Washakie Museum - History, Art, Earth Science - Worland Wyoming The Pioneer Room

"The Pioneer Spirit". Time Travelers in The Pioneer Room is a special exhibit designed to allow the museum visitor to experience an era in time through a hands-on approach. Step into the exhibit and walk through time.

At the beginning of the exhibit, the pioneers are preparing for their five month trek down the wagon trail. Gold, fur trapping, free land offered through the Homestead Act, and an opportunity for greater religious freedom were the main reasons the pioneers made the decision to move West.

Put on a hat or bonnet and become a pioneer for a few minutes. Imagine the decisions involved in selecting the items to load on the wagon. Only those items necessary for survival could be taken on the journey. Clothing, bedding, dishes and cooking utensils, tools, extra wagon parts, harnesses, ropes, and farming tools were packed, in addition to a five months supply of food.

The long trek was very strenuous and the pioneers faced many dangers along the trail. Floods, droughts, storms, mountain crossings, rivers, sickness, and death were all trials to be overcome along the long trip West.

Photo by David Huber Photography; all rights reserved.

Click on photo for larger view.

Upon arrival at their new homesites the pioneers were faced with the task of building a home from the materials available. These resourceful people built dugouts and closed them in with strips of sod. Often times the floor was dirt and the door was a buffalo robe hung over the opening.

Step into the dugout and imagine spending a year or two in this shelter. Yes, the dugouts were really this small. This dugout is fashioned after the accounts of the Ainsworth family. They began their dugout as a barn, but in November they decided to use it for their home. The Ainsworths lived in their dugout about three years.

The museum staff will assist you in this room with hands-on activities.

(Click here or on photo for larger view)

 

WASHAKIE MUSEUM
History ~ Art ~ Earth Science

Washakie Museum - History, Art, Earth Science - Worland Wyoming


1115 Obie Sue
Worland, Wyoming 82401

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