Marvel Comics visionary Stan Lee pauses in a storage aisle in the American Heritage
Center at the University of Wyoming in 1994. Lee began a relationship with the AHC
in 1977 and, for the next 30 years, he corresponded regularly with AHC directors,
sending documents, photographs, videos and audio recordings nearly every year. His
donations now constitute a unique collection, with 126 cubic feet of materials, from
which displays will be created for the “Stan Lee, Beyond the Book” exhibition that
opens May 1. (Photo from Stan Lee Papers, American Heritage Center, University of
Wyoming)
The American Heritage Center (AHC) at the University of Wyoming is preparing its highly
anticipated “Stan Lee, Beyond the Book” exhibition, honoring the legendary author,
editor and Marvel Comics visionary.
This immersive exhibition, set to open May 1, will provide visitors with an intimate
glimpse into the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of Stan Lee. The exhibition
will offer attendees a firsthand look at the remarkable impact of Lee on popular culture,
from comic books to film and TV. The exhibition, housed at the AHC on UW’s campus
in Laramie, will run through Nov. 1.
“Stan Lee, Beyond the Book” will reveal Lee the person, from his childhood to his
later years. The exhibition will include documents, photographs and artifacts that
have not been preserved elsewhere. Displays will explore Lee’s impact on the comic
book industry; relations with his fans; the creative processes he and his teams followed;
development of comic book characters; his involvement in social and political issues;
personal memorabilia; and other aspects of his life, vision and career.
“Stan Lee’s legacy is not only in the stories he told, but in the imagination and
inspiration he ignited in countless individuals,” says Professor Paul Flesher, the
AHC’s director. “We are honored to share his remarkable journey and achievements through
this extraordinary exhibition.”
Although Lee’s story cannot be told without the characters he created, this is neither
a comic book exhibition nor a Marvel film exhibition.
“The Stan Lee Papers are a prized collection at the AHC,” Flesher says. “For decades,
Stan regularly sent materials to the center for preservation, providing an ongoing
record of his development as an individual, a writer and artist, an entertainer and
a businessman. This exhibition provides for his fans a deep dive into Stan and his
achievements.”
From his humble beginnings in New York City to his pioneering work in the comic book
industry and film world, the exhibition will chronicle Lee’s journey, highlighting
his creativity, innovation and lasting influence.
Born Stanley Martin Lieber Dec. 28, 1922, Lee rose from poverty to become one of the
most iconic figures in popular culture history. His contributions to Marvel Comics
-- including co-creating beloved characters such as the Fantastic Four, Spider-Man,
Iron Man and the X-Men -- have left an indelible mark on generations of fans worldwide.
Lee began a relationship with the AHC in 1977, more than 45 years ago. The relationship
was personal and, for the next 30 years, he corresponded regularly with AHC directors
and visited campus twice. He sent to the AHC documents, photographs, videos and audio
recordings nearly every year. Even though he never earned a college degree, he called
UW “my university” because of this connection. His donations now constitute a unique
collection, with 126 cubic feet of materials.
The “Stan Lee, Beyond the Book” exhibition invites visitors to explore the life, work
and enduring legacy of a true visionary. For more information about the exhibition
and related events, visit the AHC website at www.uwyo.edu/AHC, call Flesher at (307) 766-2474, or email pflesher@uwyo.edu.
“Stan Lee, Beyond the Book,” an exhibition opening May 1 at the University of
Wyoming’s American Heritage Center, will reveal Lee the person, from his childhood
to his later years. The exhibition will include documents, photographs and artifacts
that have not been preserved elsewhere. (Photo from Stan Lee Papers, American Heritage
Center, University of Wyoming)
The finding aid for the Stan Lee collection is at https://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:80444/xv636387?q=stan%20lee.
About the University of Wyoming’s American Heritage Center
UW’s AHC is home to thousands of collections spanning diverse topics in American history
and culture. With a mission to preserve and promote access to our shared heritage,
the center serves as a vital resource for researchers, educators and the public alike.
The AHC is one of the nation’s 10 largest nongovernmental archives. It holds over
95,000 cubic feet of materials in more than 4,000 collections. As the AHC is a public
institution, these materials are available for anyone to consult by visiting the reading
room in person or via remote means. More than 99 percent of the holdings are available
without restriction.
Founded in 1945, the AHC has expanded significantly over the decades and now has 10
key collecting areas. While its primary focus is on the American West, other significant
collecting areas include popular culture, transportation (from the transcontinental
railroad onward), journalism, ranching, authors, conservation and mineral extraction.
The popular culture collections range from early radio to TV to Hollywood. Although
the center’s Hollywood and TV collections focus on behind-the-camera positions (directors,
producers, composers, etc.), the center holds materials from a number of stars, including
Jack Benny, Barbara Stanwyck and Buddy Ebsen.
Details on “Stan Lee, Beyond the Book,” a Celebration of the Marvel Comics Trailblazer
The University of Wyoming’s American Heritage Center announces the opening of the
“Stan Lee, Beyond the Book” exhibition, showcasing the life and legacy of the iconic
author, editor and Marvel Comics visionary. The exhibition, set to open May 1, will
run through Nov. 1, offering visitors an intimate glimpse into the world of Stan Lee.
Exhibition
-- Opening date: May 1, 2024
-- Venue: American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming
-- Duration: May 1-Nov. 1, 2024
The exhibition aims to delve into the persona of Stan Lee, highlighting his personal
and professional journey from childhood to his later years. While celebrating his
iconic characters, the exhibition is not solely a showcase of comic books or Marvel
films but a comprehensive exploration of Stan Lee, the individual.
Fan/Comic Convention
In addition to the exhibition, the University of Wyoming will host a two-day fan/comic
convention, “Stan Lee Super Con,” over Labor Day weekend, Aug. 31-Sept. 1. This event
will celebrate Lee’s rich legacy and the vibrant world of comic books, inviting enthusiasts
of all ages to come together for a weekend of panels, workshops and special guests.
-- Title: “Stan Lee Super Con”
-- Dates: Aug. 31-Sept. 1 (Labor Day weekend)
-- Venue: University of Wyoming campus, Laramie, Wyo.
The two-day convention will include theming and events centered on the works of Stan
Lee, including special guests, speakers, panel discussions, costume contests, various
memorabilia and toy vendors.
Stan Lee meets Spider-Man, one of the beloved characters he co-created for Marvel
Comics. (Photo from Stan Lee Papers, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming)
Unique Collection
The Stan Lee Papers, generously donated to the AHC by Lee himself, constitute a treasure
trove of over 126 cubic feet of materials, including manuscripts, correspondence,
photographs and audio recordings. These materials, curated meticulously from Lee’s
personal archives, offer a rare insight into his creative processes, interactions
with fans and the multifaceted facets of his life.
Student-Led Curatorial Team
Curated by three exceptional students from the University of Wyoming, in collaboration
with the AHC’s experienced staff, the exhibition promises a fresh perspective on Stan
Lee’s legacy. Selected from the university’s top talent pool, these students embarked
on extensive research last June to bring forth a captivating narrative that honors
Lee’s enduring impact.
Celebrating a Lifelong Connection
Stan Lee’s relationship with the AHC dates back to 1977, spanning over four decades.
Despite being born and raised in New York, Lee considered the University of Wyoming
his alma mater, attributing this sentiment to his profound connection with the AHC.
His regular correspondence, regular donations to his collection and two campus visits
solidified his bond with the institution.
Public Access and Engagement
The exhibition will be open to the public free of charge, inviting fans and enthusiasts
to immerse themselves in the extraordinary legacy of Stan Lee. Visitors will have
the opportunity to explore the exhibition in person.
Recent Media
https://trib.com/news/state-regional/stan-lee-university-of-wyoming-archives-interns-exhibit/article_c97c2888-2a6c-11ee-b1a1-ffc0ab826736.html
www.saratogasun.com/story/2023/11/16/news/getting-to-know-stan-lee/12914.html
Contact Information
Chad Baldwin
AVP, Marketing and Communications
University Public Relations
University of Wyoming
Phone: (307) 766-2929
cbaldwin@uwyo.edu
Paul V.M. Flesher
Director, American Heritage Center
University of Wyoming
Phone: (307) 766-2474
pflesher@uwyo.edu
Promotions, Advertising
Fran Evans
Independent Coordinator
Phone: (918) 404-4999
fran.evans@franinc.com
Fan/Comic Convention
Scott Kinney
CEO, Heritage Event Co.
Phone: (310) 612-9213
kidkosmic@yahoo.com
American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming
2111 E. Willett Drive
Laramie, WY 82072
Phone: (307) 766-4114
ahcref@uwyo.edu
