There is a new face is at the Dawson County Historical Society Museum in Lexington, John Woodward. Originally from Central Wyoming, he took up the post in October succeeded Barbara Vondras who left the museum in August.

John has some ties to Central Nebraska. His great-grandparents married in Gosper County in 1893 and his grandfather was born at Curtis in Frontier County in 1894. Also, a great aunt, Dellamay Woodward nee Vance, was born and raised in Lexington, graduating from Lexington High School in 1938.

A graduate of the University of Wyoming, in Laramie, John has multiple degrees in anthropology and history. For several summers, he worked for faculty of UW Anthropology Department on archeological digs throughout Wyoming. He also  worked part time as a curation aid at the University of Wyoming Archeological Repository while completing his studies. Completing work on his Master’s Thesis last May, John worked for a transportation company in his home town of Riverton while looking for a history related position. His research interests focus on the 20th Century Western History.

John looks forward to using his academic and working experience to continue developing both the  Society and the Museum. Among his goal are finishing the museum’s renovation and expansion project and expanding the range of education and outreach programs offered throughout Dawson County. John is also seeking to develop and expand the existing ties between all the historical societies and museums throughout the county.

When you have a chance, fell free to drop by the museum to meet John.