Pinedale – Before Wyoming: The West in 1776 Screening

Join the Museum of the Mountain Man for a special presentation of the PBS documentary Before Wyoming: The West in 1776, exploring the history of the American West at the dawn of the nation’s founding.

From the shots fired at Lexington, Massachusetts, the story of 1776 has often centered on the thirteen British colonies along the eastern seaboard. But another story of dramatic upheaval was unfolding across the vast interior of the continent.

Before Wyoming: The West in 1776 expands the traditional narrative of 1776, examining the people, places, and events shaping the West during this pivotal moment in history.

By the People: Conversations Beyond 250 is a series of community-driven programs created by humanities councils across the United States, its territories, and the District of Columbia in collaboration with local partners. Together, these programs explore 250 years of the nation’s cultural life and imagine its shared future. The initiative was developed by the Federation of State Humanities Councils and the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage as a complement to the 2026 Smithsonian Folklife Festival.