Our Virtual Resource Hub enables researchers to receive a personalized service that allows them to pursue
all aspects of their research safely and from anywhere.
The AHC is open for research! Visit the links below to plan your visit.
Visit the ArchivEra Public Portal to search the AHC's vast collecting areas or browse.
Finis Mitchell (1901-1995) was a mountain climber and photographer who created many postcard views of Wyoming's Wind River mountain range. He came to Wyoming with his parents in 1906 and began climbing in 1909. He became an expert on the Wind River back country, naming many of the trails. About 1920 he began carrying camera equipment with him. In 1962 he started a postcard business to sell copies of some of the thousands of slides he had taken of the area. The collection contains photographs, slides, postcards, and negatives taken by Finis Mitchell of scenery in and near the Wind River Range, Bridger Wilderness,Teton Range, and wildlife in Wyoming. There is also biographical material such as newspaper and magazine clippings about Finis Mitchell, his book "Wind River Trails," writings and poetry by Finis Mitchell, and the camera equipment he used.
Past featured collections:
More than 100 years ago, Grace Raymond Hebard—UW faculty member, administrator, librarian, and Wyoming historian—began collecting the papers and reminiscences of Wyoming’s pioneers. Her research on the history of Wyoming, the West, emigrant trails, and Native Americans became the nucleus for what is known today as the American Heritage Center (AHC). Officially established in 1945, the Center now holds over 90,000 cubic feet of historic documents and artifacts in more than 3500 collections—placing the AHC among the largest non-governmental archives in the nation.
Today, the AHC contains important holdings in numerous areas. Its western history archives include materials on early women’s suffrage and political achievements, native Americans, ranching, politics, authors, and under-documented communities. Other featured collecting areas include transportation (railroad, highway and air travel), mining and energy extraction, entertainment and popular culture (with important collections featuring Hollywood, music, radio, television and the comic book industry), natural resources and the environment, and military history. The AHC also serves as the primary archives for the University of Wyoming. Connect with us on our social media platforms - Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Virmuze, and our blog - where we are #ALWAYS ARCHIVING.
Phone: (307) 766-3756
Fax: (307) 766-5511
Email: ahcref@uwyo.edu
Full Contact Information
Monday - Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Parking in the Centennial Complex lot is free but patrons must register (M-F 8 am-5 pm) at the AHC front desk. Special parking regulations are in effect during game days, please call in advance for more information.
The latest news and press releases from the American Heritage Center.
Centennial Complex
2111 Willet Drive
Laramie, WY 82071
For US Postal Service:
American Heritage Center
University of Wyoming
1000 E. University Ave.
Dept. 3924
Laramie, WY 82071
For UPS & FedEx:
American Heritage Center
University of Wyoming
16th & Gibbon Street
Laramie, WY 82071
Attn: Bill Hopkins
