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Senate

100th Anniversary of the Wyoming Pioneer Association

2026-07-28 Issue 123 Showing 1–1 of 1

Official Congressional Record ↗

John Barrasso

Republican

“Some people had a club. The club is old. It has a museum. The club had a party. The museum is in my state. That makes me happy. I want people to remember the museum.”

Official Congressional Record

Mr. President, I rise today to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Wyoming Pioneer Association. For a century, this organization has preserved Wyoming's pioneering spirit and honored the men and women who helped shape our State. On August 13, 2026, the Wyoming Pioneer Association will celebrate its 100th anniversary at its annual conference in Douglas, WY. This milestone celebrates 100 years of preserving Wyoming's rich heritage and ensuring that future generations remain connected to the State's remarkable past. The roots of the Wyoming Pioneer Association stretch back to 1884, when the organization was first established as Wyoming's Old Timer's Association. ``Old Timer'' membership was reserved for individuals whose contributions helped transform the Wyoming Territory into the State of Wyoming. These soldiers, freighters, cowboys, and stockmen laid the foundation for the Cowboy State. Starting with Wyoming's first State fair in 1905, the Wyoming Old Timer's Association gathered annually in Douglas. On January 8, 1926, the group was officially incorporated and adopted the name of the Wyoming Pioneer Association. The association's first official meeting took place on September 15, 1926, at Douglas's historic Princess Theater. Under the leadership of its inaugural president John Hunton, the group dedicated itself to preserving Wyoming's pioneer legacy. Shortly after its first meeting, the association constructed a cabin on the Wyoming State Fairgrounds to serve as a permanent gathering place. As membership steadily grew, the annual meeting returned to the Princess Theater to accommodate its growing number of members. In 1956, the Wyoming State Legislature appropriated $100,000 for the construction of the Wyoming Pioneer Memorial Museum. The museum was dedicated on August 31, 1956, at the State fair grounds in Douglas. Today, the museum safeguards thousands of treasured artifacts, including cultural items, historic stagecoaches, and an original taxidermied jackalope. Each item in the collection celebrates a unique chapter of Wyoming's remarkable heritage. In 2012, the Wyoming Pioneer Association opened the Ruthe James Williams Center next to the Wyoming Pioneer Museum. The center is named after Ruthe James Williams, who was born and raised in Douglas. Upon her passing in 2008, Ruthe generously provided the resources to construct the center. Her legacy was to ensure the association would continue to have a home worthy of its growing membership and enduring mission. For 100 years, the Wyoming Pioneer Association has faithfully preserved the stories, traditions, and values of Wyoming's Pioneers and trailblazers. Through educational programs, community outreach, and annual events, including its beloved Holiday Cheer at the Pioneer celebration, the association continues to inspire pride in Wyoming's unique heritage. The association's impact does not end with its members. Wyoming Pioneer Museum visitation grew from 4,000 patrons in 2019 to nearly 6,000 in 2022. The continuous success of the Wyoming Pioneer Association would not be possible without the unwavering dedication of its board. Through countless hours of volunteer service and steadfast commitment, these individuals work tirelessly to sustain Wyoming's cultural legacy for generations to come. The Wyoming Pioneer Association Board includes: It is an honor to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Wyoming Pioneer Association. This remarkable group has devoted a century to preserving Wyoming's history, honoring those who built our great State, and ensuring their stories endure for future generations. Its commitment to education, preservation, and community service exemplifies the very best of Wyoming's pioneering spirit. Please join me in congratulating the Wyoming Pioneer Association.

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