Oral History Program
American Heritage Center
Filling in the documentary gaps within the areas of national, regional, and state
business industries and politics is of key importance to the Simpson Institute. Oral
history is a powerful tool that enables us to capture different perspectives, most
of which cannot be found in written sources. What is oral history? It is the collection
and study of historical information about individuals, families, important events,
or everyday life using audiotapes or videotapes and transcriptions of planned interviews.
Interviews are conducted with people who participated in or observed past events and
whose memories and perceptions of these are preserved as an aural record for future
generations.
Wyoming's Energy Booms and Busts: An Oral History program explores the social, environmental,
and economic impacts of Wyoming's latest energy boom. The program interviews those
involved in, and impacted by, the activities to develop and extract the state's coal,
natural gas, and wind energy. Funding is provided by the Wyoming Humanities Council,
the University of Wyoming School of Energy Resources, and the American Heritage Center.
The Milward L. Simpson Family Oral History Program focuses on the generations of the
Simpson family whose history has been interwoven with the history of Wyoming for more
than one hundred years. This project is funded through the generosity of Denver businessman
Carl Williams.
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Voices of Pride: LGBTQ+ Oral History Project
About the Project
The American Heritage Center (AHC) at the University of Wyoming proudly presents “Voices
of Pride,” an oral history project dedicated to documenting the experiences of LGBTQ+
individuals in the Rocky Mountain West. Supported by Wyoming Humanities, we're gathering
personal stories to create a comprehensive record of LGBTQ+ life across the region's
diverse communities.
Our Goals
- Document personal narratives of LGBTQ+ individuals in the Rocky Mountain West.
- Preserve these stories for the LGBTQ+ community and future generations.
- Contribute to a more complete understanding of the region's history.
- Provide resources for education and community engagement.
Share Your Story
We welcome LGBTQ+ individuals from all walks of life and all corners of Wyoming. Whether
you're a longtime resident or a newcomer, your story is valuable and important to
this project.
What Participation Involves
- A 1-2 hour recorded interview (longer if needed), told your way.
- Share your experiences, challenges, and triumphs.
- Option to use a pseudonym for privacy.
- Review the interview transcript and request edits or redactions.
- Option to restrict research access for a specified period.
The Impact of Your Contribution
We value the trust you place in us by sharing your experiences. Here's how your story
will make a difference:
- Carefully preserved at the AHC for future generations.
- Enriches our understanding of regional history.
- Supports research and education.
- Promotes inclusivity and understanding in our communities.
- Helps create a more comprehensive narrative of our diverse experiences.
Project Timeline
June 2024 - May 2025
Our Commitment to Privacy and Inclusivity
We understand the sensitive nature of these stories and are committed to respecting
your privacy. All participants have control over how their stories are shared and
preserved.
Join Us as a Partner
We believe in the power of collaboration to make this project as impactful and inclusive
as possible. We're actively seeking partnerships with LGBTQ+ organizations, community
groups, and allies throughout Wyoming and the Rocky Mountain West.
Why Partner with Us?
- Help shape the direction and reach of this important historical project.
- Ensure diverse voices from your community are represented.
- Contribute to the preservation of LGBTQ+ history in our region.
- Participate in creating educational resources and community events.
If your organization is interested in partnering with the “Voices of Pride” project,
we'd love to hear from you. Whether you represent an LGBTQ+ advocacy group, a community
center, a student organization, or any other group committed to inclusivity and representation,
your involvement can make a significant difference.
Get in Touch
For more information about the project or to discuss potential partnership opportunities,
please contact:
Leslie Waggener Email: lwaggen2@uwyo.edu Phone: 307-766-2557
About the Project Team
This project is led by co-directors:
- Gregory Hinton: A gay researcher, author, and award-winning playwright specializing
in LGBTQ+ topics. Hinton's verbatim plays illuminate LGBTQ+ stories from the Rocky
Mountain West, bringing authentic voices to the forefront of regional cultural discourse.
- Leslie Waggener: An experienced archivist at the AHC with extensive expertise in oral
history projects and LGBTQ+ archives.
Your voice is an essential part of Wyoming's history—join us in documenting the full
spectrum of LGBTQ+ experiences, ensuring these stories are preserved, understood,
and respected for generations to come.
