The Natural History Museum of Wyoming is set to host its second annual Night of Discovery Gala on Saturday, Oct. 17, beginning at 5 p.m. at the Ramada Convention Center in Sheridan. The event, titled “A Night to Remember, A Cause to Believe In,” is a fundraiser aimed at supporting children’s and family dinosaur digs as well as special digs for veterans.
Local Student Shares Personal Impact
The gala’s keynote speaker will be a senior at Sheridan High School. He will speak about how the museum changed his life, igniting a passion for paleontology that led him to volunteer in the field, help assemble fossil specimens, and give tours at the museum. “It’s super exciting to see that type of impact,” he said, noting that his parents recently heard from a former student who credited the museum experience with inspiring a college major.
Supporting Families and Veterans
Proceeds from the evening will directly fund hands‑on dinosaur excavation programs for families, allowing parents and children to work side‑by‑side with museum scientists. A separate grant will support veteran dig teams, providing a therapeutic and educational outlet for those who have served.
Community Involvement
Local businesses and civic groups have already pledged support, and the museum expects a strong turnout from Sheridan residents who value educational enrichment and heritage preservation. Attendees will enjoy a dinner, live entertainment, and a silent auction featuring items donated by regional artisans and sponsors.
How to Participate
Tickets are available online through the museum’s website and at the museum’s front desk. The event is open to all ages, and families are encouraged to bring children who may be interested in future dig opportunities. For those unable to attend, the museum also offers a virtual donation portal.
Looking Ahead
With the success of its inaugural gala, the museum hopes to expand its outreach programs, creating more hands‑on learning experiences for Wyoming’s youth and honoring the service of veterans through shared scientific discovery. The Night of Discovery Gala represents a community‑wide commitment to preserving the state’s rich paleontological heritage while fostering the next generation of explorers.
Original reporting: Sheridan Media (Sheridan WY) — read the source article.
