Hoofprints of the Past Museum

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Annual Historical Talk Entertains

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Local author John Hanson and co-author Ken Moreland recently shared stories from their book “Trail and Tribulations” which detailed their time guiding hunters in the wilderness of Wyoming in the 1970’s and 80’s. The presentation was enjoyed by the audience and we appreciate the time of John and Ken, as well as all those who attended.

Vietnam Memorial Monument Dedication Held at Museum

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On Veterans Day the museum and Kaycee Lions Club held a monument dedication and Veteran’s Day ceremony for the recently installed Kaycee Vietnam Veterans Monument. Justin Hammerich gave an invocation to dedicate the monument and all the local Vietnam Veterans were recognized. County Commissioner Bob Perry spoke of his time in Vietnam, as did State Senator Jim Anderson. Kaycee High School also participated with a reading of “In Flanders Fields” and the band performed the National Anthem and Taps during the flag raising. 

 

Great Day on the Bozeman Trail

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Thank you to all those who attended our Bozeman Trail of Powder River Tour on September 14th. Thank you to all the volunteers, especially the Fort Phil Kearney Regulars for their excellent living history presentation during lunch. It was a great day!

We Are Open!

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The museum opened on May 15th. Our hours are Monday through Saturday from 9:00-5:00 and Sundays from 1:00-5:00. We have added new collection items and interpretive signage and have many new and fascinating items from the recent archeology work at the Portuguese Fort site. Hope to see you soon!

Powder River Western Art Show on June 15th, 2024

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The 2024 Powder River Western Art Show will be held on June 15, 2024 during the Chris Ledoux Rodeo Day. Great local western artists will be showcasing and selling their work at the museum all day from 9-5. Enjoy the excellent rodeo, but stop in before and after to see great western art, leather crafts, jewelry, houseware, and more. We will be raffling off this watercolor by local artist Will Berg titled “Steamboat Horses.”

Portuguese Fort Event Recap

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Thank you everyone for attending Dr. Newton’s presentation on the archeology of the Portuguese Fort! We had a great turn out and enjoyed visiting with so many.

Thank you to all the volunteers that worked at the site preserving the history, and the landowner, to make all of this possible. 

Thank you also for your great patience and kindness as we resolved our technical difficulties. We want to offer a special thank you to Victoria Davis, for technical assistance, and Nancy Tabb and Bonnie Ross for a loaner projector.

Thank you volunteers and helpers: Nancy Elm, Dwayne Christensen, Darcy DeLapp, Nolan Davis, Dick Gould, and Jeanie Tinnin for all the help that day and any volunteers we missed.

What a fantastic group of people!

Portuguese Fort Archeology on March 10, 2024

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Archeologist Cody Newton will be presenting the history and archeology of the Portuguese Fort site using artifacts from the site, including recent excavations, on March 10 at 1:00 at the Harold Jarrard Park Building in Kaycee.    

Fort Antonio, known locally as the Portuguese Houses, was built in 1834 east of Kaycee as a fur trading post by independent trapper Antonio Montero from Portugal. The fort experienced a series of difficulties: attacks by Blackfeet, competition from Jim Bridger’s fur company, theft, and legal challenges from government bureaucrats. However, it was the demise of the beaver and the fall in demand for its felt that dealt the final blow. The fort was abandoned in 1840, and the fur trade had collapsed by then.

However, many items were left behind which tell a detailed story of how fort residents worked and lived. Dr. Newton will reveal its fascinating secrets and these new additions to the museum collection.  

Coffee and cookies will be served.