Outlaw event Saturday at the museum

It was hidden in plain sight for years until it caught the eye of a historian. Mark Mszanski, a writer for the True West magazine, was going through the digital database of the Hot Springs Historical Museum in Thermopolis when he came across a famous photo. The portrait of the Sundance Kid and Etta Place is well known to Western history buffs but there was something about this particular photo that stood out to Msaznski. The embossing around the photo was unique and he contacted the museum to confirm his suspicions.

After extensive research, Mszanski was able to confirm that the photo was a rare original photo that Sundance had purchased in New York City in 1901. The outlaw had sent it on to a few close family and friends as a goodbye since he was leaving on a ship for South America. It is one of only four known to be in existence and mystery surrounds the photograph.

Questions remain about why the infamous Sundance Kid sent the photograph back to Wyoming and who he was saying goodbye to. How did it end up in an album owned by Minnie Brown? And who was Minnie Brown?

This Saturday, August 14, Mszanski will be coming in person to Thermopolis and the valuable photo will be coming out of the vault in a special celebration when the rare photo will be on display. It will be taken out of the vault at 1:30 p.m. and at 2 p.m., Mszanski will host a free presentation about the photograph.

There will be free admission to the museum from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., although donations are greatly appreciated. Food trucks, live music, and a vintage photo booth will be available. You can even sit at the original Hole-in-the-Wall Bar and order a Sarsaparilla or Root Beer.

Come to the Hot Springs Historical Museum located at 700 Broadway Street for a fun filled day. Call 864-2974 or visit thermopolismuseum.org with any questions and to find out more.