Join historians Mike Kassel and Starley Talbott as they introduce us to favorite stories from their new book, “Historic Lakeview Cemetery of Cheyenne (Landmarks),” published in 2023.

This Wyoming State Archives speaker series event will be held on Thursday, February 8, at 7 p.m. at the Wyoming State Museum classroom, located at 2301 Central Avenue in Cheyenne.

For those not able to attend in-person, registration to attend the event online is through Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/o/wyoming-state-archives-49902991693. Virtual and in-person attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions and engage with the presenters. This event is free and open to the public. Copies of the book will be available to purchase at the State Museum Store the night of the event.

Created in 1871, Lakeview Cemetery is the final resting place for Wyoming citizens. From Wyoming’s most notorious residents to the everyday man, the cemetery includes people from all walks of life. Talbott and Kassel will discuss Wyoming’s rich and diverse history through the people laid to rest at the Lakeview Cemetery such as Wyoming's governors, affluent families, business owners and entrepreneurs, railroad workers and military personnel.

Mike Kassel is the associate director of the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum. Prior to that, he served as exhibits curator and then curator at the Old West Museum from 2001-2016. He received his bachelors from Southeast Missouri State University in 1993 and his master’s in history from the University of Wyoming in 2007. Kassel has authored four books relating to the history of Wyoming and is an adjunct professor of early and modern US history at Laramie County Community College.

Starley Talbott has been a freelance author for more than 50 years. She has been published in numerous newspapers and magazines throughout the Rocky Mountain region and is the author of eleven books. Starley holds a BS degree from the University of Wyoming and an MS degree from the University of Nevada. She has lived in several states and foreign countries, loves to travel and has a deep appreciation for history. She is a member of Wyoming Writers, Laramie County Historical Society and the Wyoming State Historical Society.

The WSA Speaker Series hosts talks at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month. Upcoming topics include the history of Piedmont Charcoal Kilns State Historic Site with Josh Camp and Dr. Dudley Gardner in Cheyenne on March 14 and the murder of Allie Means in Early Gillette history with Justin Horn on April 11. To view upcoming events, check out the Wyoming State Archives events calendar at https://wyoarchives.wyo.gov/index.php/about-archives/events. A recording of this talk will be available on the WSA YouTube channel the week following the talk.

The Wyoming State Archives collects, manages, and preserves Wyoming state public records that have long-term administrative, legal, and historical value. These records document the history of our state and the activities of Wyoming Government offices. The Archives also collects non-government records that contribute to the understanding of the state’s history.

For more information, contact Sara Davis, Wyoming State Archivist, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call the WSA at 307-777-7826. The Wyoming State Archives is accessible according to the Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines. If you require special assistance, please contact the Wyoming State Archives at 307-777-7826.