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.