By Mike Armstrong

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

Tom Mensik, Carbon County Museum Director, has been looking at options for the two Carbon County Museums located in Rawlins to work together in a closer union.

The Old Penitentiary is one of the largest draws for visitors in the town. It has large grounds and is a masterpiece of large Western architecture. It is hard to miss Walnut Street.

Compiled by Dick Perue

Carbon County Comet Contributor

(Writer’s note: Years ago I helped organize and conduct one of the most memorable history treks taken during my life time of 90 years—that of the crossings of the might Upper North Platte River in the late 1800s and history of the Pick Ranch. Recent research produced a slideshow of that trek which will be shared with those attending the next “Tuesday Talks”.)

By Mike Armstrong

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

The Carbon County Museum’s brand new interactive permanent exhibit is now open to the public.

It features an interactive timeline.

By Sheri Shillinger

Vice-President, Friends of the Old Pen

By Angie Hobbs

Director, Elk Mountain Museum

On March 7, the Elk Mountain Museum hosted its 4th Annual History and High Tea. It is a much anticipated event and this year’s was the best yet. We can’t thank Christine Neel and her staff enough for making the gorgeous dining room in the exquisite Historic Elk Mountain Hotel available for us to use.  

Carbon County 250 Corner

Tom Mensik

Press Release

Saratoga Historical & Cultural Association

A new director has been selected for the Saratoga/Ryan Park Museum, according to information posted on the Saratoga Historical & Cultural Assn. website.

The news release reads:

We would like to welcome to Saratoga our new Museum Director!

By Tina Hill

Director, Wyoming Frontier Prison Museum

By Dana Davis

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

Compiled with information provided by Tom Mensik

The Carbon County Museum reported record attendance, expanded public access to its collections and increased community engagement in 2025, according to its year-end newsletter.

By  Mike Armstrong

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

This Christmas season, it is always a challenge to find gifts for friends and loved ones that they will appreciate. Calendars for the year to come are often a great item and this year, the Saratoga/Ryan Park Museum Tax District Board has a historical one that has interesting pictures and stories about Ryan Park.

By Dana Davis

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

A National Historic Register plaque has been installed at the home of Nancy Anderson in Encampment, honoring the legacy of Wyoming author and photographer Lora Webb Nichols. The installation was completed by Zane Jacobson of Doggett Greenhouse.

By Mike Armstrong   

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

Press Release

Hanna Basin Museum

The Hanna Basin Museum and the Hanna Cemetery Board invite the community to join in a day of fun, food, and fundraising at the Chili Cook-off Fundraiser on Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hanna Basin Museum. The event will raise funds to support the preservation and ongoing work of both the museum and the historic Hanna Cemetery.