Jackson Hole Historical Society Museum
Written By: Sarah Reish
This small but historically rich museum was founded in 1958 by artifact collector Slim Lawrence and businessman Homer Richards, who had the building space to bring the museum to life. Formed in the 1960’s, the Teton County Historical Society was established in an effort to collect and archive the history of this region.
The Museum
The building, like the name states, looks historical making it the ideal location for the collections and historical time capsule. When we arrived we were met by a museum staff member who was very kind and welcoming. The lobby where you pay the entry fee includes the gift shop. It offers visitors a wide variety of gifts. The main gallery of the museum is to the right and there is a gallery of historical photos and paintings down the hallway behind the desk.
The History
The main museum gallery is set up and organized in a timeline fashion. As you walk through the gallery you are given an immersive experience of the founding and growth of Jackson. Starting with the home and work space of homesteaders to music and dude ranches. Each gallery display is a three dimensional snapshot of a time and place in history.
The Homestead
The homestead display was beautiful with true log walls, a bed, stove, and items a person would use daily. There were boots, quilts, and even snowshoes. It tangibly presented the reality faced by those coming to settle the west.
The Work
It was a lot of work pioneering and homesteading here in the west. The next gallery display was a barn showing the tools and work that was common in the daily life of the settlers. From branding to breaking down and butchering wild game. There were so many things to see and learn.
The Dude Ranch
The next display was fun, it may be a historic display, but the dude ranches today are running strong here in Wyoming. This historic depiction celebrates the rise of the dude ranch in Jackson and how it offered people the opportunity to be a “real” cowboy while escaping the business of work and life back in the east.
The Image Gallery
We did view the historic art gallery. The art is hung along the walls of the back hallway. It is worth visiting and viewing as the images show the growth of Jackson and iconic women and people who pioneered, homesteaded, and settled the territory.
The Details
Plan your visit or, if you are unable to make it, you can donate and help support the historic society as they continue to gather and preserve artifacts that tamed the wild west.
Hours: Wednesday - Saturday 10 AM - 4 PM
Address: 225 North Cache Street
View the online exhibits
Hit The Road
Be sure to stop by and visit the Jackson Hole Historical Society next time you are in town. They have done a wonderful job showcasing the history of Jackson, Teton County, and the surrounding area. Post your adventure on social media and tag us @LiveWYldMag and use #LiveWYld
