Hot Springs Museum seeking donations to expand

THERMOPOLIS – The Hot Springs Pioneer Association, founded in 1930 to preserve the history of the Thermopolis region, is currently seeking donations to purchase property adjoining the Hot Springs Museum in Thermopolis, in an attempt to expand the museum complex and handle an overflow of local artifacts.

Ray Shaffer, current president and a grandson of the founders of the association, explained that the current museum is at capacity with wagons, architectural items from historic Thermopolis buildings and farm implements from personal collections.

“The basement [at the museum] has water damage issues so we would like to find a new home for the stuff in there currently, we may not get another chance like this in our lifetime so we need to move on it.”

Shaffer noted that the property in question is just west of the museum, and includes a 1940-era four-bedroom log home and outbuildings.

The association has put down earnest money on the property from savings, but is hoping public and corporate funds, in the amount of $105,000 can be raised in the next 60 days to complete the transaction.

The association has stated it will use the money to add a west wing to the museum, as well as build a county research library.

All donations to the association are tax deductible and can be made to Hot Springs County Pioneer Association Special Account, PO Box 11, Thermopolis, WY 82443.

“Hopefully the community can help us make this happen, said Shaffer. “If you don’t ask, you don’t get.”