Online Exhibits

Mountains to Manuscripts: Women’s Writing in Wyoming 1900-1950

Narrative writing about the state — certainly, the Tetons — is sparse before 1950, and published works are few and far between in comparison to the rest of the American West. Women’s words are even harder to come by, but provide important insight into the changing nature of the region. This exhibit explores the story of the landscape, wildlife, and people of Jackson Hole and Wyoming through women’s words.

Washakie, c.1883 by Baker & Johnston https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WashakieNative American History

Jackson Hole and the Greater Yellowstone Region was never the tabula rasa that many believed it was. Nor was it avidly avoided by “superstitious” Indians purported to be afraid of its geysers and steaming cauldrons. Instead, we need to remember and recognize that it always has been a region held in high regard by Native peoples for many of the same reasons it is valued today – its extraordinary natural and scenic resources, spiritual presence and evidence of raw, creative powers. Native peoples have been here for millennia, still live in the larger region, and retain strong cultural ties to it.

Historical Atlas & Timeline of Jackson HoleHistorical Atlas & Timeline of Jackson Hole

The Historical Atlas and Timeline of Jackson Hole is an interactive exploration of historic sites throughout the Jackson Hole valley that have significantly contributed to the development and identity of this area. Each site is geo-referenced and interpreted through text and photographs.

JudyAnderson009First Families of Jackson Hole

First Families is a unique exhibit dedicated to the first families who made Jackson Hole their permanent home. The entirety of the research and family photos have been collected by direct descendants of these families. Authored by Melvina Wilson Robertson, the story was an account of Sylvester Wilson and his family’s decision to move from […]

Jackson Hole by Number

In Jackson Hole, the Census records help to paint a complete picture of the different stages of settlement; from the needs of a small self-sustainable pioneer community to that of a thriving tourist-based economy. What are the needs of an early homesteading family and how were they addressed? How was the community growth altered when tourists began to outnumber the locals in the summers? Did this affect the landscape in the valley? All of these answers can be collected by studying the Census. […]

president-chester-arthur1Jackson Hole & The President Arthur Yellowstone Expedition of 1883

By all accounts, Chester Arthur (1829-1886) was an accomplished angler, adept at both bait-casting and fly-fishing. He had tested northern waters in Canada and those of the American South in Florida. Salmon, trout, and bass had all filled his creel. Indeed, throughout most of his life—as lawyer, New York “machine” politician, and President of the […]

1958.3557.001A Brief History of Jackson Hole

FORCES THAT SHAPED THE LAND “Over these seemingly changeless mountains, in endless succession, move the ephemeral colors of dawn and sunset and of noon and night, the shadows and sunlight, the garlands of clouds with which storms adorn the peaks, the misty rain-curtains of afternoon showers.” -Fritiof Fryxell, The Tetons: Interpretations of a Mountain Landscape, […]

bettydog_featured-624x416Founding Females

This exhibit is inspired by the Jackson Hole News & Guide’s annual “Jackson Hole Woman” special edition. It is intended to highlight and celebrate the unique women who called this valley home when all members of the family were considered capable ranch hands. From raising children to cattle, they prided themselves on their self-reliant attitudes and “didn’t give a damn” what the outsiders thought. The Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum is proud to share the stories these strong women and plans to update this exhibit annually.

invite-jpeg2-e1418161253572Landscapes of Loss- A Project by Photographer Lisa Erdberg and the Jackson Hole Historical Society

Photographer Lisa Erdberg has spent over 9 summers in Jackson Hole exploring and photographing the old homesteads and historical dude and cattle ranches inside and around Grand Teton National Park. Her images of the region’s late 19th and early 20th C. barns, corrals, utility sheds and other outbuildings speak to a shared past that evoke […]

Last-Homestead-titlepageThe Last Homestead

“Being young and inexperienced in that kind of country precluded any feeling of futility as to my ability to select a good homestead site…at the time the distance from no-where meant nothing. The wilderness fever ran high”.  (Harold McKinstry). THE LAST HOMESTEAD tells the story of Linda and Harold “Mac” McKinstry, a young couple who, […]

El-Rancho-Motel_adjOn the Trail of Teton County’s Historic Tourist Accommodations

Tourism in Teton County began soon after the first permanent settlement took place around 1883, when early settlers provided overnight accommodations to big game hunters and those curious and hardy enough to explore Yellowstone, the country’s first national park. Tourism gradually increased as roads and other infrastructure made the trip more comfortable in the early […]

Rodeo-History_Page_02_Image_0001-624x379A Brief History of the Jackson Hole Rodeo — by Clayton Caden

Rodeo is as much a part of the history of Jackson Hole as the mountain man, dude rancher and every other character to enter and inhabit this valley. Learn More about the history of the Rodeo with this Online Exhibition. BC.0123 Bronc rider at Jackson Frontier rodeo, 1939.

1958.2611.001-e1340986834166National Elk Refuge: 1912 – 2012 — by Steve Morriss

For thousands of years, Elk herds migrated through Jackson Hole on their way to winter ranges in the Red Desert, Green River drainage, Big Horn Basin and Teton Valley. As settlements in these areas expanded in the late 1800’s, the traditional elk feeding grounds were replaced with cultivated fields and pastures.

2005.0009.101-e1358370119869Sled Dog Tales: Dog Sledding in Jackson Hole — by Steve Morriss

Winter Carnival is one of the biggest events in Jackson each January and the highlight is the International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race. The event starts on the Town Square and is the longest dog sled race in the lower 48 states.