If you’re a Wyoming history enthusiast, you’ve likely come across Annals of Wyoming: The Wyoming History Journal. Maybe you grew up with the journal or more recently discovered a great article about early ranching, Native American history, women’s suffrage, or mining. Or maybe you found a helpful book review about Wyoming and regional history. For more than a century, Annals has been the go-to journal for serious Wyoming history, publishing everything from scholarly articles to personal memoirs.

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So here’s some news you’ll want to know: the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources (SPCR) has taken back the reins of publishing Annals. The next issue hits mailboxes at the end of this month.

You might be wondering why a state agency is publishing a historical journal. The first Annals appeared in 1924, thanks to State Historian Mrs. Cyrus Beard. It has been continually published since 1924 with oversight and financial support from the SPCR.

Fast forward to 2026, and that commitment continues. State law requires SPCR to “collect, compile, and publish the events that mark the progress of Wyoming” through a historical periodical. Annals is how that happens.

The transition comes after long-time editor Carl Hallberg’s retirement. Carl managed the journal for several years while working as a reference archivist at the Wyoming State Archives, and many readers will recognize his name from articles and book reviews over the years. Good news: he’s staying on as book review editor.

The new editorial team brings together other familiar names in Wyoming history circles. Charles Rankin, known for his work as editor-in-chief at the University of Oklahoma Press and for helming Montana: The Magazine of Western History, steps in as editor. Tamsen Hert serves as associate editor, bringing expertise in Yellowstone history and experience as retired head of the University of Wyoming’s Emmett D. Chisum Special Collections. Daniel “Dani” BownJones, the journal’s graphic designer, will handle layout and design, while Wyoming State Archivist Sara Davis and State Digital Archivist Cindy Brown provide administrative support.

If you’ve been a subscriber, SPCR is finalizing the distribution list for the January issue. If you’re not already on it—or if you’ve been meaning to subscribe—now’s a good time. Just send an email to wyoarchives@wyo.gov, and ask to be added to the Annals of Wyoming mailing list. There is no charge to subscribe.

For historians, researchers, genealogists, Wyoming History Day students, or anyone who just loves a good Wyoming story, Annals is a go-to source. Each issue brings together scholarly articles, primary sources, and reviews of the latest books on Wyoming and Western history.

The next issue will be the first under the new arrangement, and we’re looking forward to seeing what this new chapter brings for Wyoming’s oldest and most recognized historical journal.

Information for this post comes from a press release issued by the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources on January 15, 2026. For more information, contact State Archivist Sara Davis at sara.davis@wyo.gov or (307) 777-7826.