Washakie Museum and Cultural Center

Our History

The Washakie Museum and Cultural Center serves as a community arts and cultural center and history museum for the preservation, education, cultural enrichment, and development of the Big Horn Basin in Wyoming. The Washakie Museum was established in 1984 to present the history of Wyoming's Big Horn Basin through permanent and temporary exhibits, education programs for students and adults, lectures, diverse cultural events, and performing arts productions. The Museum serves the people of the Big Horn Basin (primarily Washakie, Big Horn, and Hot Springs County).

In March 1984, numerous community members felt strongly that a cultural center and museum was needed in the Big Horn Basin, and they banded together to secure funding on a building. After being turned down for funding by both the county and city, these private citizens began a fund drive to raise $40,000 for the purchase of the building. After meeting this goal, the committee sold the building to the county for only $10.00, for the purpose of a Museum and Cultural Center.

The fund-raising committee members created an organization known as the Friends of the Washakie County Museum and Cultural Center. The Friends were organized to support the goals of the Washakie Museum and Cultural Center by raising funds, organizing volunteers, promoting the museum, and providing educational programs and exhibits in art, history, and earth science. Early revenues were raised through special events, annual fund drives, grants, and memorials. Later, Newell B. Sargent established an endowment for the museum at the Wyoming Community Foundation. This endowment account provides approximately 70% of annual operating funds for the museum from income generated on the original principal. Additional operating expenses are raised through special events, donations, sponsorships, grants, and fundraisers. In 1995 the County Commissioners suggested that the Friends of the Museum raise money to purchase the building and collections for private operation. Within 48 hours the Friends Executive Committee developed a plan to purchase them by July 1, 1996, and move into the building at 1115 Obie Sue Avenue. 

For over 25 years the Washakie Museum and Cultural Center has provided successful programs, exhibits, and special events including multiple performing arts events. The Museum's successful development can be attributed to the dedicated Board of Directors and staff of the Museum, the Newell Sargent Foundation, numerous volunteers, the tenacious and persistent founders, and members of the community who desire the educational and aesthetic opportunities that the Museum provides within the Big Horn Basin region.