For close to 75 years, the Wyoming Historical Society (WHS), an independent, non-profit organization with over 1300 members, who not only reside in Wyoming, but throughout the United States and the world, including the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Israel; have been promoting the collection and preservation of Wyoming’s history. Since its beginnings in 1953, the Society has also served as a strong advocate for Wyoming’s historical resources.
   
The Wyoming Historical Society has had its own growing pangs throughout the years since first being authorized by the Wyoming legislature in 1895. That effort didn’t take hold and in 1921 the formation of a state historical society was attempted once again. Mrs. Cyrus Beard took the lead and her efforts led to encouragement membership at $1.00 a year. In 1924 the Society began publishing what is today the Annals of Wyoming: The Wyoming History Journal.

By 1932 Wyoming again was without a statewide organization. Several county historical societies remained active at this time, but it was not until the early 1950s that a stronger effort prevailed thus launching the organization as we know it today, thanks to the efforts of Mrs. Lola Homsher. She traveled the state discussing the importance of a Society and encouraged people to participate in an organizational effort. Her work resulted in a meeting held at the Woman’s Club House in Casper on October 18, 1953, attended by more than seventy people from all areas of Wyoming.

The attendees to the first annual meeting selected Frank Bowron of Casper as President of the new Wyoming Historical Society, adopted a constitution and by-laws, and determined that its purpose shall be “to collect and preserve all possible data and materials including historical relics, relating to the history of Wyoming and illustrative of the progress and development of the state; to promote the study and preservation of such data and materials and to encourage in every way possible interest in Wyoming history.” Shortly thereafter county chapters began to form, with the Fremont County Historical Society being the first. For dues of $3.50 per year WHS members received copies of Annals of Wyoming and the Society’s newsletter, Wyoming History News both published by the department.

In 2021, the the "state" was dropped from our official name to better promote our independent, non-profit status. 

The WHS encourages quality teaching of Wyoming history in all schools is currently in the process of developing new grants, programs, and assistance to local history organizations to help with their history education programing, goals, and funding.

It continues to publish a newsletter, Wyoming History News, both printed and digitally, supports efforts historical preservation and sharing of historical knowledge in all forms, and has a publications program to assist authors in publishing their works on Wyoming history. Membership in the WHS open to all persons who support and enjoy the history of Wyoming through a qualified donation.

The Wyoming Historical Society Records were given to the American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming by the Society between 1996 and 2000. Please see the Guide to WHS Records, 1873-1999 (bulk 1953-1999).

For more information about the Wyoming Historical Society contact our main office at 307.322.3014 or info@wyshs.org.

As a non-profit, donor-driven organization, we do not have our own research collections. However, our Executive Board Regional Representatives are excellent first points of contact. They possess a wealth of knowledge and can direct you to the right people and resources in their regions to assist with your historical research.

For additional research questions, we recommend contacting the Wyoming State Archives.