UW American Heritage Center Debuts ‘Biking Around’ Exhibition

“Biking Around,” a captivating exhibition that takes visitors on a journey through the rich history of cycling in the region, is now on display through Saturday, April 20, at the University of Wyoming American Heritage Center (AHC).

The exhibition offers a unique exploration of the role bicycles played in shaping the cultural and social landscape of Wyoming and the American West. Curated by AHC Assistant Archivist Brie Blasi, “Biking Around” promises to be a visually appealing and informative experience for all ages.

“Biking Around” invites visitors to delve into the fascinating world of bicycles, tracing their evolution and impact on society from the late 19th century to the present day. From early high-wheel designs to the iconic safety bicycle, the exhibition showcases a diverse collection of artifacts, photographs and personal stories that illuminate the enduring legacy of cycling in the region.

“Before the availability of automobiles in the early 20th century, the bicycle became the cheapest form of transportation apart from walking,” Blasi says. “Many people found its speed and availability liberating.”

The exhibition features information about Laramie bicycle clubs; historic bikes, including two penny-farthings on loan from the Laramie Plains Museum; transportation pioneers, such as Laramie’s own Elmer Lovejoy; the rise of mail order bicycles; bicycles’ role in the empowerment of women; and global bicycling adventures.

The exhibition is drawn from several of the AHC’s collections, including the Elmer F. Lovejoy papers, the Montgomery Ward papers, the Lora Webb Nichols papers, the W.O. Owen papers and the Carl Spencer papers.

All AHC exhibitions are free and open to the public.

About UW’s American Heritage Center

One of the nation’s premier archives, the AHC contains important holdings in numerous areas. Its Western history archives include materials on early women’s suffrage and political achievements, Native Americans, ranching, politics, authors and underdocumented communities.

Other featured collecting areas include transportation, such as railroad, highway and air travel; mining and energy extraction; entertainment and popular culture, with important collections featuring Hollywood, music, radio, television and the comic book industry; natural resources and the environment; and military history.

The AHC also serves as the primary archives for UW.

For more information, visit the AHC website at www.uwyo.edu/ahc/, or connect on social media platforms Facebook, X, formerly known as Twitter, Instagram, Virmuze and the AHC’s blog.