Our History
Since 1949, The Natural History Museum of Wyoming has always been a place for dreamers, doers, and geniuses who make our community a prized place to live and a mecca of learning.
Leadership Under Dr. Ohm
In the 1960’s when outer space was described as the final frontier, Sheridan College’s science department was led by Dr. Kenneth (Ken) Ohm. He was selected as Chairman of the Department of Physical Science at Sheridan College in the fall of 1966. Soon he was honored with a full professorship and appointments as Dean of Faculty and Director of Sheridan College’s observatory.
Ohm’s energetic style was embraced by the Sheridan community as he continually sought creative ways to engage with students and ignite their enthusiasm for science. His educational outreach to the community encompassed young and old, student and non-student. The sheer volume of Ohm’s innovative programs was impressive and enthusiastically embraced by citizens of Sheridan as he led the way for Sheridan College to step into the expanding field of astronomy
The Mohns Center of Science and Technology
As a dreamer and doer, Dr. Ohm spent ten years imagining, planning and campaigning for development of an advanced astronomy program for Northern Wyoming. Sheridan’s location, considered one of the best areas for “dark skies,” was perfect for research into deep space.
Sharing his ideas with various local business members and citizens, his dream soon became a reality. Dynamic community support was instrumental in the realization of his vision. In collaboration with industrialist Leslie F. Mohns and businessman George Ghikas, Dr. Ohm was able to accelerate his projects. His connections to the community garnered private donations earmarked for what would become the Mohns Center of Science and Technology.
Because of Mohns’ and Ghikas’ generosity and support of the Sheridan community, the observatory dome was completed on November 17, 1979. A crew of four engineers from the Ash Dome Company put the finishing touches on the professional, motorized observatory.
The grand opening of the complex occurred on October 11, 1980, with an estimated 300 visitors touring the new facility. Ohm’s extremely popular ‘Star Nights’ began in October of 1981, attracting huge crowds. Before Dr. Ohm left Sheridan, numerous additional space events took place, attracting thousands of attendees.
Sheridan College Legacy
Dr. Ohm left Sheridan College with the legacy of his good ideas in 1992. After his departure, the Mohns building served as a classroom for the Science Department. More recently, under the leadership of Mike Flynn, the Mohns Center has evolved into a cozy museum highlighting geology, paleontology, and astronomy. With Mike’s passing in 2022, his friend and colleague Dave Nicolarsen took up the baton to continue building an educational resource for the sciences at Sheridan College.
In March of 2025, David Nicolarsen and Mike Bloodsworth took the step of hiring Thomas Hebert as the first paid Executive Director of the Museum of Discovery. Upon his hiring, the Museum of Discovery took the initial steps to become its own 501c3 and was renamed the Natural History Museum of Wyoming Inc.