, 2026.

The State Museum will host “Voices and Votes” as part of the Museum on Main Street program, a national/state/local partnership to bring exhibitions and programs to rural cultural organizations. The exhibition will tour six communities in Wyoming through 2026 and the beginning of 2027. 

“Voices and Votes” explores the action, reaction, vision and revision that democracy demands as Americans continue to question how to shape the country. From the revolution and suffrage, to civil rights and casting ballots, everyone in every community is part of this ever-evolving story—the story of democracy in America. Exhibition sections explore the origins of American democracy, the struggles to obtain and keep the vote, the machinery of democracy, the right to petition and protest beyond the ballot and the rights and responsibilities of citizens. “Voices and Votes” features historical and contemporary photos; educational and archival video; engaging multimedia interactives with short games; and historical objects like campaign souvenirs, voter memorabilia, and protest material.

 “‘Voice and Votes’ allows us to reflect on Wyoming’s history and explore what it means to be an active participant in the governance of not only the country but also the state and the community,” said Kevin Ramler, director of the Wyoming State Museum. “We want to inspire conversations and have developed local exhibitions and public programs to complement the Smithsonian exhibition.” The State Museum is supplementing the Smithsonian exhibit with a display of the Wyoming statehood flag presented to Governor F.E. Warren by Esther Hobart Morris in 1890, a trophy given to Governor Nellie Tayloe Ross to recognize Wyoming having the greatest increase in voter participation in the 1924 presidential election, and collections of campaign memorabilia once displayed in the storied Hitching Post Inn. Complementary programming includes a suite of Civic Season events at the museum and the Laramie County Library, as well as the Capitol City Celebration on July 4. 

“Voices and Votes” is based on an exhibition currently on display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History called American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith. The exhibition is part of Museum on Main Street, a unique collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES), state cultural organizations across the nation, and local host institutions. To learn more about “Voices” and other Museum on Main Street exhibitions, visit museumonmainstreet.org. 

Support for Museum on Main Street (MoMS) has been provided by the U.S. Congress. The Wyoming Voices and Votes tour is supported by a grant from the Wyoming Semiquincentennial Planning Task Force.

SITES has been sharing the wealth of Smithsonian collections and research programs with millions of people outside Washington, D.C., for more than 65 years. SITES connects Americans to their shared cultural heritage through a wide range of exhibitions about art, science, and history, which are shown wherever people live, work, and play. For exhibition description and tour schedules, visit sites.si.edu.

Figure 1: Wyoming Statehood Flag. Figure 2: “Remember the 4th” holiday banner, 1860s, courtesy of National Museum of American History. Figure 3: “A Woman Living Here Has Registered to

Vote,” window sign for a home, 1919, courtesy of National Museum of American History. 

Contact: Kevin Ramler, (307) 286-5952, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – June 8, 2026 – The Wyoming State Museum, in partnership with community organizations across Cheyenne, is pleased to announce Civic Season 2026, a series of free public programs focused on civic engagement, history, dialogue, and community connection.

Part of a nationwide movement involving hundreds of museums, libraries, and civic organizations, Civic Season invites people of all ages to explore the past, reflect on the present, and engage in conversations about the future of democracy and civic life in Wyoming and beyond.

This year’s Civic Season will take place June 23 through July 2 and will feature four interactive events in Cheyenne, including community conversations, informal history programs, student-led discussions, and hands-on activities designed to encourage civic engagement and thoughtful dialogue.

The following Civic Season events will take place in Cheyenne:

A Slice of History

Going Back:  A History of Suffrage in Wyoming and the US

Tuesday, June 23, 5:30 p.m.
Wyoming State Museum

Join the Wyoming State Museum for an informal lecture and discussion featuring pizza and conversation. Presented by Antonio Serrano of the ACLU of Wyoming, this session will explore the history of suffrage in Wyoming and how civic participation continues to shape our communities. The event is free, but be sure to register here: https://m51o94sr2i2.typeform.com/to/JygnAVAg?typeform-source=wyomuseum.wyo.gov. 

Community Conversation: Braver Angels Debates the American Dream

Thursday, June 25, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Laramie County Library, Cottonwood Room

Guided by Braver Angels, this community conversation invites participants to gather, think, and learn from one another as they discuss the American Dream and whether its ideas, from the “self-made man” to enjoying a life of middle-class comforts, are still attainable or even desirable. Wing Shack will provide refreshments for this free event; please register in advance to reserve your place at https:/tinyurl.com/CivicDebate26. Use promo code BRAVER during registration to get a free ticket. Donations beyond the free ticket support Braver Angels, a Section 501(c)3) organization.

Civic Chat

Tuesday, June 30, 5:30 p.m.
Laramie County Library

Join us for this informal panel discussion, which encourages participants to listen, reflect, and engage in thoughtful conversation. Wing Shack will provide refreshments for this free event; please register here: https://m51o94sr2i2.typeform.com/to/ERLSgKkI.

Democracy Under Construction

Thursday, July 2, 5:30 p.m.
Wyoming State Museum

Join the Wyoming State Museum for an evening of Jenga, a special civics-themed Apples to Apples, and interactive conversations centered around democracy, civic engagement, and community perspectives. This lighthearted program encourages participants to connect with others while exploring what democracy means in everyday life. Light refreshments will be provided. The event is free, but please be sure to register here: https://m51o94sr2i2.typeform.com/to/nLe1Miza.  

All Civic Season events are free and open to the public and are generously sponsored and supported by the Wyoming Humanities, the Wyoming State Museum, the Laramie County Library, Braver Angels, Wing Shack, and America’s 250th. 

The Wyoming State Museum is located at 2301 Central Ave. in Cheyenne. Fans can follow the museum’s Facebook and Instagram accounts, @WyomingStateMuseum, for updates on exhibits, programs, and events.

Learn more about the Wyoming State Museum at wyomuseum.wyo.gov. 

Figures 1-3: Participants and speakers at Civic Season 2025 events. 

Contact: Stefanie Kowalczyk, (307) 630-2573; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – April 2, 2026 – Registration is now open for the Cultural Heritage Institute, a new professional development event hosted by the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources (SPCR). The one-day, in-person institute will take place Sept. 17, 2026, in Cheyenne and is designed to equip cultural heritage employees, historic site and museum staff, and volunteers with practical skills in preservation and collections care.

Hosted in partnership with the Laramie County Library System, the Institute will bring together emerging and experienced professionals, as well as dedicated volunteers, working in Wyoming’s cultural fields to share ideas, exchange knowledge, and build lasting connections. The event will feature sessions, discussions, and networking opportunities centered on preserving and promoting the state’s shared history, arts, and culture.

“This Institute is an opportunity to invest in the people who care for Wyoming’s history and culture,” said Sara Davis of the Wyoming State Archives. “By bringing people together to share knowledge, learn from one another, and build lasting connections, we’re strengthening the collaboration needed to preserve and promote Wyoming’s cultural heritage for generations to come.”

The Cultural Heritage Institute will offer a foundation in core practices across museums, archives, historic sites, and arts programs. The event will emphasize practical learning, professional growth, and opportunities to connect with mentors and peers across Wyoming’s cultural community. Participants will learn how cultural collections and programs are cared for, interpreted, and shared within the state’s vibrant cultural network.

This initiative is made possible through funding from State Parks and Cultural Resources’ Spark Tank Program, an internal fund that supports SPCR staff in developing and testing innovative ideas to advance the department’s mission. The event is being organized collaboratively by SPCR programs, including the Arts Council, State Archives, State Historic Preservation Office, State Museum, State Parks, and Historic Sites.

Attendance will be free, with registration required and limited to 50 participants. Register at Bit.ly/WyoCulturalHeritageInstitute-Register. 

The event will be held at the Laramie County Library located at 2200 Pioneer Ave, Cheyenne, WY 82001. 

For future updates, please visit Bit.ly/WyoCulturalHeritageInstitute or follow SPCR programs on social media by using #WyoCulturalHertitageInstitute2026.

Contact: Sara Davis, (307) 777-7826; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – March 25, 2026 – Science gets an after-hours twist this spring at the Wyoming State Museum with S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, & Mathematics) Night. 

On Saturday, April 18, from 5:30–8:30 p.m., the State Museum will transform into an interactive, adults-only space for hands-on experiments, immersive technology, and live demonstrations designed specifically for guests ages 21 and older. This limited-capacity evening event offers a chance to explore science in a lively, social setting—without the daytime crowds.

Throughout the evening, participants will be able to step aboard the International Space Station through immersive virtual reality headsets, explore a mobile science lab featuring hands-on experiments, design and launch their own paper rockets, and experience live chemistry demonstrations and interactive experiments. 

Tickets are $20 per person. Guests must be 21 or older to attend, and valid identification will be checked at the door. Advance registration is required; space is limited and expected to fill quickly. Learn more and register by visiting Bit.ly/RegisterSTEAM. 

This event is presented in partnership by Blue Raven Brewery, Blue Stem Winehouse, the Cheyenne Arts Center, the Children’s Museum of Cheyenne, Laramie County Community College, the University of Wyoming Department of Chemistry, and the Wyoming NASA Space Grant Consortium Science Kitchen.

The Wyoming State Museum, a program of the Wyoming Department of State Parks & Cultural Resources, invites visitors of all ages to discover Wyoming’s history from prehistoric to present. Established in 1895, the Museum collects, preserves, and interprets objects spanning history, art, anthropology, and natural history, bringing the state’s stories to life through engaging exhibitions and educational programs. Admission is free year-round, and the Museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.

For more information about the State Museum or upcoming events, visit wyomuseum.wyo.gov. 

Figure 1: S.T.E.A.M. Night graphic. 

Contact: Stefanie Kowalczyk, (307) 630-2573; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – March 5, 2026 – Governor Mark Gordon and the Wyoming State Museum recognized 53 Wyoming artists at the 2026 Governor’s Capitol Art Exhibition awards reception on Thursday, Feb. 26. Three artists were presented with awards, each accompanied by a cash prize:

• Lynn Jones of Laramie received the Governor’s Choice Award for her piece, “The Snowy Range.”
• Georgia Rowswell of Cheyenne received the Juror’s Choice Award for her piece, “Where the Buffalo Roam Again.”
• Alexandra Hansen of Aladdin received the People’s Choice Award for her piece, “Walk the Line.”

Four works were also selected for the Capitol Art Collection Purchase Awards through votes cast by the statewide elected officials and agencies participating in the museum’s Capitol Art Program. These works will be displayed in public offices of state agencies and elected officials. Artists receiving purchase awards were:

• James Overstreet of Cheyenne, for his piece titled “Yellowstone Pool”
• Catherine Barnes of Cheyenne, for her piece titled “April, May and June” 
• Ella Bishop-Heil of Alcova, for her piece titled “Portrait of Two Horses” 
• Steve Knox of Cheyenne, for his piece titled “Lookin' for 2”

This year’s exhibit is featured as part of Wyoming's tribute to America's 250th anniversary. Artists were encouraged to submit entries that celebrate Wyoming’s breathtaking landscapes, vibrant communities, and the people who call our great state home. The exhibit showcases 62 works chosen from 383 entries submitted by 152 Wyoming artists. The selections were made by guest juror Kate Hlavin, Curator of the Coors Western Art Exhibit and Sale in Denver, Colorado.

Hlavin, in her remarks during the reception, shared that "reviewing the submissions for this exhibition was a privilege. The level of creativity represented was impressive, and the range of interpretations—from land and wildlife to people and community—was fascinating to experience.” She noted that each artist brought “a unique reason for loving Wyoming, and that individuality was evident in every submission. The works I selected resonated with me as thoughtful, compelling, and beautiful reflections of this place."

The Governor’s Capitol Art Exhibition was established in 2000 under an initiative by Governor Geringer and is organized by the Wyoming State Museum and the Wyoming Arts Council. The exhibition is the primary avenue for the state museum to acquire contemporary Wyoming art for its Capitol and permanent collections. In addition to the works selected for Purchase Awards and added to the Capitol Art Collection, the museum purchases additional works from the exhibition for its permanent collection, serving as a record of artists working in Wyoming today.

The Governor’s Capitol Art Exhibition will be on display until Aug. 8 in the Capitol Gallery. The Capitol is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Works in the exhibition can also be viewed and purchased at bit.ly/4qwN3x1. 

Figure 1: Governor Mark Gordon and First Lady Jennie Gordon with Lynn Jones, recipient of the 2026 Governor’s Choice Award. 

Figure 2: Juror Kate Hlavin and Georgia Rowswell, recipient of the 2026 Juror’s Choice Award.

Figure 3: Governor Mark Gordon and State Parks and Cultural Resources Director Dave Glenn with Alexandra Hansen, recipient of the 2026 People’s Choice Award.

Contact: Nathan Doerr, (307) 823-2935; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.