Open year round, the Pioneer Memorial Museum is located on the Wyoming State Fairgrounds in Douglas, Wyoming. The museum collects, preserves, interprets and displays historical and cultural materials related to the westward expansion, to Wyoming pioneers in particular and the west in general.
The first pioneer meetings began in 1884. Members had to be 21 years of age and either a resident of or doing business in Wyoming Territory prior to July 1, 1884. They began to meet annually in Douglas during the first Wyoming State Fair in 1905. The roster included cowboys, stockmen, freighters and soldiers. There were men and women who played an important role in achieving statehood for Wyoming. The Wyoming Pioneer Association was incorporated on January 8, 1926. Today the Wyoming Pioneer Association acts as an advisory board to the museum and has statewide and national membership. The State of Wyoming is responsible for the museum's operation and maintenance.
