Dysart is new museum director

Hannah Gross
NLJ Correspondent 
 
When Cindy Dysart began “looking for something different,” she didn’t expect to find herself as the new director of the Anna Miller Museum, but her love for history and sharing that passion with the community led from one thing to another. She previously worked with payroll at Weston County School District No. 7 in Upton. While she loved her job, she said, the increased conflict and unrest in the United States during the past year with the tearing down of many historically significant statues influenced her decision to apply for the museum director position, after long-time director Bobbie Jo Tysdal retired. 
Dysart took over as director in May. 
“I was just looking for a change,” Dysart said. “I was interested in preserving history.” 
The museum building was constructed in 1933, according to Dysart, to house Company A, 115th Calvary of the Wyoming National Guard. It was converted into a museum around 1966 and named after local teacher and school superintendent Anna Miller, who was also the first librarian in Newcastle. She was the widow of Sheriff Billy Miller, who was killed in the Battle of Lightning Creek, south of Newcastle near Lance Creek. 
The museum contains several displays with various articles and artifacts on Cambria, Wyoming Hall of Fame cowboys and even dinosaur fossils. There is also a replica of a sergeant’s living quarters in the museum, which visitors can walk through. 
“That’s probably one of my favorite parts of the museum,” Dysart said. “When I walk into the living quarters, it’s like walking into my grandma’s house.” 
Since she started as director, Dysart has been involved with small updates to the interior, including new paint to freshen things up. New displays feature art projects created by local artisans, including paintings and jewelry, that visitors can admire and even purchase. Dysart invites community members to inquire about displaying their own art projects. 
“We’re welcoming more. We’ve got some feelers out there, and we want to do more,” Dysart said. 
Additionally, the museum will be hosting special events for the community throughout the summer. On June 29 at 10 a.m., everyone is invited to “Sharing Stories with Cookies & Coffee.” Anyone can come for the refreshments and fellowship to share their own life stories of “whatever they might feel important.” Dysart said she always enjoyed listening to her grandma talk about her experience during the Depression, and she hopes some of the community’s seniors will tell similar life stories. 
“People learn from history,” Dysart said. 
Maggie Makousky, a researcher at the museum, held a similar event at the Red Onion Museum in Upton, and it was a success, so they decided to bring it to Newcastle. Another “Sharing Stories with Cookies & Coffee” is scheduled for July 20 at 10 a.m. 
To celebrate freedom, in honor of Independence Day, the museum is hosting a sidewalk chalk art event on July 2 at 10 a.m. Two weeks later on July 14, at the same time, the community is invited to participate in the Texas Trail Scavenger Hunt. 
Dysart believes it is important for the community know its history, so if local schools and anyone else of any age interested in hosting an event or program is invited to contact the museum.  
“I would like it to be known we’re willing
to network with anyone,” Dysart said. “The vision would be educating the community more about history.” 
Dysart said she is enjoying her new job and working with Makousky and Mandy Williams, another researcher. Both share Dysart’s love of history.
“I’ve always had a passion for history,” Williams said.
She wants to preserve history for the future generations, Williams said, because “once it’s gone, it’s gone.” She said history is important because “it has a way of repeating itself.”
Makousky also enjoys the research, which allows her to trace both her family history and Weston County history. She never realized her roots in Weston County, she said, and it’s her favorite part of the job.
Dysart said she is grateful for all the work Makousky and Williams do for the museum. 
“The girls are very helpful with the research(ing) part,” she said. 
The museum is open every weekday Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and visitors are welcome any time. Anyone interested in touring the building or inquiring about an event can stop by or calling 746-4188.