Trail End Historic Site Holiday Open House Dec. 7-9 in Sheridan

Our State Parks and Cultural Resources colleagues at Trail End Historic Site in Sheridan sent us this announcement:

 

Kick off the holiday season right this year and make plans to attend the Trail End Holiday Open House in Sheridan. This three-day event celebrates the season with live music and tasty treats served up in a historically elegant atmosphere complete with all the traditional trappings of the holidays.

An annual tradition for over twenty-five years, the Open House is scheduled for December 7-9, at the Trail End State Historic Site. Sponsored by the Trail End Guilds, Inc., the event features live entertainment and holiday decorations throughout the spectacular 1913 mansion. Open House hours are 4-7 p.m. each day. Admission is $2 for adults. Children are admitted at no charge, but must be accompanied by an adult.

Trail End – a 14,000 square foot brick mansion overlooking Sheridan’s Kendrick Park – is decorated from Thanksgiving through mid-December (open daily from 1-4 p.m. for self-guided tours). Seven ornately decorated trees stand throughout the house, from the Drawing Room to the Ballroom. Windows and staircases are draped with garlands and ribbons, while potted poinsettias enhance nearly every horizontal surface.

 

One major attraction of the Open House is the live music, with a different act featured each hour. This year’s schedule is as follows (subject to last-minute changes):

Friday, December 7

4:00 p.m. – Barbara Campbell (piano)

5:00 p.m. – Cathy Storm (pump organ)

6:00 p.m. – Micah & Julie (guitar & vocal duet)

Saturday, December 8

4:00 p.m. – Canary Joe (jazz vocal/instrumental)

5:00 p.m. – Juliet’s Muse (instrumental ensemble)

6:00 p.m. – Methodist Handbell Choir (instrumental ensemble)

Sunday, December 9

4:00 p.m. – Sheridanaires (vocal ensemble)

5:00 p.m. – Patchwork Singers (vocal ensemble)

6:00 p.m. – Just Harmony (vocal ensemble)

 

Guided tours of the mansion, home of former Wyoming Governor and United States Senator John B. Kendrick, are also offered during the Open House. Conducted by Trail End staff and volunteers, the tours feature the history of the house and grounds, plus a look at what the holidays were like earlier in the Twentieth Century.

In the mansion’s historic kitchen, Trail End staff and volunteers will serve up tasty seasonal treats. This year, hot, spiced cider is paired with delicious homemade Figgy Pudding – a holiday tradition at Trail End.

In addition to Trail End’s regularly displayed furnishings – nearly all original to the house – many additional Kendrick family items are included in the annual holiday exhibit. Visitors have an opportunity to see toys, sleds, skates, dishes, and Christmas cards from the 1910s, 20s and 30s, as well as a nativity scene made in Germany prior to World War Two, and an old-fashioned “feather” tree.

This year’s focus exhibit is “The Ad Made Me Buy It: The Power of Advertising in the Early Twentieth Century.” The whole-house panel exhibit explores the art and science of advertising, and how potential consumers were influenced by the ads placed in their reading material.

The Holiday Open House is nearly the last opportunity for visitors to enjoy the historic site this year. Trail End is closed during the winter months, from December 15, through March 31.

Over the winter, staff will be busy updating the site’s interpretive panels. The current exhibit will be replaced by a special exhibit celebrating the hundredth anniversary of Trail End’s occupation by the Kendrick family (John, Eula, Manville and Rosa-Maye Kendrick moved into the house on July 27, 1913). Keep an eye open for more information on upcoming centennial activities.

The Trail End State Historic Site is located at 400 Clarendon Avenue in Sheridan (exit 23 off Interstate 90; turn onto Fifth Street; then left onto Clarendon). Parking for the Open House is available on Delphi, Clarendon and Victoria Streets. Limited handicapped parking is available in the circular drive between the Kendrick Mansion and the Carriage House Theater. An elevator provides access to the upper and lower floors for the mobility challenged.

Trail End is operated by the State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails Division of the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources. For more information on the Trail End State Historic Site, the Holiday Open House or the Trail End Guilds, phone307-674-4589, or visit their website at www.trailend.org.

Reception Nov. 16 for the “Arts In Parks” calendar artwork display in the State Museum

Artwork featured in the 2013 “Arts in Parks” calendar will be on display at the Wyoming State Museum from November 8 through December 30.  An opening reception for the exhibit will be held on Friday, November 16, State Museum in downtown Cheyenne, 5-6 p.m.

As part of Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails 75^th Anniversary, sponsored by Cameco and in partnership with the Wyoming Arts Council, which also provided logistics and funding as part of our Arts in the Parks programming, the calendar features 13 artistic pieces depicting different State Parks and Historic Sites. The artistic pieces include oils, photography, mixed media, acrylics and watercolors.

In conjunction with the Wyoming Arts Council and the Wyoming State Museum, the Division of State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails invited artists from throughout the state to render artistic depictions of any of Wyoming’s State Parks and Historic Sites.

Some of the sites included in the artistic pieces are Ames Monument, Buffalo Bill State Park, Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park, Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site, Glendo State Park, Guernsey State Park, Hot Springs State Park, Keyhole State Park, Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site and Sinks Canyon State Park.

Artists included in the calendar are Glenda L. Heimbuck-Haley, Anthony James and Tim Haley of Cheyenne; Alissa Hartmann and Christine Meytras of Jackson;  Joyce Keown and Mack Brislawn of Laramie; Virginia Butcher of Evansville; Mike Conaway of Evanston; Marie Elena Bramson of Frannie; Pat Schermerhorn of Cody; Nancy Brown of Gillette; and Sally La Bore of Sheridan.

Calendars will be available through the Wyoming State Museum Store and from the Wyoming Division of State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails.

Wyoming State Museum is open Mon.-Fri., 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sat. 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Closed Sundays and State and Federal Holidays.

Wyoming SPCR Commission meets Oct. 26 at the Washakie Museum & Cultural Center

Washakie Museum and Cultural Center, Worland. David Huber Photography.

From a State Parks and Cultural Resources press release:

Members of the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources Commission will meet at the Washakie Museum and Cultural Center in Worland, October 26.

During the meeting, scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Commission will elect a new president and vice president.

Additionally, the Commission will receive reports on agency activities and programs within the Division of State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails and the Division of Cultural Resources.

The Commission has advisory responsibility for the agency which involves the planning, acquisition, development and management of all state parks, the State Trails Program, state recreation areas, state historic sites and archaeology sites. The Commission also advises the Wyoming State Museum, Wyoming Arts Council, the official State Records Center and Archives, the Office of the State Archaeologist, historical research activities, the State Historic Preservation Office and the Cultural Trust Fund.

Members of the Commission are: President Dan Barks, Gillette; William Vines, Wheatland; Mary Hawkins, Devils Tower; Dudley Gardner, Ph.D, Rock Springs; Chuck Engebretsen, Lost Springs; Aaron Bannon, Lander; Karen Haderlie,Thayne; Don Schmalz, Cody; and Michelle Sullivan, Sheridan.

Call for entries: Curt Gowdy State Park Visitor Center

Architect's rendering of the new Curt Gowdy State Park Visitor Center

David Newell, Curator of Art at the Wyoming State Museum, sends this news:

The Wyoming Art in Public Buildings program is pleased to announce a new APB project for the Visitor Center at Curt Gowdy State Park. The project has a November 30 deadline, so we want Wyoming artists to be aware of the current opportunity.  The Call for Entries form [Wyoming residents only] is currently being mailed, but it is also available to download on the web sites for the Wyoming State Museum, the Wyoming Arts Council and State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails.

We have a second project posting soon for the new Health and Science Center at Central Wyoming College. And keep an eye out for additional projects that are coming this winter.

We area waiting final confirmation of dates, but we will also soon be having the dedications of the APB art collection at the Wyoming Military Joint Force Readiness Center in Cheyenne and Stan Dolega's sculpture Wind Code at the new Southeast Wyoming Welcome Center, just south of Cheyenne.

Tina Willis presented her poem "Sagebrush and Cedars" at Pioneer Association meeting during Wyoming State Fair in Douglas

When Tina Willis read her poem “Sagebrush and Cedars” last Thursday at the state fair in Douglas, she was happy to be with her friends in the Wyoming Pioneer Association. In fact, she was happy to be anywhere.  In 2003, Willis slipped into a coma caused by West Nile Virus. When she awoke, she was paralyzed on one side. The doctors diagnosed her with meningitis, encephalitis and West Nile Virus-induced polio. It took the Wheatland rancher years before she could walk again and to write her poetry, which is her passion.

“It was an amazing day,” she said, referring to the Aug. 16 event at the Pioneer Museum. “Amazing that I was able to write the poem and walk forward and read it.”

The Pioneer Association is a Friends-type organization for the Pioneer Museum, according to Division of State Parks and Cultural Resources Director Milward Simpson. It is the only historic site in the state that is a fully functioning museum. The association gathered at the museum Aug. 16 to mark the fair's 100th anniversary.

Willis is a past recipient of a Blanchan/Doubleday writing award from the Wyoming Arts Council. The WAC is pleased to reprint her poem here on the blog:

SAGEBRUSH AND CEDARS

Tina Willis ©April 26, 2012

The ancients were chief, natives born first in this west
Miners, trappers and cowboys stood tall to the test
The wagons and railroads joined the rush of progress
All knew the promise:  Wyoming… best of the best

Could these pioneers survive here and thrive here unafraid?
In the sagebrush and cedars?  Mountains of granite and jade?
Yes, they carved out their homesteads. ..Here they suffered and prayed
They seized her wild spirit…they were gritty and stayed

They laid claim to the landscape and made it their own
They fought drought, cold and lonesome with resolve turned to stone
They loved the red Russell sunsets and the spring grass cologne
They found faith while they pursued solace and courage …often alone 

They laid rail lines and dug gold mines in high aspen stands
They plowed and raised livestock with strong weathered hands
Snow melt filled their dikes where the Canada goose lands
And it was pioneer families who said the Tetons were grand

The pioneers learned to live on hopes, try and will
Working each day with Mother Nature until
They knew every song of the meadow lark’s trill
And rested by the streams in the quiet evening still

They spent days waiting for rain, worked for no pay or wage
Independence and courage were born here in the sage
They wrote history each night on an oil lamp-lit page
Their children’s children grew up strong on her range

The pioneers held the promise to become part of this west
And Wyoming kept her promise ….She’s still the best of best

75th anniversary bash planned for Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails

Happy 75th anniversary to our hard-working colleagues at the Wyoming Division of State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails:

A two-pronged program celebrating two major events within the Wyoming Division of State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails is scheduled at Curt Gowdy State Park, August 24, beginning at 4 p.m.

The dedication of the new Curt Gowdy State Park visitor center is scheduled for 4 p.m., near the park’s entrance. Funds for the building were provided through a generous donation by Bass Pro Shops and matching funds from the Wyoming State Legislature. Members of the Gowdy family, architect Randy Byers, Parks officials and State legislators will be on hand. A ceremonial ground breaking will be part of the festivities.

The public is invited to the dedication ceremony. Visitors will not have to pay an entry fee, and the public will be directed where to park.

The new facility, slated for completion June 2013, will feature interpretation of the state park and its founder, Curt Gowdy.

Gowdy, a native of Green River, served as the voice of the Boston Red Sox for 15 years, and became one of the nation’s premier sportscasters. He was the host of ABC’s popular series “American Sportsman,” for two decades.

He attended the University of Wyoming where he started on the basketball team and competed on the tennis team. An avid outdoorsman and fisherman, he spent a lifetime championing Wyoming’s natural beauty and world-class fishing and hunting.

Following the visitor center dedication, a Wyoming State Parks and Historic Sites 75th Anniversary Gala will be held at the Hynds Lodge beginning at 5 p.m.

The celebration will be attended by several state dignitaries, including former State Parks directors, and will include a barbecue and entertainment by Wyoming Arts Council roster artist, singer/songwriter Bryan Ragsdale.

For more information, please call 777-6323.

Arts in the Parks: Kane's River at Hot Springs State Park Aug. 23

Our colleagues at Wyoming State Parks and Historic Sites share this news:

Nationally recognized bluegrass band Kane's River will make a rare Wyoming appearance on Thursday, August 23, in Thermopolis. The free performance will be held in Hot Springs State Park Pavilion at 7 p.m.

The Montana-based band is a five-piece acoustic group known for its high-quality harmonies and hard-driving music that appeals to bluegrass, folk and popular music aficionados. It includes founding members John Lowell, guitar, and David Thompson, bass, both from the Bozeman area; Julie Elkins, banjo, former Montana native, now living in Raleigh, North Carolina; Ben Winship, mandolin, Victor, Idaho; and Jason Thomas, fiddle, Orlando, Florida. Sound will be provided by John Brooks.

The performance is a Wildcat Production and is part of the Arts in the Park series. It is sponsored by Hot Springs State Park, Pinnacle Bank, Centennial Energy, Morning Star Oil Company, Jim Boles/BNSF Railway and Hot Springs Greater Learning Foundation. Additional in-kind support comes from Paintbrush Inn, Las Fuentes, Nature's Corner, Black Bear Cafe, Michael & Jacky Wright, KTHE Radio and the Independent-Record.

The group has performed around the United States and Canada at such top festivals as the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Artist Showcase & Fan Fest, Rockygrass, Wintergrass and Winfield.

Songs from the group's two albums reached the top ten on the country’s National Bluegrass Charts. and past performance highlights include the IBMA Artist Showcase & Fan Fest, Rockygrass, Wintergrass, Winfield, and other top festivals and venues around the U.S. and Canada.

FMI: Jacky Wright, Broadway Bygones, 307-864-4070.

Rockin the Reservoir July 21 at Buffalo Bill State Park

The Second Annual Rockin the Reservoir Outdoor Music Festival, featuring a variety of different bands to satisfy various musical tastes, is scheduled for July 21 from 5:30-11 p.m., at Buffalo Bill State Park in celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the Wyoming Division of State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails.

This family-friendly event is held at the Big Horn Basin Boat Club located at the end of Bartlett Lane, South Fork at Buffalo Bill State Park near Cody.

Sponsored by the Big Horn Basin Boat Club and Buffalo Bill State Park, the evening of music features Soldiers Springs, blues; Del Cannon, country; and Mr. Skinny, classic rock and original songs. Sound is provided by Big Wood Light and Sound and the event is produced by KcDMusic.com.

Cost of the event is $10 per car, paid at the entrance to the Boat Club, and visitors are encouraged to bring beverages and lawn chairs. Pop and water will be available for sale at the event.

Proceeds from this year’s Festival will go towards the Big Horn Basin Boat Club Marina Project.

Please visit http://www.bhbbc.org/ for more details.

"Aerial art" takes to the skies over Laramie during Butch Cassidy Days

Press release from our colleagues at Wyoming State Parks and Historic Sites:

The skies of Laramie will be painted with a multitude of colors as kite fliers from throughout the region are featured during this year’s Butch Cassidy Festival at the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site on Saturday, June 9, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Come see giant kites, some up to 525 square feet and some with 100 foot tails as well as stunt kites. Don’t forget a camera there will be plenty of “aerial art” to photograph!

Kids will have an opportunity to purchase kites, as well, or can bring their own and fly them in the wide open area at the event.

A “Kite Doctor” will also be on hand to help kids adjust their single line kite and help kids fly their kites!

This year’s Butch Cassidy Days will have numerous new activities featuring the kite demonstrations, search and rescue dogs, Wyoming wildlife identification, horse-drawn stagecoach rides, corn shelling, bouncy castle and more. Returning favorite activities are the kids’ money scramble, kids’ stick horse rodeo, a “prisoner” escape, petting zoo, as well as vintage cars and tractors.

“Butch Cassidy Festival is a community celebration that is designed to engage visitors of all ages with activities, entertainment and education,” Deborah Amend, site superintendent said. “Experience a day full of fun from kids’ kites running with the Bols, trick ropers to story time with Moose. Meet Butch Cassidy and a special guest appearance by Smokey the Bear.”

Author Larry Pointer will give a presentation in the afternoon on his newly released book “Butch Cassidy’s Story: Bandit Invincible” detailing the lives of Butch Cassidy and William Wilcox (aka William Phillips) a Butch Cassidy impersonator, who was imprisoned with Cassidy at the Wyoming Territorial Prison. Pointer is one of the leading experts on outlaw history and Butch Cassidy in North America.

For an evening of fun and good food, the public can stay for supper after the festival activities have ended with a Milk Can Dinner and musical entertainment in the Horse Barn Theater at 5:30 pm. Academy of Western Artist’s Female Performer of the Year Award winning songwriter Mary Kaye will be performing cowboy and outlaw songs.

“My western music differs from country music.We have much to celebrate here in the West and we deserve our own music that celebrates who we are and honors our wild and wooly past.” Mary Kaye said.

Admittance to Butch Cassidy Festival is Adults $5, students ages 12 to 17 is $2.50 and children 11 and under free. The Milk Can Dinner and Musical Show have limited seating and tickets cost $20.

Wyoming Territorial Prison State historic Site is located at 975 Snowy Range Road in Laramie. Open daily 8 a.m.to 7 p.m. admission charged for event.

For more information on Butch Cassidy Festival go to http://www.wyomingterritorialprison.com/

Basement exhibits featured in grand opening at Historic Governor's Mansion

On Friday, May 18, 4-6 p.m., you are invited to the Historic Governor's Mansion, 300 E. 21st St., Cheyenne, for the grand opening of three basement exhibits:

• Mansion Architecture
• Fallout Shelter
• Laundry Room

Refreshments weill be served in the Carriage House. Free and open to the public.

FMI: 307-777-7878

"The Art of the Hunt:" A story about one that didn't get away

The Art of the Hunt: Ice Fishing

By Andrea Graham, UW Folklife Specialist

On Sunday, February 12, a group of folklore researchers and videographers accompanied Charles McCall of Cheyenne on an ice fishing trip to Crystal Reservoir in Curt Gowdy State Park. This documentation effort was part of the Art of the Hunt project being conducted by the Wyoming Arts Council’s Folk & Traditional Arts Program and the University of Wyoming’s American Studies program. We began at Charles’ house, where videographer Alan O’Hashi recorded him talking about fly tying and demonstrating the making of a fly used in ice fishing. Then we headed out on an unseasonably warm and un-windy day to the reservoir, where we helped Charles and his wife Liz set up their ice fishing hut, and watched as Charles drilled several holes with an ice auger. As Charles was fishing at a hole on the open ice, his rod suddenly bent down and he declared that he had a good-sized fish on the line. After a short battle, he pulled a four-pound, twenty-inch-long rainbow trout out of the hole for all to admire. Alan got it all on camera, and UW grad student Jessica King got some good still photos as well. Alan’s video footage will be used in support of grant requests for funding of an exhibit on The Art of the Hunt. And those of us new to ice fishing will always remember our first excursion and the dramatic catch.

Photo caption: Diana Helzer, Andrea Graham, Alan O’Hashi, Charles McCall, Liz McCall at Crystal Reservoir.

Wyoming Division of State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails offers First Day Hikes

From our colleagues over at the Wyoming Division of State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails:

Wyoming State Parks will sponsor free, guided hikes in four state parks and historic sites on New Year’s Day as part of America's State Parks First Day Hikes initiative in all 50 states.

America’s State Parks First Day Hikes offer individuals and families an opportunity to begin the New Year rejuvenating and connecting with the outdoors by taking a healthy hike on January 1, at a state park close to home. First Day Hikes offer a great way to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature and welcome the New Year with friends and family.

“We are excited to host First Day Hikes as part of this national effort to get people outdoors and into our parks. First Day Hikes are a great way to cure cabin fever and burn off those extra holiday calories by starting off the New Year with an invigorating walk or hike in one of our beautiful state parks,” said State Parks Administrator Domenic Bravo.

America’s State Parks boast a variety of beautiful settings for year-round outdoor recreation, and each First Day Hike will offer an opportunity to explore the unique natural and cultural treasures close to home. From California to Maine, hikers can climb hills and mountain tops, walk along ponds and beaches, and traverse trails through forests, fields and prairies. Visitors can listen to birds, breathe in the fresh air, discover wildlife tracks, feel the wind and the warmth of the sun or the coldness of the snow.

Visitors can expect to be surrounded by the quiet beauty of nature in winter, experience spectacular views and vistas and benefit from the company of a knowledgeable state park guide. “Studies have proven that getting outdoors is one good way to relax and recharge the body, mind and spirit.” stated Phil McNelly, NASPD’s Executive Director. “We hope that hiking along a trail in a state park will become part of an individual’s or family’s regular exercise routine.”

First Day Hikes originated over 20 years ago at the Blue Hills Reservation, a state park in Milton, Massachusetts. The program was launched to promote both healthy lifestyles throughout the year and year round recreation at state parks. Many other states have offered outdoor recreation programs on New Year’s Day, however, this is the first time all 50 state park systems have joined together to sponsor First Day Hikes.

Park staff and volunteers will lead the hikes, which average one to two miles or longer depending on the state park. Details about hike locations, difficulty and length, terrain and tips regarding proper clothing are listed on the America’s State Parks website. Visit www.americasstateparks.org to find a First Day Hike nearest you.

In Wyoming, hikes will be offered at the following locations and times:

Fort Bridger State Historic Site – one mile hike/walk around the historic site. Meet at entrance booth at 1 p.m.
Curt Gowdy State Park – Up to four mile hike on a trail to be determined. Meet at Aspen Grove Trail head at 1 p.m.
Guernsey State Park – Up to 2.5 mile hike on a trail to be determined. Meet at headquarters at 1 p.m.
Glendo State Park – Up to a four mile hike along a newly constructed Narrows Bluff Trail. Meet at the Dam overlook at 10 a.m.

Participants are urged to wear adequate clothing, coffee and hot chocolate will be provided, Bonfires at most locations. This is a kid and family friendly event, entry fee to participating parks will be waived.

RSVPs are requested but not required. Please RSVP by emailing Paul.Gritten@wyo.gov.

This event kicks off Wyoming State Parks and Historic Sites 2012 75th Anniversary celebration. The organization America's State Parks is committed to promoting outdoor recreation in state parks as a way to address obesity, especially among children. Getting kids outside and unplugged from video games and other electronic media creates a unique connection with nature that promotes physical and mental well-being and encourages creativity and stewardship of our shared resources.

Give the gift of the Wyoming outdoors this holiday season

From the WAC's sister agency within State Parks and Cultural Resources:

Gift certificates that can be used toward the purchase of Wyoming State Parks annual daily use and overnight camping permits are currently available in Cheyenne at Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites & Trails Headquarters located on the fourth floor of the Barrett Building, 2301 Central Avene.

Gift Certificates can be purchased through December 31, and would make a great Christmas gift for the outdoors person on your list. Gift certificates can only be redeemed at Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites & Trails Headquarters.

Also, annual daily use permits bought between January 1, and February 15, will be $6 cheaper for Wyoming residents and $7 cheaper for non-residents via the department’s early bird discount.

Resident annual daily use permits are $33 ($27 with early bird discount), annual overnight camping permits are $40 and additional vehicle permits are $7. Non-resident annual daily use permits are $53 ($46 with early bird discount) and additional vehicle permits are $7.

The additional permits for second vehicles can be purchased for vehicles registered in the same household.

For more information about State Park permits and gift certificates, please call 777-6323. Wyoming State Park headquarters is located in the Barrett Building, 2301 Central Avenue, and the fourth floor in Cheyenne.

Ancient art celebrated at Aug. 25 grand opening of Legend Rock State Historic Site

A grand opening of the Legend Rock State Historic Site visitors’ center will take place at 6 p.m., Thursday, August 25. In addition to Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY), other dignitaries expected to speak at the event are Starr Weed of the Eastern Shoshone Tribe of the Wind River Reservation, State Parks and Cultural Resources Commissioner Carolyn Buff and BLM Archaeologist Mike Bies. FMI: http://www.wyomingtourism.org/overview/Legend-Rock-Petroglyph-Historic-Site/32516

WY Territorial Prison hopes to make Butch Cassidy Days a national tourist destination

Interesting article from the Associated Press about our sister agency in the Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources. Butch Cassidy Days at Wyoming Territorial Prison just wrapped up on Sunday. The site's superintendent, Deborah Amend, is thinking big for next year's event:

“My vision for this site is to make this a national destination site, a regional intrigue site and an integral part of the community. I want it to become a very important part of Wyoming history and a part of the heritage of Laramie and this county.”

Read more here.

The Wyoming Arts Council provided a grant to Wyoming Territorial Prison Park to defray expenses for a June 2007 Butch Cassidy Days performance by Prickly Pair.

Buffalo Bill Boycott rides into Cheyenne July 10

Join us at the Historic Governor's Mansion on Sunday, July 10, 1:30-3:30 p.m. for a performance by Lander's Buffalo Bill Boycott, a Wyoming and western entertainer (and a member of the Wyoming Arts Council's artist roster). A free family event. Location: 300 E. 21st Street., Cheyenne. 307-777-7878. FMI: http://buffalobillboycott.com

WY SPCR Commission meets May 12-13 in Rock Springs

Members of the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources Commission will meet in Room 1309, Western Wyoming College in Rock Springs, May 12-13.

The Commission will meet from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on May 12; and tour the Piedmont Kilns and Lincoln Highway Bridge on May 13.

During the meeting, the Commission will receive divisional updates and discuss a variety of State Parks and Cultural Resources issues, including a Glendo State Park flood update.

The Commission has advisory responsibility for both divisions of the department – State Parks, Historic Sites & Trails and Cultural Resources -- which involves the planning, acquisition, development and management of all state parks, state trails program, state recreation areas, state historic sites and archaeology sites. The Commission also advises the Wyoming State Museum, Wyoming Arts Council, the official State Records Center and Archives, the Office of the State Archeologist, historical research activities, the State Historic Preservation Office and the management of the Cultural Trust Fund.

Members of the Commission are: President Ernie Over, Pavillion; Dan Barks, Gillette; William Vines, Wheatland; Mary Hawkins, Devils Tower; Dudley Gardner, Ph.D, Rock Springs; Chuck Engebretson, Lost Springs; Carolyn Buff, Casper; Karen Haderlie, Thayne; and Barb Vietti, Thermopolis.

Brush up on your historic broom-making skills at free Territorial Prison workshop March 18

From Wyoming State Parks:

The Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site in Laramie will hold a free workshop for the public and potential volunteers, 18 years and older, who are interested in the art of constructing 1890s brooms.

Featured Broom Historian, Mark Parsons, Berthoud, Colo., will conduct the “hands-on” workshop on March 18, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Participants will learn the basic methods of broom construction utilizing vintage and replica broom making equipment to create their own handmade broom for decorative or functional use. Discussion of the history of brooms and broom making will be included. All skill levels welcome.

“A broom is such an ordinary object and yet it can be very reminiscent of a simpler time.” Deborah Amend, superintendent of the Wyoming Territorial Prison said. “Brooms were a commonplace, functional item in every household. In 1892 the Prison, recognizing the potential revenue from the broom industry, began producing brooms commercially, using convict labor, and shipped them all over the United States, Hawaii and internationally as far away as Asia.”

This workshop is also offered to educate and train any new volunteers who would like to refine their broom making skills and do living history presentations during the site’s summer season by volunteering to work in the Prison Industry Building. Selected volunteers will receive appropriate uniforms, training and historical information related to convict industries at the prison.

For additional information or to register for the workshop call 307-745-6161. The Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site, located at 975 Snowy Range Road in Laramie, opens for the season on April 30 and will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. until October 31.

FMI: Deborah Amend or 307-777-7878

Christina Bird named new director of Wyoming Historic Governor's Mansion

From a SPCR press release:

Christina Bird, former associate director of the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum, is the new superintendent of the Wyoming Historic Governors’ Mansion.

Bird received a Bachelor’s degree in History from Colorado State University, and has also served as the assistant to the director for the Daughters of the Republic of Texas Museum in Austin.

"We are delighted to hire Christina, we know her talents and skills will be of great benefit to this unique and important historic site," Domenic Bravo, Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails administrator said.

Bird replaces Deborah Amend, who is now the superintendent of the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site in Laramie. Bird begins her new duties April 13.

SPCR Commission meets Feb. 11-12

From a SPCR press release:

Members of the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources Commission will meet Thursday and Friday, Feb. 11-12, in the Ballroom of the Historic Plains Hotel in Cheyenne.

The body will meet from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. on February 11 and 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on February 12.

During the meeting, the Commission will receive divisional updates and discuss a variety of State Parks and Cultural Resources issues, including the departmental budget request and proposed legislation for the upcoming budget session of the state legislature.

Also while in Cheyenne, the Commission will visit the Wyoming State Museum and attend the 28th Annual Governor’s Arts Awards being held Friday, February 12, at Little America.

The Commission has advisory responsibility for the Division of State Parks, Historic Sites & Trails, which involves the planning, acquisition, development and management of all state parks, state trails program, state recreation areas, state historic sites and archaeology sites. The Commission also advises the Division of Cultural resources, which includes the Wyoming State Museum, Wyoming Arts Council, the official State Records Center and Archives, the Office of the State Archeologist, historical research activities, the State Historic Preservation Office and the management of the Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund.

Members of the Commission are: President Ernie Over, Pavillion; Dan Barks, Gillette; William Vines, Wheatland; Mary Hawkins, Devils Tower; Dudley Gardner, Ph.D, Rock Springs; Linda Fabian, Wheatland; Carolyn Buff, Casper; Karen Haderlie, Thayne; and Barb Vietti, Thermopolis.