< All Press Releases

CASPER, Wyo. – Join the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center for an exciting weekend filled with events that takes you back to the past.

Currently on display at the NHTIC, the original paintings and giclée prints of Utah artist Julie Rogers depict a deep appreciation and passion for preserving the stories of emigrant children. The exhibit is open to the public from Tuesday, July 11 through Friday, July 14 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 “Children are my favorite subjects, as they portray innocence, purity, and sincere inquisitiveness that is unique to their age,” said Rogers. “I only pray that as an artist, I may stir the heart of the viewer to a heightened sense of peace and joy.”

Although comprising a significant portion of the nearly 500,000 westward travelling emigrants, children’s stories are seldom told and often forgotten. The exhibit will include paintings and stories of emigrant children of the Oregon, California, Mormon Pioneer and Pony Express Trails. Featured children include Donner Party member Patty Reed and Mormon trail pioneer, Rhoda Oakey. 

Rogers’ paintings are featured in two books about the Willie and Martin Handcart Company migrations: Jolene Allphin’s “Tell My Story, Too,” and “Follow Me to Zion” by Allphin and Andrew Olsen.

Next, go back in time as living historians bring to life the 9^th and 10^th Cavalry Regiments at the NHTIC. Comprised entirely of black enlisted soldiers, the 9th and 10th United States Cavalry were stationed at a variety of military posts across Wyoming. Often called upon to perform the most difficult of tasks, the Buffalo Soldiers performed each assignment with distinction. The living historians will offer a glimpse into the life of this little-known facet of Wyoming history, and will be on duty Saturday, July 15, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday, July 16, from 8:00 a.m. to midday. This weekend event is free and open to the public.

Also on Saturday, July 15, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., explore the life of a historical cavalryman during the free interactive youth program, “Frontier Cavalry.” Frontier life was not easy, even if you had a horse. Discover what life was like in the cavalry with local interpreter Con Trumbull. Personal artifacts and weapons will be on display. Find out if you have what it takes to become a trooper on the frontier.

The Saturday youth program series emphasizes hands-on learning. The programs will run from June 3 through Aug. 19 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and are free to the public. Parents of young children must accompany students throughout the program.

Finally, discover the trials and tribulations of an American classic at the NHTIC at 1 p.m. on Sunday, July 16, during the free interpretive program, “From Wagons to Wagons: The Studebaker Story.” A story of business, adaptation and innovation, the Studebaker family was an integral part of the westward migrations. Join Jerry Lucas, retired park ranger at Scotts Bluff National Monument, as he shares the story of the Studebakers, including the problems they encountered and the solutions that moved them forward.

In addition to the weekend events, the NHTIC hosts afternoon programs throughout the summer involving pioneer, Wyoming and solar eclipse history. These short interpretive programs, ranging from 20 to 45 minutes, are free and open to the public.

For more information, please contact Shawn Wade at the NHTIC (307) 261-7790.

The NHTIC is a part of the BLM’s National Landscape Conservation System (NLCS.) The areas of the NLCS are specifically designed to conserve, protect and restore the exceptional scientific, natural, cultural, ecological, historical, and recreation values of these treasured landscapes.

The NHTIC is a public-private partnership between the BLM and the National Historic Trails Center Foundation and is free and open to the public. The facility is located at 1501 N. Poplar Street, Casper, Wyoming.