CHEYENNE, Wyo. – August 12, 2025 – Wyoming's museums, historical societies, archives, and cultural heritage institutions can access free, professional archival expertise through the Wyoming Roving Archivist Program (RAP). The program is excited to welcome Morgan Stence as the new Roving Archivist, ready to visit institutions across the state to help preserve and share Wyoming's irreplaceable historical collections.
"We know that many of Wyoming's cultural heritage institutions want to better care for their collections but may not know where to start or lack the resources for professional consultation," said Marcie Blaylock, reference historian and archivist for the Wyoming State Archives. "The Roving Archivist Program brings that expertise directly to you—at no cost to your institution."
The program offers comprehensive, on-site assessments that help institutions understand their collections' needs and develop realistic improvement plans. Whether you're a small-town museum run entirely by volunteers or a tribal archive seeking to enhance preservation practices, the Roving Archivist Program is designed to meet you where you are.
Getting started is easy. Interested institutions complete a brief online application describing their collections and primary concerns. The Roving Archivist team reviews each application and schedules a consultation to discuss needs in detail before determining if a site visit would be beneficial.
During site visits, the Roving Archivist works directly with staff, volunteers, and stakeholders to evaluate:
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Physical condition of collections and storage areas
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Environmental risks and disaster preparedness
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Collection management policies and practices
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Preservation and conservation needs
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Budget considerations and funding opportunities
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Public access and outreach possibilities
Within 60 days of the visit, institutions receive a detailed report with practical, prioritized recommendations tailored to their specific situation and resources. These reports provide roadmaps that institutions can follow over time, implementing improvements as resources become available.
The program recognizes that Wyoming's cultural heritage institutions face unique challenges—limited budgets, volunteer staffing, geographic isolation, and harsh environmental conditions. Rather than offering one-size-fits-all solutions, the Roving Archivist provides recommendations that acknowledge these realities while building toward professional preservation standards.
"We focus on practical solutions that institutions can actually implement," Blaylock explained. "This might mean starting with simple, low-cost improvements that provide immediate benefits while working toward longer-term preservation goals."
Applications are now open, and institutions across Wyoming are encouraged to apply. The program serves museums, historical societies, archives, libraries with special collections, tribal cultural centers, and any organization caring for historical materials.
Apply online at forms.gle/bHUdpHpMy2iMNh39A.
The Roving Archivist Program was developed by the Wyoming State Historical Records Advisory Board (SHRAB) to promote the identification, preservation, and dissemination of Wyoming's historical records. The program is administered by the Wyoming State Archives, with funding from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC), and is conducted in cooperation with the American Heritage Center at the University of Wyoming.
The Wyoming SHRAB supports ongoing training and assistance for state, tribal, and local governments, repositories, and organizations involved in records care throughout Wyoming. The National Historical Publications and Records Commission of the National Archives provides funding, which is administered by the Wyoming State Archives, a program under the Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources.
Learn more about the Roving Archivist Program by visiting rovingarchivist.wyo.gov.
Attachments: Roving Archivist Program, National Historical Publications and Records Commission, and the American Heritage Center logos.
Contact: Morgan Stence, 307-777-7826; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.