Contact Us

American Heritage Center

Centennial Complex

2111 Willet Drive

Laramie, WY 82071

Phone: (307) 766-4114

Email: ahcref@uwyo.edu

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Alan K. Simpson Institute for Western Politics and Leadership

 

American Heritage Center

The Alan K. Simpson Institute for Western Politics and Leadership is a program of the American Heritage Center focusing on the acquisition, preservation, and research use of the papers of prominent individuals, businesses, and organizations that have provided leadership - political, economic, social, and cultural - for Wyoming and the Rocky Mountain West. The Simpson Institute was created in 2000 when Julienne Michel contributed $500,000 to the University of Wyoming as "seed" money and pledged a $1 million estate gift to endow the Institute's permanent operations. Michel was a UW benefactor and friend of former U.S. Senator Alan K. Simpson and his wife, Ann. To learn more about business and political leadership in Wyoming and the region, please view the AHC's Business Collections and Politics and Public Affairs Collections pages.

 


Voices of Pride: LGBTQ+ Oral History Project


About the Project

The American Heritage Center (AHC) at the University of Wyoming proudly presents “Voices of Pride,” an oral history project dedicated to documenting the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals in the Rocky Mountain West. Supported by Wyoming Humanities, we're gathering personal stories to create a comprehensive record of LGBTQ+ life across the region's diverse communities.

 

Our Goals

  • Document personal narratives of LGBTQ+ individuals in the Rocky Mountain West.
  • Preserve these stories for the LGBTQ+ community and future generations.
  • Contribute to a more complete understanding of the region's history.
  • Provide resources for education and community engagement.

 

Share Your Story

We welcome LGBTQ+ individuals from all walks of life and all corners of Wyoming. Whether you're a longtime resident or a newcomer, your story is valuable and important to this project.

 

What Participation Involves

  • A 1-2 hour recorded interview (longer if needed), told your way.
  • Share your experiences, challenges, and triumphs.
  • Option to use a pseudonym for privacy.
  • Review the interview transcript and request edits or redactions.
  • Option to restrict research access for a specified period.

 

The Impact of Your Contribution

We value the trust you place in us by sharing your experiences. Here's how your story will make a difference:

  • Carefully preserved at the AHC for future generations.
  • Enriches our understanding of regional history.
  • Supports research and education.
  • Promotes inclusivity and understanding in our communities.
  • Helps create a more comprehensive narrative of our diverse experiences.

 

Project Timeline

June 2024 - May 2025

 

Our Commitment to Privacy and Inclusivity

We understand the sensitive nature of these stories and are committed to respecting your privacy. All participants have control over how their stories are shared and preserved.

 

Join Us as a Partner

We believe in the power of collaboration to make this project as impactful and inclusive as possible. We're actively seeking partnerships with LGBTQ+ organizations, community groups, and allies throughout Wyoming and the Rocky Mountain West.

 

Why Partner with Us?

  • Help shape the direction and reach of this important historical project.
  • Ensure diverse voices from your community are represented.
  • Contribute to the preservation of LGBTQ+ history in our region.
  • Participate in creating educational resources and community events.

If your organization is interested in partnering with the “Voices of Pride” project, we'd love to hear from you. Whether you represent an LGBTQ+ advocacy group, a community center, a student organization, or any other group committed to inclusivity and representation, your involvement can make a significant difference.

 

Get in Touch

For more information about the project or to discuss potential partnership opportunities, please contact:

Leslie Waggener Email: lwaggen2@uwyo.edu Phone: 307-766-2557

 

About the Project Team

This project is led by co-directors:

  • Gregory Hinton: A gay researcher, author, and award-winning playwright specializing in LGBTQ+ topics. Hinton's verbatim plays illuminate LGBTQ+ stories from the Rocky Mountain West, bringing authentic voices to the forefront of regional cultural discourse.
  • Leslie Waggener: An experienced archivist at the AHC with extensive expertise in oral history projects and LGBTQ+ archives.

 

Your voice is an essential part of Wyoming's history—join us in documenting the full spectrum of LGBTQ+ experiences, ensuring these stories are preserved, understood, and respected for generations to come.

 

  Simpson Family

Milward Simpson and Lorna Helen Kooi black and white family photo

About the Simpson Family 

 

Contact Us

American Heritage Center

Centennial Complex

2111 Willet Drive

Laramie, WY 82071

Phone: (307) 766-4114

Email: ahcref@uwyo.edu

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