HISTORIAN DUDLEY GARDNER EXPLORES CHINESE COMMUNITIES IN EARLY SOUTHWEST WYOMING
The Wyoming State Archives hosts a virtual presentation and Q&A session on, “Chinese Communities in Wyoming, 1869 - 1937,” by historian Dr. Dudley Gardner held on Thursday, September 8, at 7 p.m. in the Wyoming State Museum classroom.
The Wyoming State Museum is located at 2301 Central Avenue in Cheyenne.
This will be a live, in-person event with an option for participating virtually. For those not able to attend in person, registration to attend the event online is through Eventbrite at https://bit.ly/3PK6Ruv.
This free public event is part of the Archives’ monthly second Thursday evening speaker series.
Beginning in 1869, the first Chinese Community began to emerge in Evanston, Wyoming. Shortly thereafter, Almy, then Rock Springs, witnessed the emergence of Chinatowns. Most of the immigrants came from Taishan in Guangdong Province near the Pearl River Delta and shared much in terms of traditions and culture. They spoke Taishanese, celebrated traditional holidays in much the same way, and venerated their ancestors in a similar fashion - all of this occurred in high desert communities in southwestern Wyoming.
This presentation briefly outlines the daily lives of these individuals and provides a historical context describing how these immigrants not only lived but thrived in Wyoming.
Dudley Gardner, PhD is a Professor Emeritus from Western Wyoming College. He has published several books and articles on Wyoming history and wrote his doctoral dissertation on the Chinese in Wyoming, Alberta, British Columbia, and Montana.
He is currently finishing up a book titled “Jade Snow: A History of the Chinese in Wyoming 1869-1937.”
As an archaeologist and historian, he tries to weave together what has been found in excavations with historical accounts to create a narrative about day to day lives of people in Wyoming.
The WSA Speaker Series hosts talks at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month. Upcoming topics include “Savino ‘S.C.’ Lopez: From Farmer to a Voice for Wyoming’s Latin Americans” with Sue Lopez and Cynthia Richmond on October 13, and “Down the Barrel of
History” with Evan Green on November 10, with others scheduled throughout the year.
To view upcoming events, check out the Wyoming State Archives events calendar at https://wyoarchives.wyo.
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.