McCracken Research Library at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West

McCracken Research Library at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West The Harold McCracken Research Library at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West supports inquiry across many disciplines related to the American West.

The McCracken staff collaborates with curators, scholars, students, writers and filmmakers to reveal the American West in all its human and natural complexity. The last word on the West defines the mission—to preserve the written and visual record. As the stewards of many forms of expression, our library professionals understand how language and images have shaped perceptions. What Americans believe about the West is as significant as what actually happened in these storied landscapes.

What was a family road trip to the American West like in the 1930s?The Pease family packed up their car in Minnesota and...
09/17/2026

What was a family road trip to the American West like in the 1930s?

The Pease family packed up their car in Minnesota and headed west, documenting their journey through the Badlands, Rapid City, Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone, and the Tetons along the way.

Their photographs offer a fascinating glimpse into road-trip travel nearly a century ago—from roadside attractions and dude ranches to camping in Yellowstone and getting very close to the park’s famous bears. They even captured Mount Rushmore while it was still under construction!

Step back in time and follow the Pease family’s journey from the Badlands to the Tetons in the latest story from the McCracken Research Library.

Read the full story here: https://centerofthewest.org/2026/09/14/from-the-badlands-to-the-tetons-a-1930s-family-road-trip-west/

09/16/2026

The new "Buffalo Nation" exhibition at the Center of the West is a must see!

Happy National Day of the Cowgirl! The cowgirl spirit is all about grit, independence, and embracing the adventurous hea...
09/15/2026

Happy National Day of the Cowgirl!

The cowgirl spirit is all about grit, independence, and embracing the adventurous heart of the West. Here at the McCracken Research Library, we’re proud to preserve photographs, letters, and stories that celebrate the incredible women who have made their mark on Western history.

P.69.1489 - Cowgirl riding her horse
MS 6 William F Cody Collection

09/14/2026

Only two days left until the author talk and book signing for Yellowstone Bison: Return of the Last Wild Herd!

Join us on September 16 at 2:00 p.m. in the Coe Auditorium for an engaging conversation about bison, conservation, and the deep ties between these iconic animals and the landscapes they inhabit with contributors Chris Geremia and Tom Murphy.

After the talk, take the opportunity to purchase a signed copy of the special-edition catalogue—a meaningful keepsake for anyone interested in bison, Yellowstone, conservation, and the American West. Copies will be available at the Center’s Points West Market, both in-store and online.

On September 11, 2001, our nation was forever changed. Today we honor the lives lost, the courage shown, and the resilie...
09/11/2026

On September 11, 2001, our nation was forever changed. Today we honor the lives lost, the courage shown, and the resilience that continues to inspire.

We will never forget.

Happy Labor Day! Across Wyoming, Labor Day has long been a time to honor hard work, community, and tradition. In Meeteet...
09/07/2026

Happy Labor Day! Across Wyoming, Labor Day has long been a time to honor hard work, community, and tradition. In Meeteetse, that celebration came alive in 1962 with the Meeteetse Labor Day Rodeo, where riders, families, and neighbors gathered to mark the holiday with grit and good cheer.

The McCracken Research Library preserves images from that rodeo, reminding us that Labor Day in the West has always been about celebrating the people whose work and spirit keep communities strong.

PN.89.31.5289.01.09, MS 89 Jack Richard Collection

Join us September 11–12 for the James Ersfeld Symposium: “Buffalo Bill Cody and the Bison in American History” at the Bu...
09/02/2026

Join us September 11–12 for the James Ersfeld Symposium: “Buffalo Bill Cody and the Bison in American History” at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West!

Historians, authors, and museum curators will come together for two days of fascinating conversations exploring Buffalo Bill Cody, the American West, and the enduring significance of the bison. The weekend includes panel discussions, a keynote by historian Paul Andrew Hutton, special presentations, receptions, and more.

Learn more and register: https://centerofthewest.org/event/james-ersfeld-symposium-sept-11-12/

Happy Founder’s Day to the National Park Service!For over a century, park rangers have been the stewards of America’s mo...
08/25/2026

Happy Founder’s Day to the National Park Service!

For over a century, park rangers have been the stewards of America’s most treasured landscapes, from towering peaks to sprawling plains. At the McCracken Research Library, we’re proud to preserve historic images of these rangers, capturing the legacy of those who have protected and interpreted the West’s natural wonders.

See more collection items on the National Park Service here: https://library.centerofthewest.org/digital/search/searchterm/national%20park%20service/page/1

PN.89.74.13104.65, MS 89 Jack Richard Collection

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720 Sheridan Avenue
Cody, WY
82414

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