Exhibits

Along with permanent exhibits and museum collections, the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum is proud to present the current temporary exhibits on display now!

Nestled in scenic Buffalo, Wyoming, the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum is comprised of three interconnected buildings.

The original brick building, located behind the Johnson County Courthouse, is where the museum began in 1957. In 1987, the Johnson County Library moved out of the historic Carnegie Library building and in 1989 it was transferred to the museum. In 1998 a Carriage House was added. In 2006 the buildings were connected and the institution became handicapped accessible.

Here’s a small sample of what you’ll find:

Carnegie Building

Built in 1909, the front entrance to the museum is a historic Carnegie library building. Originally one of 16 in the state, it was used as the local library until the mid 1980s when the library moved to a new facility. It then became the store and offices of the museum and in 2006 was connected to the museum building.

Wyoming's State Flag

Wyoming's state flag was designed by a Buffalo resident: Verna Keays. Adopted by the state in 1917, Verna's design features a striking bison image with the great seal of the State of Wyoming emblazoned across its body. The museum houses one of the earliest official flags purchased by the state.

The Carriage House

Safeguarding the museum’s collection of horse-drawn vehicles, the Carriage House was added to the property in 1998. The Carriage House is located on the south side of the original museum building.

The Jenkins Family Homestead

Located in front of the museum is the Jenkins Family log cabin. The cabin was built in 1916 by Marshall D. Jenkins, north of the town of Kaycee, Wyoming.

In 1925 Jenkins sold his homestead patents, including the cabin, and moved his family to Midwest, Wyoming. In 1982 Polly Jenkins purchased her childhood home and moved it to Story, Wyoming. The log cabin reached its final destination at the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum in 2006 when the family donated the homestead cabin and its contents.

The Crow Tipi (seasonal)

The Crow Tipi, installed during the summer of 2022, is a traditional canvas lodge. Donated by the Birdinground family in honor of Clifford Birdinground, the tipi is representative of those used in the past and today.

To read more about the History and Meaning of the Tipi, visit this link to the Little Bighorn College

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The Water Bird Tipi (seasonal)

The Northern Cheyenne Tipi is a canvas reproduction of a traditional tipi. The colorful and striking modern art featured on the tipi is the work of Lakota artist James Starkey/Defender Eagle. Collaborating with Northern Cheyenne artist Billford Curley, the two men including the water bird as the meeting place of Cheyenne and Lakota warriors. Also depicted is The Girl Who Saved Her Brother and Spotted Wolf.

Nate Champion’s Last Run

The Nate Champion statue, created by local Buffalo Artist D. Michael Thomas, was placed by the museum’s entrance in 2009.

Nathan D. Champion is famous for his last stand at the KC Ranch on April 9, 1892 during the Johnson County Cattle War. He was pitted against many well-armed assailants but single-handedly held them at bay before they set fire to the cabin where he was staying. He was shot down as soon as he emerged from the cabin. His defiant seven-hour stand gave the county residents time to halt the Invaders at the TA Ranch.