News – Sheridan Media
Phase 1 of the Museum at the Bighorns is now open. Construction is well on its way on Phase 2 at their new home in the historic Woolworth building in downtown Sheridan. The first exhibit features 171 N. Main Street. There is also a diorama of Sheridan’s Main Street in 1888.
This exhibit presents some history of the original brick building from 1888 to the mid 1960s, when the building housed Woolworth’s retail store. The museum staff asks residents to please stop by and share your Woolworth’s memory for the exhibit. “Thank you, Linda Grosso for sharing the Don Diers’ photo taken in the mid 1960s opening day of Sheridan’s Woolworth with retail store staff,” Carrie Edinger, Museum Director, said. “Please help us identify the retail store staff! If you recognize someone, please let the Museum at the Bighorn staff know via email info@museumbighorns.org or stop in and visit the museum.”
Edinger talked about what they are planning for the museum.
She added they are working on a floor plan and working with Upland Design as to what the display areas will look like.
She said she is still learning the collection and what all is in storage. “That will take a little bit of time,” she said.
They are in the midst of a fund raising campaign, their goal is 2 million dollars which will help to finish the exhibit area. They have received a $50k match from the Roberts Family Foundation to kick start the fundraising. “We have met half that match,” Edinger said.
They are a part of WYO Gives, and they are planning another fundraiser in the fall. They are hoping to resume regular museum operations and programing by 2026.
Many of the exhibits were in the Fifth Street museum location, but Edinger said that the themes will broaden a little more, with more photos and a lot of objects that most of the community hasn’t seen. “The majority of the collection was not even on display at the former location,” she said.
She said they will also have a partnership with the Natural History Museum of Wyoming at Sheridan College.
The museum will also have hands on activities for youngsters, and adults if they want. The museum will have several of these at the Third Thursday event where have a table on the sidewalk. One activity was making an accordion book using old photo prints of the historic parades.
Greg Luhman, Vice-Chair of the Museum at the Bighorns Board, commented on the work that is being done at the museum.
They have an extensive gift shop with locally made products and local history books. Chip King, Director of Operations, talked about what they currently have in stock.
Many of these books are only available locally.
Edinger said that there have been several people visiting the museum already, and King said that being on Main Street was a ‘huge help’. Foot traffic is already more than they usually saw at 5th Street Location.
Museum Summer hours: Lobby and Gift Store hours: Monday Closed; Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., and Sunday 12 p.m.- 4 p.m.
Stay tuned for our grand opening of the exhibit space 2026. Memberships are also available.
For more information call the Museum at 307-675 -1150 or email at www.museumbighorns.or
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Last modified: July 19, 2025