June 28, 2024
The Wyoming State Archives and WyoParks is hosting a special speaker series event titled, “The Register in the Desert,” on Thursday, July 11 at 7 p.m.
Join Superintendent of Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park (EKW) and Independence Rock State Historic Site Linley Mayer in person at the Wyoming State Museum classroom, located at 2301 Central Avenue in Cheyenne, for this presentation. For those not able to attend in person, registration to attend the event online is through Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/o/
Virtual and in-person attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions and engage with the presenters. This event is free and open to the public.
Superintendent Mayer’s presentation, “The Register of Red Desert,” will focus on this granite monolith that makes up Independence Rock. Learn more about the history and folklore of this famous landmark located along the Oregon Trail. It has seen many groups of peoples and cultures walk across and gather in its shadow.
Linley Mayer is the Superintendent of Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park (EKW) and Independence Rock State Historic Site. Originally from Southern Illinois, Mayer started her career with Wyoming State Parks at Fort Bridger State Historic Site as a seasonal interpreter in 2014, became the Office Support Specialist, during which she obtained a master’s in museum studies, and then served as the Superintendent all at Fort Bridger.
Looking to delve deeply into interpretive work, Mayer was named the first Interpretive Ranger in Wyoming State Park’s history on May 20, 2021, serving the Absaroka District which includes Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site, Trail End State Historic Site, and Keyhole State Park.
Mayer now works along the Oregon Trail again after she accepted the role as Superintendent of EKW and Independence Rock. She is excited to share her knowledge of the Oregon Trail in this new location.
The WSA Speaker Series hosts talks at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month. Upcoming topics include a presentation on Estelle by author and historian Larry Skogen on August 8 and a discussion about the Arboretum located in the Cheyenne area with State Parks Historic Sites staff on September 12. To view upcoming events, check out the Wyoming State Archives events calendar at https://wyoarchives.wyo.gov/
The Wyoming State Archives collects, manages, and preserves Wyoming state public records that have long-term administrative, legal, and historical value. These records document the history of our state and the activities of Wyoming Government offices. The Archives also collect non-government records that contribute to the understanding of the state’s history.
For more information or if you require special assistance, please contact Sara Davis, Wyoming State Archivist, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call the WSA at 307-777-7826. The Wyoming State Archives is accessible according to the Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines.
