Two Hundred Years Ago
Two hundred years ago, the mountain men were the first non-Native people to live year-round in the Rocky Mountains. Rugged, independent, entrepreneurial, and determined, they became exceptional hunters, trappers, navigators, and survivalists. Entering a world dominated by the Plains Indians, they adopted aspects of their Native partners’ lifestyles and cultures, resulting in a relatively peaceful period between newcomers and the original inhabitants. Together, the mountain men and the Plains Indians they introduced to the wider world became the first iconic figures of the American West, captivating the nation and the world ever since.
Museum of the Mountain Man
The Museum of the Mountain Man honors these brave frontiersmen, preserving for people of all ages the skills of survival and self-reliance that might otherwise be lost. Located in Pinedale, Wyoming, at the heart of the Rocky Mountain fur trade country, the Museum has embraced its role as the nation’s caretaker of this critical era in United States history through the preservation and interpretation of artifacts, stories, and historic sites.
A Moment of Opportunity
The upcoming bicentennial of the Rocky Mountain Rendezvous (1825–1840) presents a unique opportunity to renew and expand interest in the fur trade, the opening of the West, and ultimately, the expansion of a young United States across the continent.
Ready to Increase Capacity
The Museum has a solid financial foundation, stable income, an iconic facility, proven visitation, and a compelling subject with national and international appeal. We are in a strong position, ready to increase our capacity with expanded facilities, additional full-time professional staff, and increased visitation. This growth will enable us to become a more robust institution, take advantage of greater opportunities for collaboration with major museums, private collections, and cultural organizations.
Bicentennial Expansion
With the bicentennial of the Rocky Mountain Rendezvous as our focus, our expansion plan envisions tripling facility space and staff, growing an already significant endowment, and more than doubling visitation. Our strategic initiatives include creating one-of-a-kind interpretation of the Plains Indians, expanding our living history programs through the development of a historically accurate 1830s-era fort, constructing a state-of-the-art collections care facility, creating an Alfred Jacob Miller art gallery, and expanding our visitor services.
Together, we can create something extraordinary. Email info@mmmuseum.com to find out how you can be part of our exciting expansion.
