Agnes Wright Spring (January 30, 1887 – February 10, 1979) was an American librarian, historian, author, and advocate for the preservation of Wyoming’s history. She is best known for her work as the state librarian of Wyoming, her extensive publications on the state’s early settlement and development, and her involvement with historical and women’s organizations.
Early life and education
- Born in Laramie, Wyoming, Spring was raised in a family with deep roots in the state’s pioneer community.
- She attended the University of Wyoming, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1909.
Career
- In 1917, Spring was appointed Wyoming’s State Librarian, a position she held for several years. During her tenure, she modernized the state’s library system and promoted public access to historical documents.
- She served as the director of the Wyoming State Historical Society’s library and was instrumental in acquiring and preserving a wide range of primary sources related to the state’s early history.
- Spring authored a number of historical works, including “The Story of the Wyoming” (1931) and “The Centennial History of Wyoming” (1963), which are regarded as important reference texts for scholars of the American West.
- Her writings often focused on the contributions of women and families in the settlement of Wyoming, highlighting previously under‑documented aspects of the state’s development.
Affiliations and honors
- Spring was an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the United Daughters of the Confederacy, and several women’s civic clubs.
- She received the Wyoming State Historical Society’s Distinguished Service Award in 1955 for her lifelong dedication to historical preservation.
Legacy
Agnes Wright Spring’s efforts greatly expanded public access to Wyoming’s historical records and helped shape the narrative of the state’s pioneer era. Her publications continue to serve as key resources for researchers studying the American West and women’s roles in its settlement.
