Use the American Heritage Center Research Services
Starting a research project—or even knowing where to begin—can sometimes be the most difficult step. The good news is that research just happens to be our area of expertise! A great way to get started is to browse our collection overview to see finding aids, topics by subject, and popular research topics. You can also stop by in-person or set up Zoom consultation with our team.
Located on the 4th floor of the AHC, the AHC Reading Room is where you'll be viewing collection materials that have been ordered up from the archives. The Reading Room is open to UW students, staff, faculty and the general public during normal operating hours. If there are AHC materials you would like to peruse and you are unable to visit us in person, fill out the Digital and Photographic Reproduction Request Form to get digital scans of your requested research material sent right to you!
The American Heritage Center is open to the public Monday–Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. We follow the University of Wyoming Academic Calendar for all holidays and closures. See more vistor information.
Western art. Oral histories of the Union Pacific Railroad. Lectures. Movie screenings. There's a lot to see at the AHC!
Current Exhibits — Curated with material from the AHC's 3,500+ collections
Virtual Exhibits — Dive into history from the comfort of your couch
Events — Everything that's happening at the AHC
A central part of the AHC's mission is to make make our holdings accessible to all. We work with educators (both K-21 and university), community groups, and student organizations to provide instructional resources and opportunities to engage with collections. Our staff offer bibliographic and research classes and can assist with academic unit development. We also offer tours of the archives!
Featured Collection:
Nellie Tayloe Ross Papers
Nellie Tayloe Ross (1876-1977) was the first woman governor in the United States. Born in St. Joseph, Missouri, she married William Bradford Ross in 1902 and they lived in Cheyenne, Wyoming. William B. Ross, a Democrat, was elected Governor of Wyoming in 1922. Three weeks before election day in 1924, William B. Ross died and Nellie Tayloe Ross, a housewife of twenty-two years, was elected in his stead. Nellie Ross lost in her bid for reelection in 1926, but had gained national prominence as the first woman governor and began a national speaking tour. In the early 1930s she served as vice chair of the Democratic National Committee in charge of women’s activities. She was appointed Director of the U.S. Mint in 1933 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and served in that capacity until her retirement in 1953. Ross lived in Washington D.C. until her death at age 101 in 1977.
Explore Nellie Tayloe Ross Papers on Luna
Past featured collections
A Look Inside the Archives
AHC is #AlwaysArchiving, and this continued work means there is always something new to learn and explore at the archives! Our dedicated staff is constantly processing new collections, preserving historical materials and developing engaging resources for researchers, students and the public. Whether it's through exhibitions, digital projects or hands-on research, the AHC ensures that the rich stories of the past remain accessible for future generations.
A Historic University of Wyoming Legacy
Over a century ago, Grace Raymond Hebard—a UW faculty, administrator, librarian and Wyoming historian—began collecting the papers and stories of Wyoming’s pioneers. Her research on Wyoming history, the West, emigrant trails and Native Americans laid the foundation for what is now the American Heritage Center. Established in 1945, the AHC grew significantly over the following decades, acquiring nearly 70,000 cubic feet of historically significant documents and artifacts. Today, the AHC stands as one of the largest non-governmental archives in the nation.
Stay In The Know!
The American Heritage Center is always growing! We are constantly gathering and archiving new materials to expand our collections. Our exhibits change often and there is always something new to learn. Who knew history could be so fast-paced? Keep up to date and don’t miss any of our exceptional exhibits by following us on Facebook, X, Instagram, our blog and subscribing to our monthly newsletter.
