A series where we take a #lookback at the stories and history of our community, brought to you by Mick Pryor, Financial Advisor with Edward Jones.
Every May, the Wyoming Alliance for Historic Preservation celebrates Historic Preservation Month, but at the Dubois Museum, preserving history is a commitment that continues every day of the year.
Scattered across the museum grounds are more than ten historic buildings that once stood throughout the upper Wind River region. Over the past fifty years, these irreplaceable structures have been carefully relocated to the museum, giving them a second life and ensuring that future generations can experience Fremont County’s rich history firsthand.
Keeping these buildings standing is an ongoing challenge. From sealing weathered logs and replacing deteriorated timbers to repairing windows, reroofing, controlling pests, and strengthening foundations, every preservation project helps protect another piece of Wyoming’s past. With a staff of just three people, assisted by dedicated volunteers, the work is never truly finished—but every completed project ensures these landmarks will continue telling their stories for years to come.
The museum’s newest preservation effort focused on the 136-year-old Maxwell Saddle Shop. Built in the late 1800s and used as a saddle shop in Dubois during the 1890s, the humble log structure has survived for more than a century despite the identity of its original builder, Maxwell, remaining a mystery. After being moved to the museum grounds in 1979, the building has benefited from several preservation efforts. Most recently, it received a new solid foundation, an important investment that will help safeguard the building for generations of future visitors.
Historic preservation is made possible through the generosity of our community. The Fremont County Museums extend their heartfelt thanks to everyone whose donations, volunteer service, and encouragement help preserve these remarkable buildings and the stories they represent. Together, we are ensuring that the history of the upper Wind River region remains alive for generations to come.
Next up for the Fremont County Museum
July 10, 6:30pm at the Dubois Museum, “Geology in the Dubois Area w/ Dr. David Love” Wyoming Community Bank Discovery Speakers Series
July 12, 2pm at the Dubois Museum, “Dubois Museum 50th Anniversary Celebration”
July 15, 6pm at the Dubois Museum, “East Fork Geology Trek w/ Dr. David Love” Wind River Visitors Council Adventure Trek Series
July 15, 7pm at the Pioneer Museum, “Eagle Spirit Dancers” FC Pioneer Association
Daily through December at the Pioneer Museum, “Sweetwater Ranch Life, The Paintings of Jack Corbett” Exhibition Opening
“Dinner and Dancing at the Cowboy Starship” August 22, 6pm Wind River Cultural Centers Foundation https://dinneranddancingatthecowboystarship.funraise.org/
Rare Relics Road Show: Save the Date: Saturday October 10, 2026 Lander, WY Lander Community Center, You Are Invited! Wind River Cultural Centers Foundation
Call the Dubois Museum 1-307-455-2284, the Pioneer Museum 1-307-332-3339 or the Riverton Museum 1-307-856-2665 for detail regarding their programs.
The Dubois Museum, the Pioneer Museum in Lander and the Riverton Museum need your financial support. In the current economic environment, the museums are more reliant than ever on donations from the private sector to continue to provide the quality programs, collections management, exhibits and services that have become their hallmark over the last four years. Please make your tax deductible contribution through the Wind River Cultural Centers Foundation https://windriverccf.funraise.org/ or by sending a check to Fremont County Museums 450 N 2nd Rm 320 or taking it directly to the museum you choose to support.