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 does an archivist actually do? What’s the difference between a library and an archive? And what’s one of the cooles...
10/14/2026

What does an archivist actually do? What’s the difference between a library and an archive? And what’s one of the coolest things in our collections?

For Day, we’re answering your questions and taking you behind the scenes at the McCracken Research Library!

Read the latest blog to discover the stories, secrets, and history waiting in our archives: https://centerofthewest.org/2026/10/14/your-askanarchivist-questions-answered/

Today is Indigenous People's Day, a holiday dedicated to celebrating and honoring the rich histories and vibrant culture...
10/12/2026

Today is Indigenous People's Day, a holiday dedicated to celebrating and honoring the rich histories and vibrant cultures of Indigenous Peoples.

In this spirit of recognition, we are showcasing photographs from the MS 320 Paul Dyck collection. This collection features 499 black and white and color photographs and postcards that capture Plains Indian subjects, encampments, and the participation of Plains Indians in various rights, ceremonies, rodeos, and fairs.

The tribes represented in this collection include the Arapaho, Assiniboine, Blackfoot (Siksika, Piegan, and Kainah), Cheyenne, Comanche, Crow, Kiowa, Nez Percé, and Sioux.

P.320.059, MS 320 Paul Dyck Collection, McCracken Research Library

Join us for our next Local Lore program today at 12 PM in the Coe Auditorium!Long before Cody became known as a destinat...
10/08/2026

Join us for our next Local Lore program today at 12 PM in the Coe Auditorium!

Long before Cody became known as a destination for Western art, artists were already drawn to the region’s dramatic landscapes, vibrant communities, and distinctly Western character. Discover the stories behind the artists who helped shape Park County’s creative legacy in Art Pioneers of Park County.

In this fascinating Local Lore presentation, Brian Beauvais, Curator of the Park County Archives, traces the history of artists and artwork in Cody, exploring the people, places, and influences that helped foster a thriving arts scene. From early artistic pioneers to the institutions and individuals who encouraged creativity in the community, this presentation reveals how art became an important part of Cody’s identity.

Come discover the artists who helped put Park County on the artistic map and learn how their work and vision helped lay the foundation for the vibrant arts community that exists today.

This event is free and open to the public. No registration required.

Teachers, we’ve got resources for you!The Buffalo Bill Center of the West’s Educator Resources page offers lesson plans,...
09/28/2026

Teachers, we’ve got resources for you!

The Buffalo Bill Center of the West’s Educator Resources page offers lesson plans, activities, videos, and more—including a special resource from the McCracken Research Library that helps students learn the difference between primary and secondary sources.

Explore examples from the Library’s collections and discover ways to help students engage with historical materials firsthand.

Explore all of our Educator Resources: https://centerofthewest.org/learn/educator-resources/

Explore the Primary vs. Secondary Sources resource: https://centerofthewest.org/learn/educator-resources/primary-vs-secondary-sources/

09/22/2026

We’re excited to see a new project bringing materials from the McCracken Research Library’s collections to life!

Projects like this are a wonderful reminder of how archival collections can inspire new research, interpretation, and creative work far beyond the reading room.

National Public Lands Day is coming up! Looking for a way to give back? Join the Draper Natural History Museum at the Bu...
09/21/2026

National Public Lands Day is coming up! Looking for a way to give back? Join the Draper Natural History Museum at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West and the Absaroka Fence Initiative at their fence modification workday on Saturday September 26th from 8:45 - Noon. A catered lunch with be provided.
You can sign up here: https://docs.google.com/.../1fVZ8z27pvWSQNZ.../edit...

We’re thrilled to see our summer intern, Hannah, featured in Queens College’s History Student Spotlight! This summer, sh...
09/19/2026

We’re thrilled to see our summer intern, Hannah, featured in Queens College’s History Student Spotlight! This summer, she gained hands-on experience at the McCracken research Library, exploring the work of archives, collections, and the history of the American West.

We loved having her on our team and watching her dive into the world of museum and archival work. Congratulations, Hannah!

Read her full story here: https://www.qc.cuny.edu/academics/history/student-spotlight/

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

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720 Sheridan Avenue
Cody, WY
82414

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Tuesday 9am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 4:30pm
Thursday 9am - 4:30pm
Friday 9am - 4:30pm

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