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27 June 2025

Family Fun Awaits at the Wyoming State Museum's Dino Day

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Contact: Melisa McChesney, 307-630-2573; Melisa.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 
Family Fun Awaits at the Wyoming State Museum's Dino Day
 
CHEYENNE, Wyo. — June 27, 2025 — The Wyoming State Museum invites you to attend their Fifth Annual Dino DayTaking place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 12, Dino Day is an opportunity for young dinosaur enthusiasts to meet experts, learn, play, and discover Wyoming’s prehistoric past.

 

The State Museum and its grounds will be transformed into a dino-themed paradise for kids and kids-at-heart to enjoy. The annual event features crafts, games, and activities that bring attendees closer to Wyoming’s paleontological pasts. A “Field of Dinos” with poles reaching toward the sky will show just how big (and small) some of the most famous dinosaurs were. Kids can play games like “Tricera-toss,” make adorable dino-themed crafts, smile for the photo booth, explore the museum with a dinosaur scavenger hunt, crawl in a “Tunnel Through Time,” touch fossils, and more. The Museum’s Curator of Education will also provide high-energy, interactive programs every twenty minutes, encouraging kids to engage their brains and bodies in learning about six dinosaur species. 

 

Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet experts and learn about prehistory from staff members of the Wyoming State Geological Survey, Wyoming State Parks, and the Wyoming State Museum. The Davidson Family, a local family dedicated to supporting programs and education, will bring some of their favorite reptiles, including bearded dragons, leopard geckos, a crested gecko, a sulcata tortoise, a ball python, and an albino red-tailed boa. 

 

Melisa McChesney, curator of community engagement at the Wyoming State Museum, said that large programs like Dino Day depend on community members and partners to bring the most exciting and engaging experiences to Cheyenne. “We are tremendously grateful to the partners and volunteers that help make our events successful,” said McChesney. Anyone looking for volunteer or partnership opportunities should feel welcome to reach out to her directly to get involved. 

 

Dino Day, like all of the museum’s offerings, is free and open to everyone. Registration is encouraged so that museum staff can ensure there are plenty of activities and supplies for every attendee. Families can find the registration link at bit.ly/WSMfamilydays or register by phone at 307-630-2573.

 

The Wyoming State Museum is located in the Barrett Building, 2301 Central Ave. in Cheyenne. Please call 307-630-2573 for more information. State Museum fans can follow the museum’s Facebook and Instagram accounts to stay informed about all upcoming events: @wyomingstatemuseum.

Learn more about the Wyoming State Museum at wyomuseum.wyo.gov
 
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Figure 1: A Dino Day attendees walks the length of a Diplodacus in the Field of Dinos, where people can physically experience just how gigantic these prehistoric animals used to be. Figure 2: A mini paleontologist gets up close with fossils from the Wyoming State Museum's education collection. Figure 3: The "Tunnel Through Time" invites hundreds of kids to crawl back into the past to track down a missing T. rex.

 

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

 

24 June 2025

Wyoming State Archives Speaker Series Features Mountain Men Expert During Historic Statehood Day Celebration

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Contact: Sara Davis, 307-777-7826; wyarchive@wyo.gov

 

Wyoming State Archives Speaker Series Features Mountain Men Expert During Historic Statehood Day Celebration

 

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – June 24, 2025 – The Wyoming State Archives Speaker Series presents Jeremy Thornbrugh from the Wyoming State Museum for a captivating exploration of the history of mountain men on Thursday, July 10, at 7 p.m. This special presentation will take place in person at the Wyoming Capitol Extension Auditorium (200 W. 24th Street, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82002) and online for virtual participants.

 

 

Thornbrugh's presentation coincides with Wyoming's Kickoff to America's 250th, a full-day celebration running from noon to 8 p.m. on Wyoming Statehood Day. While Capitol Square comes alive with music, history, food, and family activities, marking the launch of celebrations leading to America's 250th birthday in 2026, the Speaker Series continues its tradition of bringing Wyoming's rich history to life through expert presentations.

 

The Wyoming State Archives Speaker Series hosts presentations on the second Thursday of every month at 7 p.m., offering both in-person and virtual attendance options. These educational events connect the public with Wyoming's historical experts and preserve the stories that shaped our state.

 

Registration and Access

 

Virtual participation requires registration at eventbrite.com/cc/wyoming-state-archives-speaker-series-834529. In-person attendance is welcome without advance registration.

 

Recordings of all Speaker Series presentations are available on the Wyoming State Archives YouTube channel at @wyomingstatearchives3567.

 

 

For the complete events calendar and upcoming topics, visit wyoarchives.wyo.gov/index.php/about-archives/events.

 

About the Wyoming State Archives

 

The Wyoming State Archives collects, manages, and preserves Wyoming's state public records, which have long-term administrative, legal, and historical value. These records document both our state's history and the activities of Wyoming Government offices. The Archives also acquires non-government records that enhance understanding of Wyoming's rich heritage.

 

For more information or to request special assistance, please contact Wyoming State Archivist Sara Davis at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.or call the WSA at 307-777-7826. You can also learn more about the Wyoming State Archives at wyoarchives.wyo.gov

 

Contact: Sara Davis, 307-777-7826; wyarchive@wyo.gov

 

13 June 2025

Governor Gordon Proclaims June 17 - July 4, 2025, as Civic Season in Wyoming

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

Governor Gordon Proclaims June 17 - July 4, 2025, as Civic Season in Wyoming

CHEYENNE, WY –June 13, 2025
 Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon officially signed a proclamation on June 12, 2025, declaring June 17 to July 4, 2025, as Civic Season in Wyoming. This statewide initiative encourages reflection on the nation's history and active participation in shaping its future.

The season begins on June 17th at 5:30 pm with a panel at the Laramie County Library that will highlight local high school students in conversation with civic superheroes Melissa Martin, Marguerite Herman, JoLynn Paulsen, and Milward Simpson. It culminates with the Civic Season Festival on Wednesday, July 2, from 5:30 - 8:00 pm on the Wyoming State Museum grounds, where guests can enjoy live music, inspiring speeches, and creative educational activities that help individuals learn more about civics. A full schedule can be found at: wyomuseum.wyo.gov/civicseason.

The Wyoming State Museum has been a leading force in Civic Season since 2022, expanding its programming this year to include a "slice of History" pizza party at the Wyoming Women's History House in Laramie on Wednesday, June 25 at 6:30 pm. Melisa McChesney, Curator of Community Engagement at the museum, emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating, "Civic Season is a new American tradition encouraging people to go beyond hotdogs and fireworks to dive deep into our nation's democracy, identity, and future." Each of the six upcoming Civic Season events is designed as an entry point into civic engagement, utilizing games, community debates, teenage speakers, pizza parties, and even live music to create fun and inviting environments for civic education and exploration.

Wyoming’s Civic Season was developed by the Wyoming State Museum with the support of essential community partners and speakers including Better Together, Braver Angels, CHISPA, Cheyenne League of Women Voters, Laramie County Community Partnership, Laramie County Library System, Lions Club, Kiwanis Club, NAACP Cheyenne, Wyoming ACLU, Dr. Rev. Hilton McClendon, Sr., Former Representative Jim Byrd, Kylie McCormick, Representative Lee Filer, and County Clerk Debra Lee.
 
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Figure 1: Governor Gordon displays the Civic Season proclamation at its signing on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Figure 2: Civic Season planning committee members and Wyoming State Parks & Cultural Resources employees pose for a photo with the Governor at the Civic Season 2025 proclamation signing. 
 
Contact: Melisa McChesney, 307-630-2573; MelisThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

 

02 June 2025

Wyoming State Museum Launches Civic Season 2025

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Wyoming State Museum Launches Civic Season 2025
 
CHEYENNE, Wyo. — June 2, 2025 — The Wyoming State Museum, in partnership with the Laramie County Library, Wyoming Women’s History House, Braver Angels of Laramie County, the Cheyenne League of Women Voters, and Wyoming Humanities, is thrilled to announce Civic Season 2025. 
 

Join over 500 cultural and civic institutions nationwide for a unique summer experience that goes beyond hot dogs and fireworks. This year, we're diving deep into our democracy and exploring how each of us can shape our nation’s future. It is a new non-partisan tradition for learning and action, offering a fun, social way to learn, connect, and get inspired. Whether you’re passionate about history, eager to engage in community discussions, looking for ways to make a difference, or just interested in the free food, there’s something for everyone. 

 

Wyoming’s Civic Season, running from June 17 to July 2, is funded by a Wyoming Humanities Community Culture Grant. Led by the Wyoming State Museum and a dedicated local planning committee, this year’s Civic Season includes six lively events across Cheyenne and Laramie.  

 

The following Civic Season events will take place in Cheyenne:

  • Civic Chat: Today's Superheroes Guiding Tomorrow's Changemakers

June 17, 5:30 PM, Laramie County Library

Join Braver Angels to listen in on conversations with local youth and Civic Superheroes who will share their experiences, give advice, and explore the countless ways we can all unleash our Civic Superpowers!

 
  • A Slice of History: Unity in Action

June 19, 6:30 PM, Wyoming State Museum

Drop in for the perfect pairing of pizza and history featuring Rev. Dr. Hilton McClendon Sr., pastor at Allen Chapel AME Church in Cheyenne, and Jim Byrd, a fifth-generation Wyomingite and former state legislator. The evening will begin with a round of trivia followed by stories of local and national civil rights activism.

 
  • Community Conversation: Should the Government Regulate Social Media?

June 24, 5:30 PM, Laramie County Library

Braver Angels invites people from all walks of life to come together and have a productive conversation about the topic of social media regulation. 

 
  • Democracy Under Construction

June 26, 6:30 PM, Wyoming State Museum

What makes Wyoming special to you? What are the challenges facing civic engagement today? Play Jenga while having fun conversations and sharing personal stories about democracy in Wyoming. 

 
  • Civic Season Festival

July 2, 5:30 PM, Wyoming State Museum

Wrap up the season with live music from Winston Creek, food vendors, art and activities, information booths highlighting local civic organizations, and inspiring speeches from Kylie McCormick, Debra Lee, and Lee Filer.

 

The following Civic Season events will take place in Laramie:

 
  • A Slice of History: Wyoming’s Women’s Suffrage Story

June 25, 6:30 PM, Wyoming Women’s History House

Come together for an evening of pizza, trivia, and a talk from Kylie McCormick. She’ll keep you on the edge of your seat with her engaging talk about the Women’s Suffrage movement in Wyoming.

 

The Wyoming State Museum is located at 2301 Central Ave. Fans can follow the museum's Facebook and Instagram accounts, @WyomingStateMuseum, to stay informed about upcoming events, programs, and exhibits. Learn more about Civic Season 2025 on the Wyoming State Museum website at wyomuseum.wyo.gov/civicseason.

 

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Figure 1: A museum volunteer records an oral history interview with an attendee at the 2023 Civic Season Festival. Figure 2: Galactic Lemonz perform at the 2023 Civic Season Festival. This year’s festival will include two music performances from Laramie-based band, Winston Creek. Figure 3: We The People students share their perspectives and inspirations on stage at the Laramie County Library during Civic Season 2024.

 

21 May 2025

Wyoming Agency Partners Launch Exhibit Celebrating Rare Bone Needle

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Contact: Gwendolyn Kristy, 307-766-5366This 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

 

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Figure 1Close-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.
 

 

13 May 2025

Wyoming State Museum Launches Conservation Project for State-Owned Sculptures

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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.

 

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