Press Releases

21 May 2025

Grand Reopening of Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site's Interpretive History Cabin

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Heather Jolley, 307-469-2234; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Grand Reopening of Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site's Interpretive History Cabin

HYATTVILLE, Wyo. – May 21, 2025 – Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources is excited to announce the reopening of the Interpretive History Cabin at Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site. Join us with family and friends at the park on Saturday, June 7, to celebrate.

The Interpretive History Cabin has been closed for the past two years due to water damage from flash flooding and heavy snow melt. The Division of Wyoming State Parks' Central Construction Office crew lifted the historic building to replace and raise the foundation to help mitigate water damage from future flood events. The bottom sill logs were replaced, new flooring was installed, and Medicine Lodge's site staff has now finished installing all the interpretive panels and displays.

"We are very excited to have this project completed," said Heather Jolley, park superintendent of Medicine Lodge. "Our visitors have long awaited to explore the site's history in this interpretive cabin, which focuses on archaeology." Medicine Lodge is full of life history that covers the past 10,000 years. Last year, the newest addition to the park opened, the Medicine Lodge Cultural Experience, which gives visitors an idea of what life could have been like over those thousands of years. Jolley added, "Since the opening of the Cultural Experience, over 1,800 people have taken the journey back through time. With the reopening of the interpretive history cabin, visitors can read about modern-day practices for discovering the past and then experience the past themselves."

The celebration will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 7. It will feature "Expert" tables hosted by programs within the Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources umbrella. One table will highlight archaeology, staffed by Michael Page, senior archaeologist of the Office of the Wyoming State Archaeologist. The other will focus on the reconstruction of the cabin, with Cole Horton, supervisor of the Central Construction Office, available to share insights. Visitors are encouraged to stop by the tables to ask questions and learn more about each topic. Site staff will serve Dutch-oven desserts, while supplies last, and the first 150 visitors will receive a commemorative sticker.

For more information on events and programs, visit wyoparks.info/medicinelodge or follow us on Facebook at @MedLodge. Learn more about the diverse programs within Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources at wyospcr.wyo.gov.

Figure 1: Interpretive History Cabin at Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site in 1980. Figure 2: Interpretive History Cabin at Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site in 2025.

Contact: Heather Jolley, 307-469-2234; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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.

20 May 2025

Wyoming SHRAB Announces $2,500 Grants for Historical Records Projects

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Sara Davis, 307-777-8691; sara.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Wyoming SHRAB Announces $2,500 Grants for Historical Records Projects

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – May 20, 2025 – The Wyoming State Historical Records Advisory Board (SHRAB) announced today that grant funding of up to $2,500 is now available for projects that identify, preserve, and provide access to Wyoming's historical records. Applications must be submitted online by May 31, 2025, at bit.ly/ApplyArchivesGrant.

These grants, funded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC), a branch of the National Archives, will support projects conducted between July 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025.

"These grants offer Wyoming's cultural heritage organizations a valuable opportunity to enhance their historical records management capabilities," said Sara Davis, Wyoming State Archivist and SHRAB Coordinator. "We encourage all eligible organizations to apply."

Previous grant recipients have successfully implemented organization-wide training, hired consultants to develop records retention schedules, digitized audio and video oral histories, and increased public access to historical photographs, letters, and other documents online.

All projects related to the SHRAB's mission and goals will be considered. Grant application guidelines, previous successful applications, and an informational presentation are available at the WY SHRAB webpage bit.ly/SHRAB and the Wiki page bit.ly/SHRABWiki.

The Wyoming SHRAB promotes identifying, preserving, and disseminating the state's historical records by encouraging and supporting ongoing training programs for state, tribal, and local governments, local repositories, organizations, and others involved in records care in Wyoming. The Wyoming State Archives, part of the Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources, administers the program.

Learn more about the Wyoming State Archives at wyoarchives.wyo.gov.

Contact: Sara Davis, 307-777-8691; sara.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

20 May 2025

Wyoming Musicians Selected for 2025 Tunes on the Trail Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jamie Hansen, 307-399-0851; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Wyoming Musicians Selected for 2025 Tunes on the Trail Program

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – May 20, 2025 – Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources is excited to announce the lineup of talented musicians for the inaugural Tunes on the Trail program. This unique initiative combines live acoustic music with the stunning outdoor scenery of Wyoming's state parks, offering an unforgettable experience for music lovers and nature enthusiasts.

The four selected Wyoming-based artists are Buffalo Bill Boycott and Dr. Jo (Lander), Bonamo (Cheyenne), Kalyn Beasley (Cody), and Kaspen Haley and Boxelder Stomp (Mills).

"The response to our call for musicians was incredible, and we are thrilled to welcome such diverse talent to the Tunes on the Trail program," stated Jamie Hansen of the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation. "This initiative celebrates Wyoming's rich music scene and emphasizes the importance of bringing the arts into the outdoors."

Each artist will perform an intimate 90-minute set, enriching the experience with the backdrop of Wyoming's natural beauty. In conjunction with the concerts, attendees can participate in a guided hike, enhancing their connection to the environment while enjoying live music.

The summer concert series kicks off on June 20, 2025, with a performance by Buffalo Bill Boycott and Dr. Jo at Keyhole State Park. Attendees are invited to join a hike at 6:30 p.m., followed by the performance from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

On July 18, 2025, Curt Gowdy State Park will feature the band Bonamo. The schedule includes a 6:30 p.m. hike and a performance from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site will host Kalyn Beasley on August 2, 2025. Participants can enjoy a hike at 6:30 p.m., with the performance set from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

The concert series will conclude at Edness K. Wilkins State Park on September 20, 2025, where Kaspen Haley & Boxelder Stomp will perform. Hikers can start at 5:00 p.m., with the concert running from 5:45 to 7:15 p.m.

While standard day-use fees apply for park entry—$7 per vehicle for Wyoming residents and $12 per vehicle for non-residents at Keyhole, Curt Gowdy, and Edness K. Wilkins—the Tunes on the Trail events are free to attend. Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site offers free entry year-round. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early and explore the park to make the most of their visit. Learn more about permits, fees, and reservations at wyoparks.wyo.gov.

Tunes on the Trail is a new program created in partnership with the Wyoming Arts Council, the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation, and Wyoming State Parks, all under the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources.

The Tunes on the Trail program is supported by the Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources Spark Tank and is part of the Wyoming Arts Council's Wyoming Independent Music Initiative (WIMI), aimed at promoting local artists and facilitating their performances throughout the state.

To stay updated on upcoming events, follow us on our Facebook pages: @WyomingArtsCouncil, @WyoRec, and @WyomingStateParks. You can also learn more about the diverse programs offered by Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources at wyospcr.wyo.gov.

Images from left to right: Buffalo Bill Boycott and Dr. Jo (Lander), Bonamo (Cheyenne), Kalyn Beasley (Cody), and Kaspen Haley and Boxelder Stomp (Mills).

Contact: Jamie Hansen, 307-399-0851; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

16 May 2025

Wyoming State Historic Sites Offer Free Admission in Honor of International Museum Day

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Christina Bird, 307-631-1110; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Wyoming State Historic Sites Offer Free Admission in Honor of International Museum Day

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – May 16, 2025 – Wyoming State Parks and Historic Sites are proud to participate in the global celebration of International Museum Day by offering free admission to all state historic sites on Sunday, May 18.

Observed annually around the world, International Museum Day highlights the essential role museums play in preserving cultural heritage, inspiring learning, and enriching everyday life. To mark the occasion, Wyoming's historic sites will open their doors to the public at no cost, inviting residents and visitors to discover the people, places, and stories that shaped the state's identity.

"Museums serve as powerful connectors, linking our past to the present and promoting curiosity, dialogue, and reflection," said Christina Bird, District Manager of Wyoming State Parks. "On International Museum Day, we are excited to invite everyone to explore our state historic sites and engage with the legacy and lessons of Wyoming's rich history."

From the historic crossroads of Fort Bridger, where travelers once stopped along the Oregon, California, and Mormon trails, to the elegant halls of Trail End Mansion in Sheridan, which showcases early 20th-century life, Wyoming’s historic sites offer unforgettable experiences across the state. Explore frontier military life at Fort Phil Kearny, discover Cold War secrets at the Quebec 01 Missile Alert Facility, or walk the cell blocks of the Wyoming Territorial Prison, where some of the West’s most notorious outlaws were once held.

Wyoming's state park system includes 28 historic sites, each offering unique opportunities to engage with the state's diverse heritage through exhibits, historic structures, archaeological sites, and interactive interpretations. Visitors are encouraged to explore, learn, and participate in special programming where available.

For details on site locations, hours, and activities, please visit wyoparks.wyo.gov.

Figure 1: The grounds at Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site. Figure 2: The commander's console at Quebec 01 State Historic Site. Figure 3: Trail End Historic Site in Sheridan, Wyoming.

Contact: Christina Bird, 307-631-1110; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

14 May 2025

Wyoming State Parks Promotes National Safe Boating Week: Encouraging Responsible Recreation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Mark Caughlan, 307-214-9818; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Wyoming State Parks Promotes National Safe Boating Week: Encouraging Responsible Recreation

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – May 14, 2025 – Wyoming State Parks is proud to announce its participation in National Safe Boating Week, from May 17 to May 23, 2025. This annual initiative, led by the National Safe Boating Council, aims to promote safe and responsible boating practices nationwide. Wyoming is excited to encourage both seasoned boaters and new recreationists to prioritize safety while enjoying Wyoming's waters.

As boating season kicks off, Wyoming State Parks reminds all outdoor enthusiasts of the importance of responsible recreation. Being prepared is essential whether you're paddle boating, kayaking, fishing, or simply enjoying a day on the water. This year's theme emphasizes the "Wear It!" campaign, promoting the use of life jackets for all boaters, as they are crucial for safety on the water.

"National Safe Boating Week is a perfect opportunity for us to remind everyone about the importance of safe practices while enjoying our state's impressive waterways," said Mark Caughlan, Chief Ranger of Wyoming State Parks. "We want everyone to have a memorable and safe experience this summer, starting with being informed and prepared."

When engaging in boating activities, it is crucial to prioritize safety. First and foremost, ensure that everyone on board is wearing a properly fitted life jacket, as it significantly increases the chances of survival in an emergency. Familiarizing yourself with your boat's features and safety equipment is equally important, allowing you to respond effectively in various situations. Always carry essential safety gear, such as a first aid kit and fire extinguisher, depending on your craft, to prepare for unforeseen circumstances.

Planning ahead is another vital aspect of boating safety; preparing a float plan and sharing it with friends or family who are not on the water ensures that someone is aware of your whereabouts. Lastly, it is essential to stay sober while boating. Boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and poses significant risks to all on board. By following these safety precautions, you can enjoy a safer and more enjoyable boating experience.

Several Wyoming State Parks offer boating opportunities, including Boysen State Park, Buffalo Bill State Park, Curt Gowdy State Park, Edness K. Wilkins State Park, Glendo State Park, Guernsey State Park, Hawk Springs State Recreation Site, Hot Springs State Park, Keyhole State Park, and Seminoe State Park.

Additionally, all motorized watercraft must be registered, and most boats require an aquatic invasive species decal. For further details on boating regulations, including registration and required decals, visit the Wyoming Game and Fish Department's website at wgfd.wyo.gov.

Follow us on Facebook for daily reminders and tips related to National Safe Boating Week and help spread the word at @WyomingStateParks.

Join us in making this summer a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone on the water. For more information about Wyoming State Parks, please visit our website at wyoparks.wyo.gov.

Figure 1: Wyoming State Parks Rangers at Glendo State Park after a recent boat training to prepare for the upcoming season. Figure 2: A kayaker at Keyhole State Park recreates responsibly by wearing a life jacket. Figure 3: Wyoming State Parks has numerous boat docks and ramps for recreational boating across the state.

Contact: Chief Ranger Mark Caughlan, 307-214-9818; mark.caughlan@wyo.gov

14 May 2025

Public Meeting Announcement: Art in Public Buildings Wyoming Girls’ School Stolt Hall

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Ismael Dominguez, 307-275-4476; ismael.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Public Meeting Announcement: Art in Public Buildings Wyoming Girls’ School Stolt Hall

SHERIDAN, Wyo. –May 14, 2025 – The Wyoming Arts Council will conduct the initial meeting for the upcoming public art project at the Wyoming Girls’ School Stolt Hall. This meeting will be held virtually on Monday, May 19, from 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. Members of the public are invited to call in and listen to an explanation of the program and the committee discuss guidelines for the artwork.

The Art in Public Buildings program is administered by the Wyoming Arts Council and was established in 1991 to set aside a portion of capital construction funds for the sole use of commissioning public art for the building. Since then, over 200 pieces of art have been placed in and around buildings across Wyoming for the public to enjoy.

The public can listen by calling (US) +1 413-829-0549‬ PIN: ‪766 202 315‬#‬ or join the video call via this link: meet.google.com/kbv-aeex-dzg. All callers will be muted for the duration of the meeting and will not be able to comment unless previous arrangements for public comment have been made by contacting Ismael Dominguez, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting.

For more information, contact Programs Specialist Ismael Dominguez at 307-275-4476 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You can also learn more about the Arts Council at wyomingartscouncil.org.

Contact: Ismael Dominguez, 307-275-4476; ismael.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

13 May 2025

Governor Gordon Declares May Historic Preservation Month in Wyoming

Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office.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.

Governor Gordon Declares May Historic Preservation Month in Wyoming

CHEYENNE, Wyo - May 13, 2025 - The Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office is pleased to announce that Governor Mark Gordon officially proclaimed May as Historic Preservation Month in Wyoming during a signing ceremony on May 6. This annual celebration, recognized nationwide, aims to promote community pride, encourage heritage tourism, and highlight the social and economic benefits of historic preservation.

Historic Preservation Month began as National Preservation Week in 1973 and was expanded to a month-long celebration by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 2005. This extension allows communities more opportunities to showcase their diverse and unique heritage.

"[The 2025 theme] 'Preservation is Progress' draws on how preserving our historic places and spaces continues to positively impact our everyday lives. This month, communities across Wyoming are celebrating how historic preservation furthers our collective identity, through economic revitalization, education, and innovation by laying the foundation for an informed future," states Megan Stanfill, executive director of the Alliance for Historic Wyoming.

Various events will take place throughout May across the Cowboy State to honor historic preservation. Activities include lectures, historic treks, tours, ribbon-cuttings, and festivals. The Alliance for Historic Wyoming (AHW) has compiled a comprehensive calendar of events, available at historicwyoming.org/historicpreservationmonth2025.

Additionally, the Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) offers a variety of downloadable historic contexts. These resources provide insights into ranching history, Wyoming military sites, National Historic Trails, and more. Free resources are available on the SHPO website at wyoshpo.wyo.gov/index.php/programs/planning-historic-contexts/thematic-context. Previous Historic Preservation Month posters from 2008 to 2016 can also be viewed and ordered for a nominal fee to cover mailing costs. Ordering instructions are available on the SHPO Historic Preservation Month webpage at wyoshpo.wyo.gov/index.php/events-training/historic-preservation-month.

For more information about Historic Preservation Month, contact Katie Leeper, CLG Coordinator and Historic Preservation Specialist, at 307-777-7566 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You can also reach Gwendolyn Kristy, SHPO's Chief of Planning & Historic Context Development, at 307-766-5366 or gThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

To learn more about the Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office, visit wyoshpo.wyo.gov.

Image caption: Governor Mark Gordon officially proclaimed May as Historic Preservation Month in Wyoming during a signing ceremony on May 6—image compliments of the Governor's Office.

Contact: Gwendolyn Kristy, 307-766-5366; 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.

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