Wyoming PBS Receives Cultural Trust Grant for Documentary on Dude Ranch Heritage

Wyoming PBS has received a $34,750 grant from the Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund to support the production of a new feature-length documentary titled Call of The West.

The film will look at the history and legacy of America’s dude ranches, shedding light on the individuals and families who founded the industry as well as those working to preserve it today.

Mat Hames is directing the documentary, which is set to be completed by the end of next month. The completed film is scheduled for release in January.

According to Wyoming PBS, Call of The West will include interviews with author and dude ranch historian Russell True, along with members of the Eaton family of Wolf, Wyoming—considered the country’s oldest dude ranching family. The project seeks to examine both the historical roots and the current role of dude ranches in American culture.

The Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund supports cultural and heritage projects throughout the state. The grant will cover half of the documentary’s post-production costs, with Wyoming PBS contributing $34,750 from its state-funded production endowment.

Wyoming PBS Foundation Executive Director Judd Rogers emphasized the project’s fit with the station’s mission.

“Wyoming PBS’s primary mission is to document and share Wyoming’s culture, history and stories,” Rogers stated. “This project directly aligns with their core mission and builds upon their tradition of creating outstanding local productions.”

The film’s backers argue that such a project is especially relevant today, as urbanization continues to increase. Wyoming PBS cited projections that 89% of Americans will live in urban areas by 2050, which they suggest could create greater distance from the country’s rural traditions and landscapes.

Dude Ranch Foundation Executive Director Josie Hedderman echoed this sentiment, noting the cultural importance of dude ranches.

“This film honors that legacy while spotlighting the vital role dude ranches play in preserving it for future generations,” Hedderman said.

The original story by Garrett Grochowski at County 17.