News

21 May 2025

Wyoming Agency Partners Launch Exhibit Celebrating Rare Bone Needle

Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources.png

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Gwendolyn Kristy, 307-766-5366; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Wyoming Agency Partners Launch Exhibit Celebrating Rare Bone Needle

CHEYENNE, Wyo. –May 21, 2025 – To celebrate Wyoming's rich cultural heritage, the Wyoming Historic Preservation Office and the Wyoming State Museum—both part of the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources (SPCR)—have partnered with the University of Wyoming's Archaeological Repository (UWAR) to create a temporary exhibit titled "Threads through Time: Bone Needles in Wyoming's Archaeological Record." This exhibit highlights an extraordinary archaeological discovery made in eastern Wyoming and will be displayed at the Wyoming State Museum for the following year.

The exhibit focuses on ancient sewing techniques and artifacts, featuring a fragment of a bone needle recovered from excavations at the La Prele mammoth site near Douglas, Wyoming. University of Wyoming Professor Todd A. Surovell states, "Sewing needles made from bone are among the smallest artifacts found in archaeological sites." The bone needle on display is 12,950 years old, one of North America's oldest known bone needles. The needle has received much attention in the press over the last year and has been featured in publications such as Archaeology Magazine and Smithsonian Magazine. This exhibit will allow members of the public to see this remarkable needle in person.

The exhibit highlights other tools found in archaeological contexts related to clothing production or sewing, such as bone awls and stone scrapers. While spear points and mammoth hunting are often images conjured when thinking of Wyoming Archaeology, sewing technology was critical to past people's lifeways. Surprisingly, the bone needle fragment on display was not manufactured from an animal we typically think of Native Americans hunting, such as bison. Instead, the needle was made from the bone of a red fox.

The bone needle is also featured on the 2025 Wyoming Archaeology Awareness Month poster, which is available free of charge and can be picked up at the Wyoming State Museum by the exhibit or from the State Historic Preservation Office in Cheyenne or in Laramie in the Anthropology building located at 12th and Lewis, Room 312. If you wish to have a poster mailed, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for details.

For more information about the temporary exhibit, contact Elisabeth DeGrenier, supervisor of exhibits and programs at the Wyoming State Museum, at 307-275-4018 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You can learn more about Wyoming Archaeology Awareness Month at wyoshpo.wyo.gov.

Figure 1: Close-up image demonstrating just how small the bone needle found at La Prele is. Photograph by Mike Vanata. Figure 2: Close-up image of the bone needle used on the 2025 Wyoming Archaeology Month Posters. Photograph by Mike Vanata.

Contact: Gwendolyn Kristy, 307-766-5366; gwendolyn.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

13 May 2025

Wyoming State Museum Launches Conservation Project for State-Owned Sculptures

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jennifer Alexander, 307-214-5890; jennifer.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Wyoming State Museum Launches Conservation Project for State-Owned Sculptures

CHEYENNE, WY — May 13, 2025 — The Wyoming State Museum is pleased to announce a conservation project for the care of state-owned sculptures across Wyoming. These sculptures are part of the Art in Public Buildings program jointly managed by the Wyoming State Museum and the Wyoming State Arts Council.

Pacific Coast Conservation will examine, perform maintenance, and write long-term care plans for over 25 outdoor artworks in 12 Wyoming communities. This project is supported in part by a grant from the Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund, a program of the Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources, with additional funding from the Wyoming Arts Council.

The project's artwork includes the Spirit of Wyoming at the State Capitol, the Seventh Sense in Casper, Order/Disorder in Douglas, Serenity in Evanston, the Gift of the Smoking Waters in Thermopolis, and many more.

Jennifer Alexander, Supervisor of Collections for the Wyoming State Museum, notes, "The State Museum is very pleased to be able to oversee the care for these unique historic artworks around the state to ensure that these sculptures will last as long as possible for public enjoyment."

The conservation efforts demonstrate the Wyoming State Museum and its partners' commitment to preserving the state's artistic heritage and enhancing public appreciation for the visual arts.

For more information on the conservation project, visit wyomuseum.wyo.gov or contact the Wyoming State Museum directly.

Contact: Jennifer Alexander, 307-214-5890; jennifer.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

12 May 2025

Wyoming State Museum Presents Painting with Paper Exhibit Opening Reception

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Melisa McChesney, 307-630-2573; melisa.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Wyoming State Museum Presents Painting with Paper Exhibit Opening Reception

CHEYENNE, Wyo. — May 12, 2025 — The Wyoming State Museum invites the public to an opening reception for Painting with Paper, an exhibition showcasing the artwork of eight artists who completed the museum's 2025 Creative Aging course.

The reception will be held on Thursday, May 15, at 5:30 p.m. Painting with Paper features two pieces from each artist: one depicting flowers and the other birds. These vibrant collages were created using hand-painted papers from an 8-week Creative Aging course. Representatives from the Wyoming State Museum, the Wyoming Arts Council, the course instructor, Cathy Barnes, and student artists will share remarks.

Creative Aging, developed by Lifetime Arts, is designed for older adults seeking lifelong learning opportunities. It emphasizes participatory, sequential, and socially engaging experiences. Cathy Barnes, a professional artist with extensive teaching experience, led the course.

The Creative Aging initiative is made possible by a grant provided by the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies in partnership with E.A. Michelson Philanthropy, through the Wyoming Arts Council, with support from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Wyoming Legislature.

The Wyoming State Museum is located at 2301 Central Ave. Fans can follow the museum's Facebook and Instagram accounts at @wyomingstatemuseum to stay informed about upcoming Family Days, exhibits, and special events, or by visiting wyomuseum.wyo.gov to learn more.

Painting with Paper Invitation Graphic.png

Image: Painting with Paper Invitation Graphic

Contact: Melisa McChesney, 307-630-2573; melisa.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

06 May 2025

Wyoming State Museum to Welcome Back Wyoming's Liberty Bell

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Kevin Ramler, 307-286-5952; kevin.ramler@wyo.gov

Wyoming State Museum to Welcome Back Wyoming's Liberty Bell

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – May 6, 2025 – On May 7, Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources will proudly reintroduce Wyoming's Liberty Bell at the Wyoming State Museum, marking an important step in celebrating American history.

"This project is part of a broader initiative by Governor Mark Gordon's Semiquincentennial Planning Task Force to honor and showcase our nation's rich history and Wyoming's contributions to it," said Nick Neylon, deputy director of Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources. "Restoring the Wyoming Liberty Bell for public display symbolizes an exciting kickoff for many projects and activities being planned across the state to celebrate our nation's heritage as we approach America’s 250th anniversary."

Tradition holds that America's Liberty Bell rang out on July 8, 1776, to summon the citizens of Philadelphia to hear the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence. Originally cast in 1751, the bell bearing the inscription from Leviticus, "Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof," has held different meanings throughout US History. The bell was first called "The Liberty Bell" by abolitionists in their initial attempts to end slavery.

Although it is unclear when a crack first appeared in the Liberty Bell, the crack that rendered it mute occurred when a repair failed after it was rung to commemorate the birthday of the late President George Washington on February 23, 1846.

After America's Civil War, the one-ton bell was toured across the country, hoping to unite citizens of a broadly divided nation and remind them of a time when Americans fought together to secure their rights.

During the Truman administration in the 1950s, copies of the Liberty Bell were made and given to each state as an inspirational symbol of the United States Savings Bond Independence Drive. These bells were identical in dimension to the original bell, but the iconic crack on the bell was painted onto the copies. After being presented with its replica, Wyoming kept its Liberty Bell on display at the grounds of Wyoming's State Capitol Building until 2018, when it was placed in storage due to renovations.

"It is a tangible reminder of our shared heritage as Americans and the rights and duties we have the obligation to maintain," says Kevin Ramler, director of the Wyoming State Museum. "We are excited for it to be shared with the public again outside of the Wyoming State Museum before it is eventually placed in a more permanent home within the Capitol Complex."

To commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, Governor Gordon established the Wyoming Semiquincentennial Planning Task Force. This group will develop and coordinate events and activities to celebrate this milestone. You can learn more about the Task Force and available grants at wyoming250.com.

Wyoming's Liberty Bell will be displayed in front of the Wyoming State Museum at 2301 Central Ave in Cheyenne. All are invited to visit and see this iconic piece of American history.

The Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources (SPCR) aims to provide memorable recreational, cultural, and educational experiences that improve communities and enrich lives. For more information about SPCR, visit wyospcr.wyo.gov.

For more information about the Wyoming Liberty Bell, please contact the Wyoming State Museum at 307-777-7022. You can also learn more about the Museum at wyomuseum.wyo.gov.

Figure 1: This photo, taken by Francis Brammar in 1950, is from the Wyoming State Archives (WSA) and captioned "Dedication of the replica Liberty Bell in front of the Wyoming State Capitol Building." WSA is also a program under the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources.

Contact: Kevin Ramler, 307-286-5952; kevin.ramler@wyo.gov

25 April 2025

A Coalition of Museums Unveils “On Our 250th”: A Bold National Call for Shared Dreams and Aspirations for the Nation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Melisa McChesney, 307-630-2573; melisa.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

A Coalition of Museums Unveils “On Our 250th”: A Bold National Call for Shared Dreams and Aspirations for the Nation

CHEYENNE, Wyo. — April 25, 2025 — As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, the Wyoming State Museum, in partnership with The New York Historical and Made By Us, launches "On Our 250th"—a dynamic, nationwide initiative celebrating our collective heritage and inspiring a forward-looking dialogue. "On Our 250th" invites Americans of all ages to share brief messages that convey their hopes for our nation on this momentous anniversary online and in person at participating museums.

In collaboration with leading museums and historic sites from across the country—including Atlanta History Center, Chicago History Museum, Democracy Center at the Japanese American National Museum, Harriet Beecher Stowe House, Idaho State Museum, Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, Levine Museum of the New South, Lincoln Presidential Foundation, National Liberty Museum, National WWI Museum and Memorial, The New York Historical, Revolutionary Spaces, Ruth Mott Foundation/Applewood, Senator John Heinz History Center, Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, Virginia Museum of History & Culture, and Wyoming State Museum—the campaign ensures that voices from every corner of the nation will be heard and celebrated.

Online, messages between five and 50 words can be posted to onour250th.org. Wyoming Residents will also be able to share their messages to a "Wish Wall" that will appear at various semiquincentennial events leading up to July 4, 2026. Offering a megaphone to Americans of all ages and backgrounds, this campaign reflects a long American tradition of citizens using their voices, harkening back to Patrick Henry’s historic call for unity: “I am not a Virginian, but an American.”

“'On Our 250th' is a call to reflect, celebrate, and act,” said Dr. Louise Mirrer, president and CEO of The New York Historical. “We are inviting museums and historical institutions across the country to join us in conversation around the ideas that shaped our nation and that influence our lives today, as we enter this momentous semiquincentennial year. By bringing the voices of Americans together in conversation, we seek to articulate both the ties that bind us as a people and the wishes of our respective communities for posterity.”

Made By Us is a nationwide collaboration developed by America’s iconic and beloved history institutions to transform museums and historic sites into civic hubs for young adults. The network activates more than 400 museums, historic sites, archives, and libraries nationwide to engage younger audiences with credible, timely U.S. history and civics information. With award-winning content and programs such as My Wish For U.S., 60-Second History, Democracy Vibe Check, Youth250, and the annual Civic Season held from Juneteenth to July 4, Made By Us meets young adults where they are with timely and relevant history to inspire, inform, and ignite civic participation. Learn more at historymadebyus.org and on Instagram at @historymadebyus.

The Wyoming State Museum is located in the Barrett Building, 2301 Central Ave. in Cheyenne. Fans can follow the museum’s Facebook and Instagram accounts at @wyomingstatemuseum to stay informed about upcoming Family Days, exhibits, and special events, or by visiting wyomuseum.wyo.gov to learn more.

Figure 1: The United States will celebrate its 250th birthday next year. What is your wish for the United States? History museums across the country invite you to chime in at OnOur250th.org.

Contact: Melisa McChesney, 307-630-2573; melisa.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

09 April 2025

Wyoming State Museum to Host Free Cybersecurity Awareness Class for Seniors

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Melisa McChesney, 307-630-2573; melisa.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Wyoming State Museum to Host Free Cybersecurity Awareness Class for Seniors

CHEYENNE, Wyo. — April 9, 2025 — The Wyoming State Museum is pleased to announce a free cybersecurity awareness class specifically designed for older adults. David Horton, CISSP, CISM, a retired Information Security professional passionate about teaching cybersecurity in an accessible and engaging manner, will lead the class.

The class will take place in the Wyoming State Museum classroom on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Participants will learn essential cybersecurity and privacy guidelines, including password management, app safety, multi-factor authentication, social media security, and identifying online scams.

Registration is required and closes on May 2, 2025. Interested individuals can sign up for free by calling Melisa McChesney at 307-630-2573 or filling out the registration form at bit.ly/CybersecurityWSM. We expect the class to fill quickly, so please register as soon as possible.

The class will include a presentation by David Horton, a break, and a 15-minute open discussion and Q&A session.

The Wyoming State Museum is located in the Barrett Building, 2301 Central Ave., Cheyenne. Learn about upcoming events and programs at the Wyoming State Museum by visiting wyomuseum.wyo.gov.

Figure 1: Cybersecurity Awareness for Seniors Graphic.

Contact: Melisa McChesney, 307-630-2573; melisa.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

View Older Articles