REPORT OF RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE

WYOMING TERRITORIAL PRISON STATE PARK AND HISTORIC SITE

(Photo #1) Historic Photo of Wyoming Territorial Prison, c. 1900 (Courtesy University of Wyoming, American Heritage Center)

Prepared by the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Park and Historic Site Steering Committee

February 2010

INTRODUCTIONThe Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources, Division of State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails (SPHST) manages the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Park and Historic Site (historic site). The historic site property encompasses approximately 195 acres of land located in Section 32, Township 16 North, Range 73 West, 6th P.M., Albany County, Wyoming. With some minor exceptions the property is generally between Interstate 80 and the Laramie River and between Highway 130 and Harney Street.

In 2004, SPHST assumed responsibility for management of the historic site (W.S. 36-8-1001). Since that time SPHST has spent considerable time and resources to restore and maintain all of the remaining historic structures at the historic site and to upgrade the administrative facilities. In conjunction with these projects SPHST decided to work with the local community to update the historic site master plan, evaluate management of the historic site and determine how to interpret the historic site grounds and facilities.

To assist with this SPHST created a steering committee to prepare a report of recommendations. The Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site and Park Steering Committee (Committee) consists of Fred Ockers (Albany County Tourism-Laramie Area Visitor Center), Dave Derragon (City of Laramie), Connie Kercher (Wyoming Territorial Park Historical Association), Martin Curry (Laramie River Conservation District), Kathy Marquis (Albany County Public Library), Casey Kearns (University of Wyoming Department of Theatre and Dance), John O’Hagan (University of Wyoming Department of Theatre and Dance), Josh Decker (University of Wyoming Operations) Rick Ewig (American Heritage Center), Senator Mike Massie (State Legislature), Representative Cathy Connelly (State Legislature), Mary Humstone (University of Wyoming American Studies Program and Alliance for Historic Wyoming), Misty Stoll (Alliance for Historic Wyoming), Tamsen Hert (Wyoming State Historical Society and University of Wyoming Libraries) Laura Nowlin (State Historic Preservation Office), Deborah Amend (State Parks, Historic Sites & Trails), Tom Lindmier (State Parks, Historic Sites, and Trails), Gary Puls (State Parks, Historic Sites, and Trails), Mabel Jones (State Parks, Historic Sites, and Trails), Todd Thibodeau (State Parks, Historic Sites, and Trails), Domenic Bravo (State Parks, Historic Sites, and Trails).

Mission StatementThe mission of the steering committee is to provide guidance and a report of recommendations to the Wyoming Division of State Parks, Historic Sites & Trails for the development of a master plan that addresses restoration, development, maintenance, management, programming, interpretation, promotion, partnerships and public accommodation at the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Park and Historic Site.

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Goals The goals of the Committee are to prepare a report with recommendations for the entire 195 acre historic site property on the following items:

1. Restoration, reconstruction, development and demolition at the historic site (to include the exterior, interior, and surrounding landscape)

2. Maintenance and preservation of the historic site

3. Management, staffing, programming and funding at the historic site

4. Interpretation and educational opportunities at the historic site

5. Expanding and improving partnerships at the historic site

6. Promoting and advertising the historic site

7. Addressing community and economic impact of the historic site

8. Providing tourist accommodations at the historic site (i.e. parking, pathways, picnic area, etc.)

BRIEF OVERVIEW OF WYOMING TERRITORIAL PRISON, UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENTAL STOCK FARM, AND STATE PARK AND HISTORIC SITEThis section is intended to be a brief overview of the history of the Wyoming Territorial Prison and University of Wyoming Experimental Stock Farm (Stock Farm). The following historic overview is excerpted from the draft “2006 Wyoming Territorial Prison Development and Interpretative Plan” prepared by Tom Lindmier; “History of the University of Wyoming Experimental Stock Farm” by Conrad Kercher; and “History of the Wyoming Territorial Park Historic Site Corporation and Foundation” by Conrad Kercher.

The Wyoming Territorial Penitentiary is one of the few remaining Federal Prisons built of a similar design during the latter half of the nineteenth century. Its establishment and operation, both as a Federal and State correctional institution had a vital impact on the social development of Wyoming during its early growth. The penitentiary was established on the western bank of the Laramie River in 1872. In that year a single stone structure was built with an interior brick masonry cellblock. The building was enlarged in 1889, utilizing stone for a center administrative area and additional cellblock with iron cells. In 1891 it became a State penitentiary and was utilized for this purpose until June 4, 1903, when the last prisoner was moved to a new facility that was constructed in Rawlins, Wyoming. Construction of the new state penitentiary in Rawlins received authorization to be constructed on February 25, 1888, by the Wyoming Territorial Legislature, with an appropriation not to exceed $100,000. This new penitentiary was completed in 1901, and the following year, many of the prisoners had been removed to

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that facility. However, in 1902, the new penitentiary in Rawlins had become over-crowded and some convicts were returned to Laramie until their release.

(Photo #2) Prison, Warden’s Quarters, Shepherd’s Quaters and Broom Factory, C.1905(Courtesy University of Wyoming, American Heritage Center)

Interestingly in 1902, the State Board of Charities and Reform leased the old penitentiary to the University of Wyoming (UW) as an agricultural experimental stock farm. So for a short period of time livestock and inmates shared the prison building. The primary resources for the Penitentiary era are the prison building, broom factory and warden’s quarters.

After two attempts at legislation (1903, 1905), the state legislature finally transferred the site to the University trustees in 1907. It was known as the Experimental Stock Farm, more commonly called the “Stock Farm.” The University already had a 40-acre Agricultural Farm west of Laramie on Highway 230 for crop research. This farm was later called the “Agronomy Farm.”

A high water table and alkaline soil conditions created problems and opportunities for crop production research at the stock farm. The University purchased excellent quality animals for teaching and research at the stock farm in 1904. In 1907 the legislature appropriated $5,000 for repairing and modifying prison site buildings for animal use. Other buildings and corrals for beef cattle, sheep, swine and poultry were added from

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1920 until the 1960s. The prison was modified for use by dairy cattle which included a milk processing plant on the south end. The milk was sold to the UW campus dining facilities. A wool-scouring machine was also housed in the prison as well as sheep metabolism stalls for digestibility studies.

The stock farm was an important site for beef, sheep, sheep shearing and wool short courses for students and livestock producers from Wyoming and adjacent states. Many 4-H, FFA, and other college and university judging teams utilized the UW livestock to practice for judging prior to contests, especially the National Western Livestock Show in Denver. The livestock at the stock farm were used in undergraduate laboratory classes and were highly prized. As a result livestock producers purchased UW livestock for their breeding stock.

The university provided some housing for its full-time employees at the stock farm including faculty from time to time. Each species of animal had a caretaker. General farm employees helped in harvesting forage, processing feeds, handling manure, etc. Students were also employed part-time. There were living quarters for the students in the prison, horse barn, sheep barn, poultry barn and the old state veterinary laboratory. The stock farm remained in operation until 1989.

The primary remaining structures from the stock farm era are the horse barn, shepherd’s quarters (sometimes referred to as the Boxcar House), 1930s garage, and judging pavilion. Also located on the property from the stock farm era are Works Progress Administration (WPA) constructed swimming pond and shower house floor near the Laramie River. Another feature of unknown purpose is a rubble stone and cement tank foundation. This feature needs to be researched as to purpose and significance.

The Wyoming Territorial Prison State Park and Historic Site was created by the State Legislature in 1986 and the Wyoming State Park Corporation (WTPC) was established on September 2, 1986 as a 501c(3) non-profit corporation to operate the site. On October 31, 1991, the WTPC was given a 99-year lease for the site from the Wyoming Department of Commerce.

The Wyoming Territorial Park Foundation (WTPF) was incorporated on September 1, 1995, as a 501c(3) non-profit corporation. Its mission was to enhance public awareness, support and services by soliciting, receiving and managing private and public donations, grant and sponsorships to fund the operation, development and expansion of the Park and its programs.

On August 5, 1996, the WTPF established the Wyoming Territorial Park Foundation Living Legacy Endowment Fund with the Wyoming Community Foundation, Inc. All individual gifts, brick sales, and event income were deposited in the Community Foundation. Approximately 50% of the gifts were for undesignated use while the remainder were designated for use in the theater, prison, warden’s house, ranchland and broom factory. The largest project to raise money was from a Kresge grant with the

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Community Foundation from April 1, 2002 to January 1, 2005. The WTPF raised $375,000 that was combined with the Kresge grant for a total of $500,000.Despite successful fund raising efforts by the WTPF, financial self-sufficiency was a constant problem for the WTPC. In July 1995 the WTPC developed a strategic plan to become self-sufficient. In June 2002 the WTPC board approved a revised business plan to become self-sufficient. The revised plan focused on development of 11 business lots on the property between McCue Street and Interstate 80. The rental income would be used in support of the Park.

In order to continue operation of the Park the WTPC appealed to the State Legislature for financial assistance. In 2001, the Legislature appropriated $300,000 for the Park operations and in 2002 they appropriated $200,000. In 2003, the Legislature declined further support of the Park. Consequently the WTPC and the WTPF began discussions for continuing the operation of the Park. The original staff of 12 to 8 full time employees was reduced to 4 employees. The financial obligations of the WTPC were assumed by the WTPF through a loan from the First National Bank in Laramie. Endowment funds were used as security. Interest from the endowment was used for repayment of the loan. On March 31, 2004 all employees of the WTPC were terminated.

On April 1, 2004 the Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources assumed operation of the historic site. In May 2004, the State and the WTPC signed a termination agreement concerning property rights on the site. In June 2004, the WTPC and the WTPF board members elected a transition Board from their members to create the Wyoming Territorial Park Historic Association (WTPHA). A contract between the WTPHA and the State was agreed upon for June 1, 2004 to May 31, 2009. In October 2005 officers and board members were elected for the WTPHA, this was the beginning of a new Historic Association under its revised by-laws.

Development at the historic site during the WTP Corporation (1988-2004) period include the construction of a frontier town facade main street, collection of historic ranch buildings and farming equipment, a 1920s historic church moved onto the property from Rock River, Wyoming, an outside stage and benches, two modular toilet facilities, five modular office buildings, a fast food service area, a nature trail north of the prison stockade, a running and bike path along the Laramie River (maintained by the City of Laramie), and a kitchen added to the original 1910 horse barn the second floor of which had been modified as a theatre.

When SPHST became responsible for management of the historic site they decided the best course of action was to operate the historic site as a traditional historic site and not as a western theme park. SPHST manages authentic historic sites, not recreations of historic sites. There was concern by SPHST management if it tried to manage the historic site as a recreated facility it would create confusion for the visitor and might place into question other authentic historic facilities managed by SPHST. To support management of the historic site a site superintendent’s house and a shop/office building were constructed in 2005. Between 2006 and 2009 SPHST restored the prison industries building, warden’s quarters, sheep pavilion, and shepherd’s quarters. Additionally, SPHST conducted much

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needed maintenance on the prison building, horse barn and duplex building. SPHST also installed a sidewalk to facilitate visitor movement about the site and to allow for American with Disabilities Act access.

OVERVIEW OF RESEARCH AT WYOMING TERRITORIAL PRISON STATE PARK AND HISTORIC SITEThrough the years a number of documents have been prepared pertaining to the history, development and interpretation of the historic site. Many of these reports were prepared in the late 1980s during development of the historic site and park. These include: “Structural History Wyoming Territorial and State Prison, 1872 – 1907”, “Wyoming Territorial Penitentiary Historic Structure Report”, “Wyoming Territorial Penitentiary: Archaeology of A Complex Institution”, and “A History of the University of Wyoming Experiment Station Stock Farm”.

Two other reports were prepared after SPHST was assigned management of the historic site in 2004. In preparation for doing work on the broom factory and the warden’s quarters the Office of the Wyoming State Archaeologist wrote “Archaeological Test Excavations of the Warden’s House and Broom Factory, Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site, Albany County, Wyoming.” Pursuant to W.S. 36-8-1001(d), SPHST is required to develop a master plan for the historic site. In 2006 a draft updated master plan was developed for the historic site. “Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site and Park, Development and Interpretative Plan” was developed as a draft, but never formalized.

OVERVIEW OF HISTORIC STANDING STRUCTURES AT WYOMING TERRITORIAL PRISON STATE PARK AND HISTORIC SITEThe historic site currently has eight standing buildings that relate to the historic era of the site: the prison building, prison industries building, warden’s quarters and garage, horse barn, shepherd’s quarters, judging pavilion and duplex building. PRISON BUILDING (1872)The original, or north, cell block of the prison was built in 1872. The kitchen addition was added shortly after the original building and was probably constructed in 1873. The original stockade was built in 1875. The stockade was expanded to include the broom factory in 1895. The furnace plant was added to the site around 1895. The central administrative area and south cell block were added to the prison building in 1889. In 1907-08 the prison building was converted into a barn by the UW stock farm. Modifications during this period included removal of cells, removing the interior of the kitchen, the hospital, the women’s cells, the laundry and bath areas. Wood trusses similar to those used in the south cell block were installed in the north cell block. Concrete floors were installed in both cell blocks. A second floor was added to both the north and south cell blocks to serve as a loft. The stairway to the second floor in the central administrative area was moved to a new location. Additionally, numerous windows were converted to doorways. Between 1907 and 1910 the stockade was removed in increments. In 1912 three rooms were installed in the west half of the south cell block to create a milking parlor and dairy processing plant. In 1924-25 twin tile silos were added

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to the east side of the prison building. In 1989-90 many of the modifications conducted between 1907 and 1989 were removed/reversed and the building was rehabilitated for use as a prison museum.

(Photo #3) Prison Building, c. 1890(Courtesy University of Wyoming, American Heritage Center) PRISON INDUSTRIES BUILDING a.k.a. BROOM FACTORY (1892)The northern most east-west oriented part of the broom factory was built in 1892. Between 1894 and 1898 two north-south additions were added to the original broom factory. Around 1900 another east-west addition was added to south side of the original building. About 1911 shed additions were added to the east and west side of the building. In 2007 the broom factory was rehabilitated to its

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1898 appearance for use as a museum and artifact storage facility. (Photo #4) Broom Factory, 2007WARDEN’S QUARTERS (1875) and c. 1930s GARAGE (c.1930)The warden’s quarters was built in 1875. An addition was added to the southwest corner of the building in 1877. The south bedroom was modified and expanded in 1889. An enclosed back porch, or summer kitchen, was added to the west side of the building about 1895. An interior stairway to the basement was constructed in 1896. At this same time the front entry to the basement was enclosed. In 2005 the building was rehabilitated to its 1889 appearance for use as a museum and exhibit area. In 2004 the c. 1930s garage was moved to the maintenance area for use as a storage building.

(Photo #5) Warden’s Quarters, c. 2006

HORSE BARN (1910)The horse barn was built in 1910. The horse barn remained essentially unmodified during the stock farm era. In 1989 the horse barn was converted into a theater facility on the second floor and an exhibit gallery on the first floor. A kitchen and costume dressing room were also added to the west side of the barn at this time.

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(Picture #6) Horse Barn, 2009SHEPHERD’S QUARTERS a.k.a. BOXCAR HOUSE (1902)In 1902 the shepherd’s quarters was built from spare lumber from a railroad boxcar that was stored in the prison yard. In 1907 a rear wing was added to the building. During the ensuing years two other additions were added to this building. The shepherd’s quarters is the first stock farm constructed building that is still standing at the historic site. Starting

in 1988 the shepherd’s quarters was used for office space by the corporation until trailers were acquired in the early 1990s. In 2008-09 the building was rehabilitated to its 1907 appearance for use as a museum and exhibit area.

(Picture #7) Foreman’s Quarters, c.1907(Courtesy University of Wyoming, American Heritage Center)

JUDGING PAVILION (1934)The judging pavilion was built in 1934 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA). The WPA constructed an addition on the east side of the building and a garage on the west side of the building in 1938. In 1989 minor changes were made to this building for use as a storage building. In 2009 the building was rehabilitated to its 1938 appearance for use as a museum, exhibit and storage area.

(Picture #8 ) Judging Pavilion, 2009.

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DUPLEX BUILDING (c. 1924)The duplex building was constructed in 1924 to house employees. This building

remained essentially unmodified during the stock farm era. In 1989-90 this building was converted into an entry station, merchandising area and historic site offices. In 1996 a middle wall was removed from this building to expand the gift shop.

(Picture #9 ) Duplex Building, 2009.

RECOMMENDATIONSThe committee is making the following recommendations for the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Park and Historic Site. The committee identified 8 goals or categories of issues they would like to address in the report of recommendations. Due to overlap of recommendations the committee combined maintenance and preservation into management, and tourist accommodations with development. The recommendations are divided into the following 6 categories. 1. Restoration, reconstruction, development and demolition; 2. Management, staffing, programming and funding; 3. Interpretation and educational opportunities; 4. Expanding and improving partnerships; 5. Promotion and advertising; 6. Community and economic impact. The recommendations for some of these categories will overlap. In these cases the recommendations will only be made in one category. Appendix I contains an existing site condition map. Appendix II contains a map of proposed conditions based on the development recommendations in this report. Appendix III contains proposed management zones and fencing.

1. Restoration, Reconstruction, Development and Demolition

Recommendations:o Remove all of the Frontier Town Buildings except the Saloon and the

Store.

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SPHST should look for alternate/appropriate locations for the Saloon and the Store on site.

o Retain ranchland and change name to Homestead Exhibit. Interpretative themes should be developed to tie the Homestead Exhibit to the historic site. This should include discussing the role of prison inmates and agriculture, and interpreting the agriculture industry in Wyoming and the stock farm.

o The church should be left in place. Additionally, SPHST should attempt to develop interpretation for the church and tie into the historic site.

o Interpret stock farm facilities and landscape. o Explore the development of a modern visitor center, in a new or existing

building. Explore the possibility of sharing the facility with other entities.

2. Management, Staffing, Programming and Funding

Recommendations: Land Management Issues

o SPHST should manage the historic site in four management areas/zones (refer to Appendix III to see a map of the management zones). These zones should be

1. Open Space/Natural Areas; 2. Prison, Stockfarm and other historic buildings; 3. Homestead Exhibit; 4. Isolated parcels.

o No camping should be allowed at the historic site. o Maintain wetlands north of Railroad Right-of-Way (ROW) as an open

space and natural area and tie railroad ROW into Laramie River Greenbelt (Greenbelt). Develop wetland/riverside natural history interpretation. Add buck and pole fence along greenbelt to minimize egress onto historic site.

o The area between McCue Street and Interstate 80 should be maintained as an open space. Use landscaping, or hard-scaping (i.e. fencing, art in public places, transportation enhancements), to soften entrance and act as a buffer for the site. If this not possible, then SPHST should consider appropriate development through a lease agreement such as Visitor Center/Interagency Offices.

o Research and determine feasibility of interpreting WPA facilities. o A perimeter fence should be installed around the historic site property to

give the public a sense of what is and is not historic site property. 1. Buck and rail fence is recommended for the north and east property

boundaries/open space boundaries. 2. Install buck and rail fence on both sides of the “new greenbelt” that

extends on the Railroad grade. Also install buck and rail to the west of the section of Greenbelt that parallels the river.

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3. Install stone/concrete and iron fencing to delineate prison areas

o Create a sense of entry to the historic site. This can include: boundary fencing, develop appropriate entry signage, improve, seek ways to redesign underpass/roadway to screen

traffic, blend into adjoining neighborhoods, integrate public art into designs to reflect neighborhood traditions

and the community's cultural heritage, install living snow fence along Interstate 80 and Snowy Range

Road, Develop landscaping/beautification along McCue Street.

o Review the City of Laramie’s Master Plan and Transportation Plan to determine potential interactions with the historic site

o Allow RR ROW to be converted to a greenbelt-from Interstate 80 to the Laramie River, if it is part of the City’s Transportation Plan.

o Maintain lands north of RR ROW as Stream/Riparian and as Open Space/Natural Area

o The area north of RR ROW, east of I-80 and west of McCue will have permanent easement for short-term storage of floodwater. This area should be maintained as a wetland.

o Develop boardwalks and natural history interpretation in Open Space/Natural Area. Interpretive elements need to be developed in concert so messages have unity in design to create an identity for the interpretive theme and to fit into the historic site

o Greenbelt management: 1. The legal description in the greenbelt easement does not include

the full extent of Greenbelt. This needs to be corrected. 2. The City has posted signs to keep dogs on leash. Wyoming State

Parks allows dog training north of RR ROW. 3. When it floods under Snowy Range Road greenbelt users enter the

historic site and exit through the parking lot. The City indicated they would look at this and try to develop some fencing to alleviate this issue.

4. The public will also enter the historic site from the greenbelt without paying fees during events at other times.

o By statute SPHST is required to collect fees when users are on SPHST property. Greenbelt users are exempt from fees as part of the greenbelt easement. The remainder of the 195 acres of the historic site should be a fee area. SPHST should encourage fee system compliance for those leaving the greenbelt to enter the historic site by placing fee canisters (iron rangers) at key locations

Site Name

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o The site should be identified as the “Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site.”

Theater/Kitcheno The horse barn should continue to operate as a seasonal theater. o The state should put out an RFP nationally and enter into a contract with a

professional artistic managing director. The artistic managing director will be responsible for all components of theater operation.

The director will be responsible for booking performances besides theater productions to ensure continued use of the theater during the summer season.

The director will be responsible for writing grants and generating enough revenue to pay their salary.

o The theater should start with a manageable schedule, 6-12 weeks in the summer, and in the future, explore the potential of creating year round theater productions.

o A theater board should be developed to provide counsel on managing the theater and productions. The WTPHA should be represented on this board.

o The theater should move away from preparing food on-site. The kitchen should be converted into a theatrical production space.

o Interpretative information on the theater, prison, stock farm and other elements of site history should be exhibited in this space. The theater should be used as a video viewing area during the day for site visitors.

Alternative: If the horse barn cannot be used as a theater, it should be used as museum exhibit space.

Wyoming Territorial Park Historical Associationo The role of the Wyoming Territorial Park Historical Association should be

to work with the site superintendent for the betterment of the historic site by fundraising (including events), selling merchandise on site, and recruiting volunteers.

o The report of the WTPHA presented to the steering committee on February 2, 2010 is contained in Appendix IV. The report includes an overview of the role of the Association and their comments on a Draft version of the Report of Recommendations. The WTPHA was in agreement on the majority of the Steering Committee’s Recommendations. However, the WTPHA does not support the recommendation to remove buildings and requested additional study before any buildings are removed. The WTPHA also supports continuing to serve/provide food at Theater Productions.

General Management Issues

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o SPHST needs to review the historic site mission statement and ensure it is appropriate for the entire property.

o SPHST should review the artifact collection policy to determine if it accurately reflects the mission of the site.

o Ensure historic site has appropriate collections storage facilities and equipment.

o The National Register of Historic Places nomination for the historic site should be amended to include the structural changes to the prison, broom factory and warden’s house and include the stock farm, its buildings and surrounding landscape.

o Water system and meter charge, SPHST should pay $600 to install an electronic meter to decrease charges. SPHST should also try to get meter fee waived.

o There are two billboards on the site, one billboard is location on the RR ROW, the RR ROW will be turned over to SPHST and funds should go to the historic site enterprise fund. The other billboard is on the northeast corner of the historic site property, the lease revenue currently goes to WTPHA. Oversight of this billboard should be turned over to SPHST and the lease revenue transferred to the historic site enterprise fund.

o Site operations, maintenance and staffing needs are critical to proper management of the historic site. All three items need strong budget support.

FundingSPHST should investigate every opportunity to generate revenue for the historic site. The following is a list of previous, current and/or proposed funding sources:

o Albany County facilities taxo SPHST Capital Enterprise Fund—o WTP Capital Enterprise Accounto Legislative Appropriations o Major Maintenance Accounto Grants (i.e. Save America’s Treasures, TEAL, CLG, etc.)o Private Donations (general public and corporations)o WTPHA (concession revenue, events, etc.) o Land Sales/leaseso Building Rental

3. Interpretation and Educational Opportunities

Recommendations: o The entire site should have an interpretive plan to guide the interpretation

and exhibiting efforts. Primary focus should be on two themes; the prison and the

UW experimental stock farm.

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Secondary focus should be on the following themes historic preservation and adaptive reuse, natural history and the homestead exhibit including the church. This should include interpreting the related buildings and grounds by utilizing surviving structures and illustrating structures that were removed with interpretive signs and building footprints.

o Each structure needs to have a furnishing plan to guide exhibiting. o SPHST should develop better interpretive signage for the grounds.o More fully utilize the staff, students and facilities of the University of

Wyoming for the development of the interpretive plan and by obtaining interns for interpretation, collection management, research and so forth.

o Work with educational programs, such as Albany County School district, to do archaeology day/excavation, History Day, building techniques/maintenance, etc.

o Work with and interpret other experimental agricultural stations throughout the state.

4. Expanding and Improving Partnerships

Recommendations:o Develop and maintain partnerships with the University of Wyoming (i.e.

American Studies program, History Department, Department of Agriculture, Anthropology Department, etc.), State entities (i.e. College of Agriculture, Department of Education, etc.), City/County Government, Laramie Main Street Program, Wyoming Frontier Prison Historic Site, other museums, historic associations and cultural institutions in the area and build on those partnerships. Develop new partnerships with other agricultural organizations (i.e. Wyoming Stock Growers Association, Wyoming Wool Growers Association, etc.).

o Utilize and expand on existing sources of volunteers (i.e. University of Wyoming, WyoTech, Laramie County Community College, cultural institutions, Cathedral Home, citizens groups, etc.).

o Continue archeology field classes involving the University Lab School and try to expand the program to include other middle schools in the region.

o To expand the volunteer program the historic site will need a strong volunteer coordinator who is organized, passionate and can supervise diverse groups of people. This person should be responsible for an historic site volunteer recognition program.

o The historic site should host discussion forums and/or workshops focused on historic site related themes.

5. Promotion and Advertising

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Recommendations:o SPHST should work to promote the historic site through updated

brochures, the SPHST website, signage, working with partner agencies and organizations, advertising on the highway radio network, utilizing print media inserts, working with the state TV stations, and working to develop a heritage corridor along Interstate 80.

Partnering agencies and organizations could include the following:o Wyoming Travel and Tourism Boardo Tracks Across Wyoming o Albany County Tourismo Laramie Chamber of Commerce (gas stations, restaurants, etc.)o West Laramie Business Associationo Albany County Museum Coalitiono Colorado Wyoming Association of Museumso University of Wyoming (i.e. Office of Public Relations and Information,

Branding Iron Newspaper, UW Alumni Magazine, etc.) o Local librarieso City of Laramie Main Streeto Scenic Byways (Wyoming Department of Transportation)o Work with the Highway Advisory Radio System (HARS)o Rest areas (Wyoming Travel & Tourism Broad and Wyoming Department

of Transportation) o Albany County Historic Preservation Commission o Albany County/Wyoming State Historical Societyo Office of the Wyoming State Archaeologisto Albany and Laramie County School Districtso SPHST has a Public Information Office. Historic site staff should work

with this office to handle the website, radio studio, videographer, newspaper releases, graphic design, etc. Additionally the PIO should ensure the website is linked to other suitable websites.

o Need to expand on branding for the historic siteo Promote new developments that have happened at the historic site and

new managemento Continue to have an annual free day for local citizens

6. Addressing Community and Economic Impact

Recommendations:o Recognizing the significance of this site in the tourism plans of Albany

County and the state of Wyoming, SPHST should continue to collaborate with the Laramie Chamber of Commerce, the Albany County Tourism Board, and Wyoming Tourism Board to evaluate the site's economic impact.

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REFERENCES

Frye, Elnora L. 1990 Atlas of Wyoming Outlaws at the Territorial Penitentiary

Pioneer Printing and Stationery, Cheyenne, WY

Kercher, Conrad2010 “History of the University of Wyoming Experimental Stock Farm,”

Manuscript prepared for the “Report of Recommendations for the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Park and Historic Site.” On file, Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites & Trails.

Kercher, Conrad2010 “History of the Wyoming Territorial Park Historic Site Corporation and

Foundation,” Manuscript prepared for the “Report of Recommendations for the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Park and Historic Site.” On file, Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites & Trails.

Lindmier, Thomas, and Jeff Hauff1988 “Structural History Wyoming Territorial and State Prison, 1872 – 1907”

Report prepared by Wyoming State Archives, Museums and Historical Department in conjunction with the Wyoming Recreation Commission. On file, Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails.

Lindmier, Thomas2006 “Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site and Park, Development

and Interpretative Plan” Draft Report prepared by Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails staff. On file, Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails.

Moore, Kenneth, and et. al.1988 “Wyoming Territorial Penitentiary Historic Structure Report”. Report

prepared by Banner Associates, Inc. On file, Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails.

Reher, Charles A., and Marcel Kornfeld

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1989 “Wyoming Territorial Penitentiary: Archaeology of A Complex Institution”. Report prepared by the Department of Anthropology, University of Wyoming.On file, Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails.

Rosenberg, Robert G.1989 “A History of the University of Wyoming Experiment Station Stock

Farm”. Report prepared by Rosenberg Historical Consultants. On file, Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails.

Wedel, Dale L.2006 “Archaeological Test Excavations of the Warden’s House and Broom

Factory, Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site, Albany County, Wyoming”. Report prepared by the Office of the Wyoming State Archaeologist. On file, Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails.

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Appendix II

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Appendix IV.Presentation to the Steering Committee by the Wyoming Territorial Park Historic Association February 2, 2010

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Wyoming Territorial Park Historic Association

Purpose

The current contract with the state and bylaws is written to authorize the Association to conduct fund-raising events, assist with interpretive tours, rent specified locations to outside organizations and groups and work in conjunction with the Site Superintendent for the betterment of the Wyoming State Territorial Prison and Historic Site.

The following issues were identified by SPHST for clarification…

Issue: Designation of the site as a State Park, Historic Site or both

We recognize the reasoning to eliminate the word “park.”

Issue: Management activities to take place on the full 195 acres

The board supports no camping on the grounds.

We do not support relocating or removal of any parts of Frontier Town until further studies for restructure are done.

We support naming the ranchland the Homestead Exhibit or the Homestead

We support having the revenue from the leasing of the church staying with the site.

Assets

Wyoming Community Foundation $644,822Davidson’s 270,061Available to use according to guidelines byThe Association for the SiteOperating cash $ 87,615Restricted cash $ 25,991

Disbursements to the Park since 2006 $ 46,328 as follows: Theater LightingCement1890s Barn ProjectTreesWellInsulation Mercantile ceilingOthers

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Fundraising

Grand opening of the Broom FactoryButch Cassidy DaysGhost ToursOld Fashioned Territorial ChristmasDinner Theater—Summer and ChristmasConcessions, Mercantile and gift shopGrants

Comments addressing steering committee minutes

At the August meeting of the board a majority voted to support the dinner theatre

The members of the association agree the Horse Barn could be used as a video viewing area for visitors

The Association supports working with the SPHST and will establish the suggestions as goals for the upcoming year.

We will develop appropriate objectives and measurable outcomes at our upcoming retreat.

2010 Goals

Take an expanded role with volunteersTake an expanded role in funding with interpretation Increase Fundraising revenueIncrease membership to the AssociationIncrease visitors to the Site through activitiesContinue our role to support the staff and in turn the staff supports WTPHA

Summary

The board members of WTPHA feel strongly about the Site’s value to our community.

We want to continue to encourage community support as well as a tourist attraction.

We look forward to a continued relationship with SPHST.

EDITORIAL NOTES: This presentation by The Wyoming Territorial Park Historic Association provided an overview of the Associations role at the Prison and their review of Draft versions of the Report of Recommendations. The Association was in agreement on the majority of the Steering Committees Recommendations. However, the Association does not support the recommendation to remove buildings and requested additional study before any buildings are removed. The Association also supports continuing to serve/provide food at Theater Productions.

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