CHEYENNE, Wyo. — May 15, 2026 — The Wyoming Veterans in Focus project, a collaboration between the Wyoming State Archives, the Wyoming Arts Council, and Wyoming State Historic Sites, will culminate in a public exhibition at the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site from May 22, 2026, through May 1, 2027.

A free public reception will be held on May 29, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m., inviting community members to experience the exhibit and connect with the stories behind the project. Remarks will be given at 5:30 p.m. for agency officials. Refreshments will be served.

In recognition of their service, all veterans will receive free admission May 22–25, during the exhibit’s opening weekend. Following that period, veterans will receive $1 off regular admission for the duration of the exhibit at the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site.

The exhibition is the result of a statewide effort to document and preserve the stories of Wyoming’s military veterans. In 2025, through recorded oral history interviews and professional portrait sessions conducted in Buffalo, Casper, Cheyenne, Cody, Evanston, Gillette, Rawlins, Sheridan, Thermopolis, and on the Wind River Indian Reservation, veterans were invited to share their experiences in their own words. Select portraits and stories are now featured in Wyoming Veterans in Focus, while all interviews and images will be preserved in the Wyoming State Archives’ collection as part of the state’s permanent historical record.

“Thank you to the veterans who trusted us with their stories, the Wyoming State Archives and Eastern Shoshone Tribe Archives interview teams, our photographers and community partners, and everyone who supported this project,” stated Sara Davis, state archivist with the Wyoming State Archives. “As we commemorate America's 250th anniversary, these oral histories create a permanent record for future generations and mark the beginning of our commitment to preserve Wyoming's history through the voices of Wyoming's people.”

To find a photographer whose vision could match the candid and impactful stories captured in the oral histories, a statewide call for artists was issued. Big Horn Basin photographer and Marine Corps veteran Barrie Lynn Bryant was selected for the project. Bryant’s photography reflects a strong sense of community, and he is well known for conducting workshops and classes across Wyoming. His approach to portrait photography invites participants to be themselves in front of the camera, incorporating documentary elements that provide context and depth. The resulting portraits serve as a visual complement to the oral histories. 

This project honors the voices, service, and experiences of Wyoming’s military community, past and present, while creating a lasting resource that reflects the state’s rich and diverse history.

The Wyoming State Archives, the Wyoming Arts Council, and Wyoming State Parks are part of the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources, which provides memorable recreational, cultural, and educational opportunities and experiences to improve communities and enrich lives. This project was funded through a Wyoming 250th Task Force Grant.

For additional information, please contact State Archivist Sara Davis of the Wyoming State Archives. Learn more about Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources at wyospcr.wyo.gov.

Figure 1: Wyoming State Archives staff conduct oral history interviews with veterans in Thermopolis, Wyoming, as part of the Veterans in Focus project.

Contact: Jessica Lira, (307) 745-6161; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.