WPA members at the Pioneer Cabin. Likely taken in the 1930s. Malcolm Campbell (third from left) was the Association’s president in 1934.
Photo courtesy of Wyoming Pioneer Memorial Museum, a Division of Wyoming State Parks & Cultural Resources.
Wyoming Pioneer Association in front of the Wyoming Pioneer Memorial Museum, ca. 1956
1884
A group of Wyoming pioneers begins meeting informally. Membership was limited to those who had resided or done business in Wyoming Territory prior to July 1, 1884, and who were over 21 years old. Annual dues were set at $2.50.
1890
Wyoming becomes the 44th state in the union on July 10.
1905
Pioneers begin meeting annually in Douglas during the Wyoming State Fair.
1914
The Wyoming Old Timer’s Association, the precursor to the Wyoming Pioneer Association, is established.
1925
Under the leadership of Converse County pioneer Charles F. Maurer, the Association meets at Douglas City Hall on December 18 and decides to “effect a permanent organization for pioneers who had resided in Wyoming 25 years or more.” W.B. Hardenbrook, D.W. Horr, C.F. Maurer, M. D. Newsom, Thomas F. Doyle and L.C. Bishop were present.
1926
The WPA is officially incorporated on January 8. The first annual meeting is held downtown on September 15 at the Princess Theater. Funds are approved for the construction of a log cabin to be placed on the Wyoming State Fairgrounds, which will be used as a meeting place for the WPA’s annual meetings.
1930
Association membership reaches over 700, so meetings are once again held at the Princess Theater.
ca. 1932
The Pleasant Valley Schoolhouse, built in 1884, is moved to the State Fairgrounds and set directly behind the log cabin.
1940-1947
No annual meetings are held due to WWII
1956
The Wyoming Pioneer Memorial Museum is built by Fulton Construction Company of Douglas for $100,000 following the 1955 appropriation of funds from the Wyoming Legislature. The new museum is dedicated August 31.
1967
The Pioneer Cabin is restored and expanded
1971
An addition is added to the Pioneer Memorial Museum
1975
WPA celebrates 50 years
1999
The Wyoming Pioneer Memorial Museum is transferred to the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources
2011
Wyoming artist Jerry Palen’s Runnin’ With the Big Boys statue is placed outside the museum’s main entrance.
2012
The Ruthe James Williams Conference Center is completed and is used to host the WPA’s annual meeting
2020
No annual meeting is held due to the Covid epidemic
2026
The WPA’s pioneer cabin celebrates its 100th birthday
NEW AND THE OLD: Top, the new Wyoming Pioneer’s Museum dedicated by Gov. Milward Simpson at the State Fairgrounds in Douglas. The museum will house relics from over the state of Wyoming.
Bottom is the old museum previously in use. Dedication of the museum by Gov. Simpson was one of the highlights of Friday’s fair activities.
(From the Casper Morning Star, Sept. 2m 1956)
Photo taken during the 1967 annual meeting.
Photo courtesy of Wyoming Pioneer Memorial Museum, a Division of Wyoming State Parks & Cultural Resources.
Brooks poses with Ezra Meeker, an Oregon Trail immigrant who dedicated his life to memorializing the trail, in front of the Wyoming State Capitol. Wyoming State Archives Photograph