Tintype Portraits at the Wyoming Historical Governor’s Mansion

Tintype Photography in a Historic Setting

Tintype photography rose to popularity in the mid-to-late 1800s, offering families a tangible, lasting image during a time when photography was still a marvel. Creating tintypes inside the Governor’s Mansion—surrounded by period furnishings and holiday décor—brought the process full circle.

Guests posed beside the Christmas tree as their portraits were carefully crafted on metal plates, producing one-of-a-kind images that feel both timeless and deeply personal. These tintypes weren’t just photos—they were heirloom keepsakes, echoing the same sense of permanence and craftsmanship that defines the mansion itself.

Top 5 Interesting Facts About the Wyoming Historical Governor’s Mansion

• Designed in the Late 1800s: Although completed in the early 1900s, the mansion was designed in the late 1890s, reflecting architectural tastes of the Victorian era as Wyoming prepared for a permanent executive residence.
• Came in Under Budget: Remarkably, the mansion was completed under its original design budget—a rare achievement for large public construction projects of the time.
• Home to Wyoming Governors: The mansion served as the official residence for multiple Wyoming governors and their families, witnessing decades of political and social history.
• Architectural Craftsmanship: From intricate woodwork to period-appropriate finishes, the mansion showcases the quality craftsmanship and materials valued at the turn of the century.
• Now a Public Historic Site: Today, the mansion is preserved as a museum, allowing visitors to experience Wyoming history firsthand through guided tours, exhibits, and seasonal events.

Christmas at the Mansion

During the holiday season, the Wyoming Historical Governor’s Mansion truly comes alive. Each room is decorated with historically inspired Christmas décor, offering a glimpse into how the holidays may have looked for families living there over a century ago.

The centerpiece Christmas tree provided the perfect backdrop for tintype portraits, blending festive warmth with historical authenticity. Visitors left not only with new knowledge of Wyoming’s past, but with a tangible memory they could hold in their hands.

Preserving History Through Experience

Events like this highlight the power of experiential history. By combining public tours, seasonal storytelling, and analog photography, the mansion offered guests a deeper emotional connection to the past—one that goes far beyond reading plaques or viewing exhibits.

Tintype portraits by Dylan Burr served as a bridge between centuries, reminding visitors that history is not just something to observe, but something to experience.

Interested in bringing a historic tintype experience to your museum, event, or holiday gathering? Contact Dylan Burr to create authentic, heirloom-quality portraits that honor the past while delighting modern audiences.