CASPER, Wyo. - July 9, 2026 - The Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation invites the public to spend the weekend of July 18-19, 2026, in Casper for a series of exciting events. The celebration will focus on the firearms and outdoor recreation industry, featuring both the Wyoming Governor’s Match and the Firearms & Outdoor Recreation Expo.

"As the Wyoming Governor's Match celebrates its tenth year and the Firearms & Outdoor Recreation Expo returns for its fourth, these events continue to bring people together while showcasing one of Wyoming's signature industries," said Mark Tesoro, manager of the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation. "We invite everyone to join us in Casper to celebrate our outdoor heritage, support Wyoming businesses, and experience all the weekend has to offer." 

The tenth annual Wyoming Governor’s Match, hosted in partnership with the Casper Shooters Club, will run from July 18 to July 19, 2026, at the Stuckenhoff Shooters Complex, just 10 minutes outside of Casper. The Match will feature upwards of 360 competitive shooters from across the country. This national-level shooting sports competition brings together spectators, shooting sports organizations, and elected officials to interact with some of the nation’s top competition shooters. Eye protection is required for spectators, and ear protection is strongly recommended.

On Saturday, July 18, 2026, the fourth annual Wyoming Firearms & Outdoor Recreation Expo will take place at David Street Station in downtown Casper from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Expo is admission-free and open to the public. The Expo will feature exhibitor booths, a legislative panel, and family-friendly activities. Local food and drink vendors will be on-site, including WY Knott Pretzel Co., The Dog House, and Kuver’s BBQ.

Expo attendees can explore products, gear, and demonstrations by the following Wyoming-based brands and organizations:

• 3C Guiding LLC
• 9x19 Fabrication
• ACG
• Adventure Ready RV Solutions
• Cutting Edge Tactics and Training
• Diamond R Saddlery
• DVL Custom Lures
• FEROX
• Freedom Tactical Firearms
• Guardian Warrior Solutions
• Gunwerks
• High Carbon Mercantile
• Kimber Tracks Big Game Recovery/Rocky Mountain Big Game Recovery
• Lucid Optics
• Maven Optics
• MOD Outfitters
• National Wild Turkey Federation
• Red, White and Blued
• Ridgeline Customs LLC
• Rocky Mountain Discount Sports
• Scouting America
• Sheridan Fly Rod Co.
• Thunder Beast Arms
• Wilkinson Tactical
• Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality
• Wyoming Game & Fish Department
• Wyoming Gun Company
• Wyoming Motorcycle Trials Association
• Wyoming Patriots
• & more! 

From 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation will facilitate an Outdoor Recreation Legislative Panel on the lawn at David Street Station. This panel discussion is free and open to the public, offering legislators and elected officials an opportunity to discuss the importance of growing and sustaining the outdoor recreation and shooting sports industry. 

To RSVP or learn more about the Wyoming Firearms & Outdoor Recreation Expo, visit wyorec.info/Expo2026.

To register or learn more about the Wyoming Governor’s Match, visit wyorec.info/GovMatch2026.

Figure 1: A competitor at the 9th annual Wyoming Governor's Match at Stuckenhoff Shooters Complex. Figure 2: Exhibitors and attendees enjoying the 2025 Wyoming Firearms & Outdoor Recreation Expo. Figure 3: The 2025 Outdoor Recreation Legislative Panel at David Street Station. 

Contact: Karryn MacDonald, (307) 823-0191; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – July 7, 2026 – Wyoming Writers, Inc., the Wyoming Arts Council, and the American Heritage Center have announced the winners of the America’s 250th Anniversary Writing Contest.

The winners were recognized during the Wyoming Writers, Inc. annual conference held last month in Casper. The contest invited writers from across Wyoming to reflect on the state's history, culture, and future through original work inspired by Wyoming's official semiquincentennial theme:

Honoring our past: Commemorate Wyoming’s history, places, and people.

Examining our present: Review Wyoming’s role in America today.

Imagining our future: Plan for Wyoming’s leadership in America’s future.

Contest winners include:

Adult Division

• Flash Fiction: "The Last Day" by Lindsay Hoyt (Laramie); runner-up: "Snapshot" by Ann Stebner Steele (Laramie)
• Nonfiction: "Gabe" by David L. Gutierrez (Reliance); runner-up: "Hunting in Fashion Boots" by Becky Neidens (Dubois)
• Poetry: "My Name Is Ellen Watson" by Lindsay Hoyt (Laramie); runners-up: "Wyoming, Through the Eyes of My Son" by Lauren Voigt (Casper) and "Wyoming's Daughters" by Taylor Ganley (Gillette)

Young Adult Division

• Flash Fiction: "The Long-Awaited Visit" by Alex Huss (Laramie)
• Nonfiction: "Honoring Our Past: Wyoming's Legacy of Courage and Firsts" by Hunter Masters (Riverton)
• Poetry: "My Home Sweet Home" by Anna Durrant (Laramie)

Children's Division

• Flash Fiction: "The Fog Filled Trail" by Atley Benefiel (Thermopolis)
• Poetry: "Wyoming My Home" by Anna Papich (Casper)

“Writers write. About life. About love. About loss. About all the in-betweens. Bringing writers from around the state together to express what history and belonging and hope means to them, be it through short-form fiction, expressive nonfiction, or lyrical poetry, will always be special. Eternal cheers to celebrating writers who put their hearts on the page,” said Andrew Call, former board member and contest organizer with Wyoming Writers, Inc.

Writers were invited to submit original work in one of three categories: poetry, flash fiction, or nonfiction, and were judged in three age divisions: children (age 12 and under), young adult (ages 13–22), and adult (age 23 and older). Entries were evaluated by a panel of judges, and winners received a monetary prize.

Prizes were sponsored by the American Heritage Center and the Wyoming Arts Council.

Additional information about the America's 250th Anniversary Writing Contest, including the original contest guidelines, is available at wyowriters.org/250.

For more information, visit wyomingartscouncil.org or contact Rachel Clifton, executive director of the Wyoming Arts Council, at (307) 256-0500 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Figure 1: Wyoming Poet Laureate Barbara Smith, left, presents David Gutierrez of Reliance with the award for his winning nonfiction entry in the America’s 250th Anniversary Writing Contest.

Contact: Rachel Clifton, (307) 256-0500; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

KAYCEE, Wyo. – July 2, 2026 — In honor of America’s 250th Anniversary, the Hoofprints of the Past Museum will dedicate a newly installed historical marker overlooking the site of the KC Ranch Cabin on Saturday, July 11, where the famous 1892 battle between fifty Johnson County War invaders and Nathan D. Champion occurred. This pivotal event in Wyoming history and in the broader story of the Johnson County War had lasting consequences and deserves to be remembered and interpreted by future generations. It also reflects the same spirit of independence and determination that inspired the nation's founders to establish a new country 250 years ago.

The dedication ceremony will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m. at Harold Jarrard Park in Kaycee, Wyoming. Following the welcoming remarks and introductions, attendees will take a short walk to the marker site, where local historians will share the site's history and significance. After the ceremony, guests are invited to visit the Hoofprints of the Past Museum to view related artifacts and enjoy refreshments.

This new interpretive sign replaces an outdated panel that was previously removed. The project was developed through a partnership between the Hoofprints of the Past Museum, the Wyoming 250 Commission Grant Program, and the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources' Monuments and Markers Program.

“The Monuments and Markers Program works collaboratively with diverse stakeholders to commemorate significant people, places, and events in Wyoming’s history,” said Chris Floyd, deputy director of the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources. “Historic markers and interpretive signs not only help us understand and appreciate our past, but they also enhance tourism and recreation opportunities throughout the state.”

The Wyoming Monuments and Markers Program is a cooperative effort among the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources, the Wyoming Department of Transportation, the Wyoming Office of Tourism, Wyoming Tribes, local governments, and private individuals and organizations. The program installs new historical markers and maintains existing monuments, markers, and interpretive signage throughout Wyoming.

For more information about the Wyoming Monuments and Markers Program, visit wyoparks.wyo.gov.

For more information about the dedication, please contact Savannah Daniels, planner at Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources, at (307) 777-6314 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or Laurel Foster at the Hoofprints of the Past Museum at (307) 738-2381, or visit www.hoofprintsofthepast.org. 

Contact: Savannah Daniels, (307) 777-6314; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

LARAMIE, Wyo. – July 2, 2026 – The Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site will celebrate Wyoming's Statehood Day with a special event on July 10. Guests can enjoy free admission all day, with activities from 9 a.m. to noon, thanks to the sponsorship of the Wyoming Territorial Park Historic Association.

"We are thrilled to invite the community to join us in celebrating Wyoming's rich history on Statehood Day," said Jessica Lira, superintendent of the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site. "As Wyoming celebrates its 136th birthday and joins the nationwide commemoration of America's 250th anniversary, this event offers a wonderful opportunity for families to explore our shared history, experience 19th-century life, and create lasting memories together. We look forward to welcoming visitors to the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site for this special celebration."

This family-friendly celebration will feature a variety of activities, including stick-horse rodeo games for children aged 5 and under, balloon twisting, and more. Laramie's Sagebrush Stringband will provide live music from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., and at 9:30 and 11:00, the Unexpected Company will perform an original vignette based on Laramie's historic first female jurors. Each visitor will receive a complimentary cupcake from Jubilee Days Royalty (while supplies last), and The Soda Pit will be on-site. 

For just $20, visitors can capture a piece of history with a professional tintype portrait by Dylan Burr Photography-Tintype Style Portraits taken using a camera and lens from the 1800s.

Built in 1872, the Wyoming Territorial Prison has a storied history, housing over 1,000 outlaws, including the infamous Butch Cassidy. After a new prison was constructed in Rawlins in 1903, the facility was repurposed by the University of Wyoming as an agricultural experiment station until 2004, when it became managed by Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources as a historic site.

The regular operating hours for the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site are from May through September, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, and October through April, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday through Saturday.

Learn more about Wyoming State Parks and Historic Sites at wyoparks.wyo.gov.

Figure 1: Attendees enjoying the activities at the 2025 Statehood Day Celebration at the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site. 

Contact: Jessica Lira, 307-745-6161; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – July 1, 2026 – The Wyoming State Records Committee's next meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 13, 2026, via Google Meet. 

• Meeting ID:  https://meet.google.com/nzu-jgxh-psw
• Those wishing to listen in can do so by calling: +1 505-738-3191‬ PIN: ‪918 972 498‬#
• Note: the meeting will be canceled if there are no items for discussion.

The Wyoming State Records Committee reviews and considers for approval retention schedules of public records. The State Records Committee is the final authority in determining whether state, county, and local government records are retained permanently or disposed of after a designated period. Committee members include representatives from the State Archives, Attorney General’s Office, and the Department of Audit.

The meeting agenda includes retention requests for State and local agencies, and accession and deaccession requests involving a variety of archival materials.

If you require special assistance, please contact the Wyoming State Archives at (307) 777-7826.

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

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – June 30, 2026 – The Wyoming Arts Council, in partnership with the Wyoming State Museum and the Wyoming Secondary Art Educators Association, is pleased to announce the 10 student artworks selected for a special America 250 exhibition at the Wyoming State Capitol.

The America 250 category was presented as part of the Wyoming State Art Symposium, an annual statewide exhibition celebrating the artistic achievements of Wyoming students and educators. Created as part of Wyoming's America 250 commemoration, the category invited Wyoming high school artists to reflect on the theme "Reflecting America: Past, Present, and Future." Through a wide range of artistic perspectives and mediums, students explored American identity, history, culture, and aspirations while contributing to the national commemoration of the United States Semiquincentennial. 

"The America 250 category encouraged students to engage with the ideas, stories, and experiences that have shaped our nation while considering the role they will play in its future," said Amara Fehring, community development and arts learning specialist with the Wyoming Arts Council. 

The winning works were selected through a jury process using a rubric developed by the Wyoming Secondary Art Educators Association's America 250 committee, which included Robin Hengesteg, Casey Van Sickle, and Richard Knox II. Entries were evaluated by a panel of arts professionals including Valerie Innella Maiers, visual arts instructor at Casper College and Wyoming Arts Council board member; Justin Hayward, visual artist and visual arts instructor at Casper College; and Laura Hunter, executive director of Art 321.

The selected works are:

• Celebrate United States — Collaborations Advanced Ceramics, Central High School
• Hope for the Future — Elana Schilthuis, Lovell High School
• Together We Stand Proud — Diana Castilla Trejo, Jackson Hole High School
• When Two Worlds Collide — McKenna Klindt, Star Valley High School
• One Nation Under God — McKenna Klindt, Star Valley High School
• Freedom — Serenity Markert, Hulett High School
• Legacies — Kynleigh Davis, Cokeville High School
• Memories of the Past — Isaiah Stewart Walker, East High School
• Fallen Horses — Jessa Smith, Hulett High School
• Our Future Is in the Past — Jenna Lowham, Evanston High School

“As we celebrate the semiquincentennial, we are thrilled to showcase the work of Wyoming’s young artists in the State Capitol,” said Nathan Doerr, Capitol curator with the Wyoming State Museum. “These students are contributing their own voices and perspectives to the story of our nation, and it is an honor to provide a prominent public venue where their creativity can be experienced by visitors from across Wyoming and beyond.”

The exhibition will be on display in the Wyoming State Capitol Gallery in Cheyenne through Aug. 8, 2026. The exhibition is free and open to the public.

Figure 1: Celebrate United States, a collaborative ceramics work created by Advanced Ceramics students at Central High School, received first place in the America 250 category at the Wyoming State Art Symposium.

Contact: Amara Fehring, (307) 630-3918; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – June 29, 2026 – The Wyoming State Archives invites the community to step back into the era of frontier empires with its upcoming Speaker Series event, "Branding Irons & Cattle Barons," featuring renowned historian and firearms expert Evan Green.

The presentation will take place on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Wyoming State Museum classroom. Rescheduled from March, this highly anticipated talk explores how simple branding irons became the ultimate symbols of wealth, ownership, and law on the open range, ultimately shaping the economic foundation of the American West.

"Branding irons are far more than just tools of the trade," says Green. "They are iconic symbols of heritage that defined Wyoming’s unique identity and fueled the rise of the legendary cattle barons."

Attendees will gain deep insights into the cultural and historical significance of these historic livestock marks, exploring how they helped forge the identity of modern Wyoming.

About the Speaker

Evan Green serves as the firearms historian at the Wyoming State Museum and has been a dedicated volunteer with the institution since 2015. Raised on a family ranch in eastern Colorado, Green developed a lifelong connection to the tools and traditions of the West.

His extensive background includes:

• Curatorial Work: Guest curator for the Wyoming State Museum’s firearms exhibits and lead researcher for the inventory of the Museum’s collection of over 400 firearms.
• Digital Education: Host of more than 75 "Firearms Friday" videos on the Wyoming State Museum’s YouTube channel.
• Community Leadership: Member of the Wyoming State Historical Society, Winchester Arms Collectors, and Colt Collectors Association, as well as a volunteer with the Laramie County Sheriff’s Office.

Event Details

The event is free and open to the public. Participation is available both in person and online, with a live Q&A session following the presentation.

• When: Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
• In-Person Location: Wyoming State Museum classroom, 2301 Central Avenue, Cheyenne.
• Virtual Attendance: Registration is required for virtual access. Please visit: eventbrite.com/o/wyoming-state-archives-49902991693.

About the Wyoming State Archives

The Wyoming State Archives Speaker Series takes place on the second Thursday of each month, highlighting the state's diverse history. The Wyoming State Archives ensures the preservation and accessibility of Wyoming's rich history, offering public programming, research resources, and educational series that bring the state's vibrant past to life.

The Wyoming State Archives is fully accessible in accordance with ADA guidelines. For more information or to request special assistance, please contact Sara Davis, Wyoming State Archivist.

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

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – June 29, 2026 –  The Wyoming Arts Council and Wyoming State Parks invite the public to attend a series of Artist in Residence programs taking place throughout July at Wyoming State Parks.

The Wyoming Artist in Residence Program places artists in parks and historic sites across the state, offering visitors an opportunity to engage with artists, observe the creative process, and participate in public programs inspired by Wyoming's landscapes, history, and communities.

During each residency, artists spend three days immersed in their surroundings before presenting a public program on Saturday. Programs may include demonstrations, workshops, performances, readings, or discussions.

Upcoming residencies include:

• July 8–11 – Edness K. Wilkins State Park: Mattias Russell (Casper, music)

          Public Program: Saturday, July 11, from 6 - 7 p.m.
          Location: Centennial Shelter

• July 8–11 – Buffalo Bill State Park: Sarah Lass (Laramie, dance)

          Public Program: Saturday, July 11, from 6 - 8 p.m.
          Location: Shreve Lodge

• July 22–25 – Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site: Alexandra Hansen (Aladdin, visual art)

          Public Program: Saturday, July 25, from 10 - 11:30 a.m.
          Location: Petroglyph Cliff

• July 29–August 1 – Edness K. Wilkins State Park: Nicholas Resch (Cody, visual art)

          Public Program: Saturday, August 1, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
          Location: Platte River Shelter

The 2026 Artist in Residence Program has expanded as part of Wyoming's commemoration of America's 250th anniversary, featuring artists in visual art, music, dance, performance art, and creative writing.

Visitors are encouraged to follow individual park social media pages for additional program details and updates.

Wyoming State Parks and the Wyoming Arts Council are programs within the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources, which provides recreational, cultural, and educational opportunities to improve communities and enrich lives. 

For more information about the Artist in Residence Program, visit the Wyoming Arts Council at wyomingartscouncil.org.

Learn more about Wyoming State Parks at wyoparks.wyo.gov or follow @WyomingStateParks on Facebook for updates on upcoming events and programs statewide.

Contacts: 

Rachel Clifton, (307) 256-0500; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
Christina Bird, (307-631-1110); This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – June 25, 2026 – The Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund (WCTF) board awarded $529,405 to 44 grant projects around Wyoming at their recent grant review meeting.

Awards were given to a wide variety of projects, including film and video production, book festivals, arts education outreach, murals, endowments, and museum collection equipment. Below is a complete listing of awards by county.

Albany County

• Ark Regional Services, Inc., Creating a Dedicated Kiln Space, $7,000
• Wyoming Singer-Songwriters, Headlining Acts and Promotional Materials for the 2026 Snow Train Music Festival, $15,300
• Wyoming Community Foundation (Mountain Stars Press), “A Home for Steamboat” Book Tour, $10,000

Carbon County

• Friends of the Medicine Bow Museum, Replacement Deck from Museum Building to Caboose, $2,558
• Friends of the Medicine Bow Museum, Painting the Exterior of Medicine Bow Museum, $3,600
• Old Pen Joint Powers Board, “125 Years Behind the Walls: The Frontier Prison” introduction video, $6,357.50

Fremont County

• Bookmarked Literary Arts Festival, 2026 Bookmarked Festival, $6,850
• Dubois Chamber Music, 2026 Season, $3,413
• Lander Art Center, Creative Futures: Building Arts Education Capacity in Lander, $19,000
• Lander Community Foundation (Crossing the Threshold LLC), “Crossing the Threshold” Film Post-Production, $25,000
• Wind River Community Alliance, Cultural Initiative, $11,000

Hot Springs County

• Hot Springs Heritage Foundation, Wyoming Discovery Days 2026, $7,500
• Masons of Thermopolis, Malta Lodge #17 Rewiring Project, $9,645.90

Johnson County

• Johnson County Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum, JGMM Audio Tour, $14,550

Laramie County

• Buffalo Youth Nation Project, “Wokini: A New Beginning” documentary, $15,000
• Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum, Aloha Vaqueros Intercultural Education Initiative, $5,000
• Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra, Orchestrating the Future Endowment Campaign, $50,000
• Wyoming Aviation Heritage League, 2026 Wyoming Aviation Festival & Air Show, $9,700

Lincoln County

• Hamsfork Museum Inc, Preservation of Historic Clothing Mannequins, $5,044.50

Natrona County

• Wyoming All-State Marching Band, Band Uniforms, $17,700
• Wyoming Symphony Orchestra, Inc., Seasons of Change: Music, Community and Creation with Curtis Stewart, $31,500

Park County

• City of Cody/Parks, Recreation & Public Facilities Department, 2026 Concerts in the Park, $2,500
• City of Cody, New Mural on Seidel’s Saddlery Building, $9,000
• Homestead Stageworks, Expanding Access to Community Theatre, $6,487.50

Sheridan County

• Bighorn Arts Collective, Capacity Building, $15,000
• The Fort Phil Kearny/Bozeman Trail Association, Fetterman Anniversary Unity Celebration, $9,588.60
• Ucross Foundation, The Big Red Showcase: Infusing the Historic Ranch Complex with Contemporary Western Artwork, $8,500

Sublette County

• Pinedale Fine Arts Council, Inc., 2026 Soundcheck Summer Music Series/Folk for Kids Series with Solo, Senior Concerts, $5,500

Sweetwater County

• City of Rock Springs, Historical Museum Masonry Repairs and Preservation, $17,500
• Sweetwater County Library System, Library Outreach Van, $25,000

Teton County

• Art pARTners, Indigenous Art and Culture: Hoop Dancing and Drumming, $5,020
• Jackson Hole Book Festival, 2026 Book Festival, $15,000
• Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum, Western Scholars Series, $5,340
• Jackson Hole Public Art, Justice Center Public Art, $5,000
• National Museum of Wildlife Art of the United States, Birds in Art: Fiftieth Annual, $7,500
• Old Wilson Schoolhouse Community Center, Access Control System Upgrades, $5,500

Washakie County

• Washakie Museum, “The Sand Creek Massacre” Exhibit and Related Programs, $6,980

Weston County

• Weston County Museum District Foundation, Weston County Museum Outdoor Exhibits, $5,850

Statewide

• Albany County Theatre, “The Spotlight Studio," featuring full-length plays about the State of Wyoming for Guernsey Schools, $2,000
• Dancers’ Workshop of Jackson Hole, Arts Integrated Outreach, $15,000
• Wyoming Historical Foundation (WyoHistory.org), Wyoming’s Founding Figures Lesson Plans, $10,000
• Wyoming SHEEP Foundation, 2026 Wyoming Sheep & Wool Festival, $6,420
• Wyoming Arts Alliance, WyAA Task Force for Statewide Creative Economy Strategic Planning, $50,000
• Wyoming Historic Preservation Office, 2026 Wyoming Archaeology Fair Material support, $15,000

For more information about the Cultural Trust Fund grant program, visit culturaltrust.wyo.gov or contact WCTF Program Coordinator, Renée Bovée, at (307) 777-6312 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Contact: Renée Bovée, (307) 777-6312; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.