(Riverton, WY) – Riverton’s central location in the Cowboy State has always had historical significance, and with the donation of the Wind River Heritage Center to the Wyoming Historical Society, that central geography will mean big things for the Riverton community.
The facility will get a facelift while retaining the impressive collection of art and artifacts, including the wax museum.
The new name is descriptive of the man who founded it and shared his love of Wyoming and the outdoors, the late Jake Korrell. In his honor, it will be called the Korrell Center for Wyoming Heritage – The Official Museum and Cultural Center for the Wyoming Historical Society. (WHS)
WHS Executive Director Aley Philp was approached a couple of weeks ago by Amanda Henry, the president of the Wind River Heritage Center.
“Amanda said they were disbanding and wanted to know if the historical society was interested in the property,” Philp said. “We were excited. We purchased the site for a dollar.”
The museum came about from the generous donation of the Korrell family in tribute to Jake’s legacy as a modern-day mountain man.
The contents of the museum building, plus the equipment stored outside and the trapper’s cabin, all go to the WHS.
This will become the main center for the historical society in Riverton, but they will keep their office at 110 North 6th East for another couple of years.
“We plan to be open seven days a week in the summer, beginning in May,” Philp said. “We’re renovating the gallery and the cultural side to include a state-of-the-art recording studio for taking oral histories.”
Plans include a reading room and advanced research facilities.
“We want a spot where people have easy access to digital and physical resources,” Philp said. “Our goal is to not only bring Wyoming’s culture and heritage to the center of the state, but to create something Fremont County and the entire state can be proud of.”
“Where Wyoming’s Wild and Human Histories Meet” is the tagline for the new center. The Korrell Center for Wyoming Heritage will bridge the gap between Wyoming’s rugged natural legacy and its rich human narrative. This acquisition represents the first physical flagship for the Wyoming Historical Society, providing a permanent space for the local Riverton community and citizens across the state to engage in the stories that define the Cowboy State.
Volunteers willing to help with the center are encouraged to contact the WHS.
The Wyoming Historical Society invites those interested in donating their time, financial support, or unique talents to help bring this vision to life. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities or to volunteer for the upcoming “Sprint to Opening,” please reach out to info@wyshs.org.