Two big steps in Wyoming

This month, we tell one story of the conflicts and compromises behind Wyoming’s state flag—and another of an early campaign on behalf of people with disabilities.

Designing and promoting our state flag

A few people in Wyoming know the secret behind their state flag. They will give a knowing smile, as they nod, yes—that bison wasn’t always hitched to the staff, he used to survey over the mountains and prairie. But the flag holds more secrets in its weave . . . Read more in Kylie McCormick’s article “The Wyoming State Flag and the Women Who Made It Fly.”

“What one step looked like”

The Americans with Disabilities Act was far in the future when a group of Lusk, Wyo. residents first met to propose statewide legislation to make buildings, sidewalks and other public areas accessible for disabled people. Read more in Phil Roberts’s article “‘Mrs. Barriers’ and the Crusade to Make Wyoming Buildings Accessible.

Calendar Events

Wyoming Veterans Memorial Museum Community Survey
The Wyoming Veterans Memorial Museum in Casper is currently updating its long-term plans to better serve visitors and the state. The museum’s mission remains to preserve and share the memory of Wyoming's veterans. To fill out the survey, use this form on the Museum’s website.
 
Fremont County Pioneer Museum, Lander
On Saturday, Sept. 11 in collabortation with the Wind River Visitors Council, the museum will lead an adventure trek to the Louis Lake Lodge, leaving from the museum at 10:00 a.m. A fee is involved; call the museum at 307-332-3339 to sign up. For more information on both events, visit the museum’s home page.
 
Also at the Pioneer Museum from 1-3 p.m. Saturday Sept 18, will be the second annual  Apple City Festival” to honor Lander’s long history as a hub of apple orchards. Apples were an important part of the local agricultural economy for many years. The festival pays tribute with speakers, an apple pie contest (cash prizes), local apple cider and apple samples, kids’ crafts and a petting zoo, all part of the Bailey Tire/Pit Stop Children’s Exploration Series.

Rockpile Museum, Gillette
 On Friday, Sept. 17 at 6:30 p.m., Dr. Shane Doyle presents “Messages from Medicine Wheel Country.” Shane Doyle, EDD, Apsaaloke, is an educational and cultural consultant from Crow Agency, Mont., who is now based in Bozeman. For more information, visit the museum’s home page or call (307) 682-5723.
 
Also at the Rockpile, the show “Evelyn J. Cameron: Montana Photographs, 1894-1928,” a traveling exhibit from the Western Heritage Center in Billings, Mont., will continue through Sept. 30.  Cameron was a gifted photographer and writer who documented wildlife and ranch life in eastern Montana in the early 20th century.  Her work offers views of the prairie’s unique beauty, as well as the extreme challenges faced by early homesteaders. 

Museum at the Bighorns, Sheridan
The museum will lead tours through the Sheridan Municipal Cemetery covering four new topics this year on one Friday and all four Saturdays in September. Tours will be capped at 30 participants. Due to historic sellouts we encourage you to purchase your tickets as soon as possible. Click here for info on times and tickets.

Homesteader Museum, Powell
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, the museum will hold its annual Homesteader Days festival. Events include a truck, car and tractor show hosted by Powell Eagles Aerie #2426; pony cart rides; historic machinery; vendors, food, crafts and the Ruby Hopkin Memorial Pie Auction. Click here for more information or call the museum at (307) 754-9481.
 
Buffalo Bill Center of the West, Cody
The Buffalo Bill Center’s annual patrons ball kicks off at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18. Click here for more information.
 
Sommers Homestead Living History Museum, near Pinedale
The museum has planned an open house Sunday, Sept. 5. The museum interprets the early homesteading history of the Green River Valley. Click here for more information.
 
National Historic Trails Interpretive Center, Casper
The National Historic Trails Interpretive Center has scheduled its last trek of the summer Saturday, Sept. 25, to Independence Rock and Devil’s Gate.  Come explore the noted landmarks as pioneer stories come to life! 

Trek departs at 8:00 a.m. from the center parking lot at 1501 North Poplar, Casper, Wyo. Please bring sack lunches, drinks, sunscreen—and wear appropriate clothing. Be prepared for inclement weather throughout the day. Transportation is not provided but carpooling is encouraged! 

For more information and/or to register, contact Jason Vlcan at 307-261-7783.