Yet another top-flight museum is already making its mark in Cody Yellowstone Country. After years of
laying the groundwork, the new Cody Heritage Museum has opened in the historic DeMaris House on
Sheridan Avenue. I think Charles and Nellie DeMaris would be tickled to see what has become of their
family home.
The tiny museum packs a lot of Cody history into a small space. I spent an engaging afternoon recently
perusing the photographs, artifacts and documents artfully displayed throughout the museum.
The DeMaris home is a fitting place for exhibits of historic treasures from throughout the region,
including Cody, neighborhoods along the North Fork and South Fork of the Shoshone, Greybull and
Crandall.
Charles and Nellie DeMaris built the house in 1907 so their son Bill could go to school in town. The
house was the only building on the block until the Park County Courthouse was developed in 1912. After
Charles and Nellie died, their son Bill continued to live in the upstairs of the house while a variety of
businesses occupied the main level. At various times, the building has housed a bar, a law firm, a real
estate firm and offices for the Fire District. The house was slated for demolition when the Park County
Commissioners agreed to lease it to the Cody Heritage Museum Board, which then launched several
years of renovation projects, adding modern-day necessities like telephone lines.
Charles and Nellie DeMaris built the house in 1907 so their son Bill could go to school in town.
The exhibits focus on six important topics:
- The colorful characters who played a significant role in the founding of Cody including Buffalo Bill Cody (of course), George T. Beck, Nate Salsbury, H.M. Gerrans, George Bleistein and Bronson Rumsey.
- The history of ranching and the agricultural heritage of the town and its early businesses.
- Tourism in Cody Yellowstone including Yellowstone National Park.
- The influence of oil, gas and railroad industries.
- Cowboy history including the Cody Stampede Rodeo.
- Family stories from generations of residents of the region.
Exhibits showcase the history of Buffalo Bill Cody and other town leaders.
The museum is seeking contributions from families who will share small artifacts and objects such as
journals, letters, advertising memorabilia, souvenirs, furnishings and military insignia. Be sure to stop by
if you have some items in storage that you’d be willing to share with Cody visitors. The museum has also
launched a Family Poster Project and is seeking flat items like photos, newspaper clippings and
invitations.
The Cody Heritage Museum will host a grand opening event on July 19.
And be sure to attend the grand opening on Thursday, July 19. The event will include remarks by
community leaders and a ribbon cutting. I’ll look for you there.
Until next time, I’m loving life and going through my ancestor’s letters here in Cody Yellowstone
Country.
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