[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 123 (Tuesday, July 28, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4292-S4293]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WYOMING PIONEER ASSOCIATION

  Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I rise today to celebrate the 100th 
anniversary of the Wyoming Pioneer Association. For a century, this 
organization has preserved Wyoming's pioneering spirit and honored the 
men and women who helped shape our State.
  On August 13, 2026, the Wyoming Pioneer Association will celebrate 
its 100th anniversary at its annual conference in Douglas, WY. This 
milestone celebrates 100 years of preserving Wyoming's rich heritage 
and ensuring that future generations remain connected to the State's 
remarkable past.
  The roots of the Wyoming Pioneer Association stretch back to 1884, 
when the organization was first established as Wyoming's Old Timer's 
Association. ``Old Timer'' membership was reserved for individuals 
whose contributions helped transform the Wyoming Territory into the 
State of Wyoming. These soldiers, freighters, cowboys, and stockmen 
laid the foundation for the Cowboy State.
  Starting with Wyoming's first State fair in 1905, the Wyoming Old 
Timer's Association gathered annually in Douglas. On January 8, 1926, 
the group was officially incorporated and adopted the name of the 
Wyoming Pioneer Association. The association's first official meeting 
took place on September 15, 1926, at Douglas's historic Princess 
Theater. Under the leadership of its inaugural president John Hunton, 
the group dedicated itself to preserving Wyoming's pioneer legacy.
  Shortly after its first meeting, the association constructed a cabin 
on the Wyoming State Fairgrounds to serve as a permanent gathering 
place. As membership steadily grew, the annual meeting returned to the 
Princess Theater to accommodate its growing number of members.

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  In 1956, the Wyoming State Legislature appropriated $100,000 for the 
construction of the Wyoming Pioneer Memorial Museum. The museum was 
dedicated on August 31, 1956, at the State fair grounds in Douglas. 
Today, the museum safeguards thousands of treasured artifacts, 
including cultural items, historic stagecoaches, and an original 
taxidermied jackalope. Each item in the collection celebrates a unique 
chapter of Wyoming's remarkable heritage.
  In 2012, the Wyoming Pioneer Association opened the Ruthe James 
Williams Center next to the Wyoming Pioneer Museum. The center is named 
after Ruthe James Williams, who was born and raised in Douglas. Upon 
her passing in 2008, Ruthe generously provided the resources to 
construct the center. Her legacy was to ensure the association would 
continue to have a home worthy of its growing membership and enduring 
mission.
  For 100 years, the Wyoming Pioneer Association has faithfully 
preserved the stories, traditions, and values of Wyoming's Pioneers and 
trailblazers. Through educational programs, community outreach, and 
annual events, including its beloved Holiday Cheer at the Pioneer 
celebration, the association continues to inspire pride in Wyoming's 
unique heritage. The association's impact does not end with its 
members. Wyoming Pioneer Museum visitation grew from 4,000 patrons in 
2019 to nearly 6,000 in 2022.
  The continuous success of the Wyoming Pioneer Association would not 
be possible without the unwavering dedication of its board. Through 
countless hours of volunteer service and steadfast commitment, these 
individuals work tirelessly to sustain Wyoming's cultural legacy for 
generations to come. The Wyoming Pioneer Association Board includes:

       Doug Cooper, President
       Rod Cross, 1st Vice President
       Robin Cross, Treasurer
       Anna Gray, Secretary
       Jane Garber, Past President
       Rachel Grant
       Wesley Hineman
       Mike Sanford
       Joe Rankin
       John Ralph Sullivan
       Rita Russell
       Tina Willis
       Peg Middleton
       Bob Vollman
       Frank Pexton
       Tim Pexton
       Crystal Burgett
       Shadwick Shakey
       Rob Shook

  It is an honor to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Wyoming 
Pioneer Association. This remarkable group has devoted a century to 
preserving Wyoming's history, honoring those who built our great State, 
and ensuring their stories endure for future generations. Its 
commitment to education, preservation, and community service 
exemplifies the very best of Wyoming's pioneering spirit. Please join 
me in congratulating the Wyoming Pioneer Association.

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