JACKSON, Wyo. — From painting pictographs, to supporting a high school capstone documentary project, to gathering local anglers for an evening fly fishing conversation, Jackson Hole Historical Society & Museum engages our community in local history across different age groups and interests.
Campers travel through time
This year’s Summer History Camp encouraged the valley’s youngest historians to travel through time to a different period of Jackson Hole history every day. Students enjoyed activities like hide painting and arrowhead dating as they covered the valley’s earliest history.
A visit to a mountain man rendezvous kept the kids trading and wayfinding through the wilderness. To understand what homesteading might have been like, campers made their own bread and butter and did their laundry on a washboard.
During the last year, Education Coordinator Maria Rachal facilitated more than 40 programs for local students at schools, in the history museum, and through partnerships with local groups like the Sprout Mobile.
Documentary series launched
High school student Chloe Wengerd also reached out this year looking for an advisor for her senior capstone project, a documentary on Jackson Hole. With support from Rachal, Wengerd went on to research, film and produce seven episodes in just three weeks for a video series.
You can now watch Jackson Hole, Wyoming: Small Town, Global Impact on YouTube. If you watch, you’ll find several local residents interviewed for the ambitious series.
The museum’s Collection Manager has received more than 200 research requests so far this year. “If I ever have anything else to work on related to the history of Jackson, I will definitely reach out again!” said Wengerd.
History banter stays lively
The JHHSM also hosts Beers & Banter, a program inviting local community members to share their experiences on rotating Jackson Hole topics. An August session on fly fishing filled the museum to standing room only. Guest speakers Boots Allen, Paul Bruun and Jay Buchner, as well as audience members, shared their entertaining and unique perspectives on the sport over many decades.
The museum collaborates with local groups to present Beers & Banter programs. To share an idea for an upcoming topic, reach out by calling 307-733-2414 or emailing info@jacksonholehistory.org.
To learn more about Jackson Hole Historical Society & Museum or to view our free online collection, visit jacksonholehistory.org.
