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Cheyenne historian to tell how Wyoming propelled air travel

Mike Kassel (Campbell County Rockpile Museum)

GILLETTE, Wyo. — Cheyenne historian and author Mike Kassel will give Campbell County Rockpile Museum visitors a free tour of Wyoming airline industry history at 7 p.m. May 24.

In “Wyoming’s Friendly Skies,” Kassel will tell how The Cowboy State propelled the airline industry in its early days.

In 1930, people were unsure whether they should trust airplanes as a mode of transportation, despite the technology advancements the industry was making, according to a museum news release.

“The problem was people had grown up between the wars seeing the exploits of barnstormers, wing walkers, mail pilots and the occasional hero like Charles Lindbergh do amazing exploits by air,” the release said. “The air was for daredevils, not for your average Joe.  It wasn’t the place for your average Josephine either.”

Kassel, curator of collections and assistant director of the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum and an adjunct professor of history at Laramie County Community College, will describe how Wyoming women helped convince the public that flying was safe, transforming the industry.

Rockpile Museum director Robert Henning said he believes Kassel will give an engaging presentation about the state’s achievements throughout airline history.

“It’s a unique story and, I think, one Wyoming can be proud of,” he said.

He said the end of May is a busy time of year but he hopes residents who are available will come see the presentation.

The museum has been trying to arrange a date for the presentation for years, between busy schedules, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the commute from Cheyenne, where Kessel and his family live, Henning said.

“We’re glad to finally have him up,” Henning said.

The museum book store is selling copies of Kassel’s books “Wyoming’s Friendly Skies” and “Wyoming Airmail Pioneers.”

The presentation will also provide visitors an opportunity to examine a new exhibit at the museum: “Re-visioning Seth Eastman: Officer Artist Among the Dakotas.” Eastman, who lived among the Dakota people in the early 19th century, depicted their everyday life through engravings.

To learn more, visit the museum’s website at www.rockpilemuseum.com or call 307-682-5723.

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