Use the American Heritage Center Research Services
Finding a quiet and serene area to study or research can sometimes be a daunting task on a bustling university campus. The American Heritage Center Reading Room is one of the best spaces on UW’s campus to study, do your coursework or conduct research. The Reading Room is located on the 4th floor of the AHC and is open to UW students, staff, faculty and the general public during normal operating hours. Whether you are working on a project or simply browsing, it’s an ideal spot for focused study and learning.
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 visit the AHC Public Portal to browse our collections. You can also stop by in-person, connect with our helpful staff for copies or scans of research material or utilize our digital resources. We are here to help and have an abundance of resources to take your research to the next-level.
We work hard to maintain and preserve our collection of first-hand historical documents and primary resources. We are as equally dedicated to sharing this material so that it can be utilized for research and learning opportunities. If you have AHC materials that you would like to peruse if you are unable to visit the facility, you can fill out this Digital and Photographic Reproduction Request to get digital scans of your requested research material sent right to you!
Using The American Heritage Center
The American Heritage Center is an invaluable tool on UW’s campus. We want to be sure that students, researchers, and anyone exploring American history and culture are able to use this resource and rich collection of assets.
Whether you visit us in-person, call in or set up Zoom consultation with our team. We are ready to make research accessible and valuable.
There are select spaces in the AHC that are available to be reserved and utilized for UW groups and related archival institutions. Check out AHC Meeting Rooms to learn more.
The Centennial Complex, where the American Heritage Center is housed, is open to the public Monday - Saturday from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. We are closed on University of Wyoming administrative holidays.
JULY FEATURED COLLECTION
J.S. Palen Collection
The collection contains materials accumulated by Palen on the American west, particularly Cheyenne Frontier Days and rodeos. The collection includes souvenir programs, newsclippings, schedules and brochures, commemorative envelopes, publications, scrapbooks and photographs of the C.B. Irwin family who were associated with Frontier Days; photographs and postcards of parades and rodeos, and memorabilia relating to Cheyenne Frontier Days, 1884-1998, and its affiliated organizations, the Old West Museum and the Heels.
The J.S. Palen Collection Archives West Finding Aid.
June 2025: Frank E. Miller Photgraphic Albums
May 2025: Robert C. Graff Collection of Alfred Jacob Miller Art, 1837 -1865
April 2025: Photos of the Alan K. Simpson Papers. The Archives West Alan K. Simpson papers inventory.
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.
Check Out Our CollectionsBring Your Class to the American Heritage Center
For UW Faculty
Our staff can help you set up a class session curated specifically to your content area, a research session or a general AHC tour.
UW Visit DetailsFor K-12 Educators
Introducing elementary and secondary students to all AHC has to offer makes for a memorable and valuable field trip! Let us help you plan the perfect trip for your class.
Develop a Course
Our AHC staff is here to help with course or unit development and guide instructors wishing to develop full courses or instructional units based on AHC collection materials.
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!
he 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.
The Anaconda Geological Documents Collection is one of the largest and most significant bodies of economic geological data in the world. With 1.8 million documents spanning 90 years, this collection is truly invaluable.
The Toppan Library Rare Book Collection is a must-see for any bibliophile visiting the American Heritage Center. From Mesopotamian clay tablets to exploration books from Lewis and Clark, there is so much to explore.
The AHC is actively working to improve the diversity represented in our materials. We have several collections for under documented communities that are available and continually being added to.
The American Heritage Center staff and volunteers have been diligently working to digitize our materials in order to share the AHC with a broader community. Check out our digital collections as they continue to grow!
Your support makes the work that we do possible. Thank you to our financial donors and volunteers for helping us preserve, share and continue to learn from our history!
Donate to AHCDon't Miss These Exhibits!
Check out our curated exhibits! Each exhibit is featured and open to public viewing for a limited time.
AHC works with the UW Foundation to curate photography and image exhibits for the Gateway Center.
Want to cozy up on the couch and check out the latest AHC exhibit? Explore our virtual exhibits!
