The Wyoming Historical Society announces recipients of its 2014 Lola Homsher research grants. Tamsen Hert, chair of the committee, said, “The committee selected eight projects out of eighteen applications for a total award of $6,000.” Hert added that the committee is impressed with the amount of research and the diversity of research that people are pursuing about aspects of Wyoming’s history. “The Homsher Research Grant program is one of the most important ways the Society reaches out to the public and makes an impact on preserving Wyoming’s wonderful history.”

Anyone considering research about Wyoming that will result in a tangible project is eligible to apply for the research grants. Hert said this applies to members and non-members alike, amateur and professional historians, and students. Grant applications are accepted once a year and due each February 28th. Applications were reviewed by members of the Society’s committee including Tamsen Hert (Laramie), Chair; Patty Kessler (Laramie); Tina Hill (Rawlins); and Tisa Cheney (Fort Bridger).

The recipients for this year’s round of research grants are:

• Rebecca Anderson, Greybull. $675.00 for “O, The Tales These Places Could Tell: A New View on the History of Shell Valley.”
• Todd Cedarholm, Jackson. $950.00 for “Documentation of the Original USGS Surveys of Grand Teton National Park & the Teton Forest Reserve.
• Linda Fleming, Baggs. $300.00 for “Carbon County Poor Farm, Dixon, Wyoming.”
• Fremont County Historic Preservation Commission, Riverton. $1,000 for “Historic Meigh Ranch Documentation and Preservation Assessment.”
• Mary Humstone, Fort Collins, CO. $1025.00 for “SAH Archipedia Wyoming.
• David Kruger, Laramie. $1025.00 for “J.C. Penney and Wyoming: A Lifelong Relationship.”
• Mike Mackey, Sheridan. $1025.00 for “Wyoming Samurai: Military Service at Heart Mountain.

The Lola Homsher Research Grant is made possible from the endowment that prominent Wyoming historian Lola Homsher created for the purpose of promoting the research of Wyoming history. Homsher was instrumental in the early beginnings of the Society, and a former Wyoming State Archivist.

In addition to receiving research funds, each recipient receives a one- year complimentary membership in the Wyoming State Historical Society. Membership benefits include receiving the Society’s scholarly journal, Annals of Wyoming, and the monthly newsletter, Wyoming History News.

To learn more about the Lola Homsher Research Grant Program, or other aspects of the Wyoming State Historical Society, visit the website at www.wyshs.org or contact Hert at Homsher@wyshs.org, or Linda Fabian at Society headquarters, 307-322-3014 or linda@wyshs.org.