New Exhibition Planned at Carbon County Museum

4/8/2025 |

Bigfoot 99 file photo

The Carbon County Museum is planning a new exhibition to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

July 4th, 2026, marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. In recognition of the occasion, Governor Mark Gordon has created the Wyoming Semiquincentennial Task Force to distribute grant money to counties, local governments, and other organizations in support of local 250th anniversary celebrations.

The task force requires counties to establish their own celebration committees before applying for state funding. In February, the Carbon County Commissioners met this obligation by appointing local author Candy Moulton and museum directors Tom Mensik, Tim Nicklas, Angie Hobbs, and Lela Emmons to lead the county’s 250 committee.

Since forming, the Carbon County 250 Committee has focused on the creation of a 28-minute-long documentary movie. Speaking at the April 1^st Saratoga town council meeting, Committee Chairwoman Candy Moulton explained the film will explore how and why humans settled in the area.

Moulton said the committee intends to air the documentary on television and at local film festivals.

In addition to county funding, the state 250 Task Force is offering grant opportunities to municipalities and local organizations, such as schools and museums.

Speaking to Bigfoot99, Carbon County Museum Director and 250 Committee member Tom Mensik explained that he applied for a state grant to create an exhibit on Dr. Lillian Heath, the first licensed female doctor in Wyoming. Mensik said the display will chronicle Dr. Heath’s entire medical career, connecting her life story to events occurring across the country.

Dr. Heath is also said to have owned the top of Big Nose George Parrott’s skull, allegedly using it as a doorstop.

If his grant request is approved, Director Mensik said he will commission a renowned museum exhibition development company to design large touchscreen displays showcasing Dr. Heath’s story.

Additionally, Mensik plans to use directional speakers to play recordings of Dr. Heath’s own words to visitors.

Mensik has requested the maximum grant of $25,000 offered by the Wyoming 250 Task Force to fund the Dr. Heath exhibit. The museum director said the touchscreen devices are estimated to cost approximately $20,000, with the remaining funds being used for research and marketing.

Last year, the Rawlins museum unveiled new exhibits on law enforcement in the old west and how people travel across Carbon County. Assuming he receives the requested grant money, Mensik said the Carbon County Museum will have created four new permanent installations within two years, including the Dr. Heath exhibit and an as-yet-unannounced display. Additionally, the museum itself has been updated, bringing it into the 21^st century.

The county’s 250^th anniversary celebrations won’t be limited to the Rawlins Museum. The Carbon County 250 Committee is organizing a series of smaller events leading up to July 2026, set to take place during community events such as Music in the Park, the Carbon County Fair, and Saratoga Days.

If you would like to volunteer or donate to the Carbon County 250 Committee, send an email to Carbon250WY@gmail.com.