The Wyoming State Museum is expanding its Education Trunks program, an initiative designed to bring history and science to life for students, Wyoming News Now reports.
These trunks, filled with educational artifacts, replicas, and interactive materials, help educators teach Wyoming’s rich history and natural sciences in a more engaging way.
Jeremy Thornbrugh, Curator of Education at the Wyoming State Museum, has played a key role in the program’s growth since taking over in 2020. While Education Trunks were already available, the museum has added five more as of March 2025, bringing the total to 17 trunks covering seven different topics.
Thornbrugh explains that the program’s development is driven by feedback from teachers.
“It’s about talking with teachers and figuring out what they are teaching or wish they could teach but struggle to bring to life,” he said.
The Museum provides all necessary supplies, ensuring that educators have access to hands-on learning experiences without additional costs.
The trunks serve as portable learning kits that help students understand different aspects of Wyoming’s history, culture, and environment. They are designed to complement classroom lessons and are paired with curated field trips at the museum.
In 2024, the Wyoming State Museum reached 27,000 students through its educational initiatives, and the goal is to continue expanding access to these resources.
“We all here at the Museum really believe in doing everything we can to support educators and education itself within Wyoming and around the country,” Thornbrugh emphasized.
Most of the Education Trunks are available online, making it easier for teachers to explore the materials before incorporating them into their curriculum.
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