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When editor Kylie McCormick asked the Waggeners to introduce themselves as WyoHistory.org’s new co-assistant editors, they realized their connection to Wyoming’s past isn’t just professional—it’s personal. Leslie and Robert Waggener have spent more than two decades exploring, documenting and sharing Wyoming’s history through their work and life together.

Their Wyoming Story

You might wonder how two people come to share one editorial position. The answer lies in their complementary backgrounds and shared passion. While Leslie continues in her role as Outreach Archivist at the University of Wyoming’s American Heritage Center until retirement in 2026, this arrangement allows the couple to collaborate on something they both care deeply about: preserving and sharing Wyoming’s multifaceted history.

Leslie and Robert have been devoted participants in Wyoming Historical Society treks since 2002, rarely missing an opportunity to explore the state’s historical landscapes with fellow history enthusiasts. In fact, Wyoming history played a starring role in their love story when Robert proposed to Leslie during the 2004 trek at Fort Bridger. Of course, she said “Yes!”

Professionally, Leslie has had the privilege of editing the Discover History blog and coordinating “Archives on the Air” at the AHC. She has also directed several oral history initiatives, most recently the “Life Between the Rails” project documenting Union Pacific Railroad experiences. Meanwhile, Robert—a Wyoming native—brings decades of editorial expertise from his work with Journal of Rocky Mountain Geology, UW Extension, four Wyoming newspapers and numerous publications focused on Wyoming’s agricultural heritage. His journalism background (UW class of ‘83!) and photography skills add visual storytelling to their toolkit.

Why History Matters to Them

Wyoming’s past fascinates the Waggeners, because it contains multitudes—stories of triumph alongside difficult chapters that need thoughtful examination. Leslie’s recent articles in Annals of Wyoming on Wyoming’s second Ku Klux Klan history and the state’s energy development reflect this commitment to exploring all aspects of our collective story.

For Robert, his love of Wyoming history dates back to his early years growing up in Green River, where his Great-Grandfather William Hutton Jr. and Great-Aunt Eunice Hutton were founding members of the Wyoming State Historical Society. During early high school, Robert joined Aunt Eune on his first historical trek, a tour of Flaming Gorge country. On the way back home, the old yellow school bus—weighed down with trekkers who had enjoyed a classic box lunch near the Gates of Lodore—couldn’t scale a steep incline on a dirt road. The bus driver applied the emergency brakes and asked everyone to slowly exit. The bus still couldn’t make the incline so all the young men, including yours truly, got behind and pushed with all their might. Surely not the safest thing to do, but we helped get old yeller to the top—and made local history in the process.

Fast forward, Leslie and Robert have been fortunate to witness the growth of WyoHistory.org from its earliest days. They still remember when Tom Rea first shared his vision for this digital history project. It seemed incredibly ambitious at the time, but Tom’s dedication made it a reality and great success. Now, with Kylie at the helm and Rebecca Hein as assistant editor, Leslie and Robert are excited to contribute to the continued evolution. Leslie has relied on this encyclopedia countless times for her own research on Wyoming topics, and now they get to help shape its future content.

As they transition toward retirement, this co-editing opportunity allows them to keep their hand in Wyoming history—a subject that has defined much of their professional lives and personal relationship.

What Readers Can Expect

As co-editors, the Waggeners are committed to help ensure that all content meets the highest standards of historical scholarship while remaining accessible to readers of all backgrounds. They believe in highlighting varied perspectives and underrepresented voices throughout Wyoming’s history and integrating compelling images that enhance historical narratives.

They’re especially excited about working with Wyoming’s community of historians (young and old alike), researchers and writers to develop content that deepens our collective understanding of the state’s past.

When not immersed in historical documents, you might find Leslie and Robert tending their garden in Laramie, working on their never-ending house project, snowshoeing, hiking or exploring the state’s backroads in search of forgotten stories waiting to be told.

They look forward to sharing Wyoming’s history with readers—one article at a time.