Curatorial Department Update

The curatorial department had another very productive and busy summer season.

Our team was joined this past summer by two interns, college students from Washington and Utah. During their time at NMMV, the interns became proficient as tour guides and historical researchers. We are extremely appreciative of their contributions this summer and wish them well in their future endeavors!

The curatorial department worked with the museum’s education department to create lesson plans in collaboration with the University of Wyoming’s Malcolm Wallop Civic Engagement Program and the Wyoming Department of Education.

Four educators from around Wyoming visited NMMV to participate in this project. Three lesson plans were developed, covering World War II, The Korean War, and The Vietnam War, each of which is a major conflict on display within NMMV. These lesson plans were designed to be taught independently, using NMMV-produced educational videos, or with an educational tour of NMMV.

We also welcomed History Jackson Hole and their Museum’s Junior Curator Camp for a very special project, in which they were able to learn the process of developing an exhibit, peek into our archives, and experience the art of telling stories through artifacts.

The museum has received quite a few donations in the last few months for which we are tremendously grateful. As we are processing those collections, we look forward to sharing the artifacts and stories with you.

In front of the Lt. Pascal Poolaw building, a new piece of equipment was installed…an 8-Inch Self Propelled Howitzer M110.

Additionally, we installed a display of a full scale and accurate replica of the atomic bomb “Little Boy” in the Museum's General Marshall Gallery. This replica was installed on August 6, 2025, the 80th anniversary of the day the uranium based bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, Japan.

Looking ahead to this coming winter, the curatorial team will be facilitating a few exhibit changes in the museum. I could tell you what they are, but that would ruin the surprise now wouldn’t it?

Many new and exciting things are happening, and we look forward to sharing them with you during your next visit.

Rae Whitley, Curator