Across the table from a gently whirring machine lies an artifact from the ancient Clovis Culture, a stone spearhead that has long-since lost its wooden shaft. The ancient tool lays in wait as the machine moves back and forth, precisely layering spindly brown fibers in the shape of a spear shaft. Soon, the newly printed support and ancient spearhead will sit together in a facsimile of what once was. A marvel of conservation and technology.

This winter, the Yellowstone Gateway Museum acquired two 3D printers, a Bambu Lab X1-Carbon and a Elegoo Jupiter SE, thanks to a Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund (LATCF) Grant from the U.S. Department of the Treasury. These printers are a step into the future and will allow the YGM to interpret, recreate, and better conserve the artifacts in their collections. The Elegoo machine, a resin printer, can precisely recreate objects, while the Bambu Lab, a filament printer, allows cheaper, easier object-making. Both of the printers will allow the museum to create tactile copies of the items in their collections so that visitors can touch, hold, or play with replicas of artifacts. Have you ever wondered how big a wolf’s claw is in comparison to your own hand? With a 3D printed copy, visitors will have the chance to try one out for size! Not only will these replicas allow for the museum’s collections to be more easily accessible, but braille plaques printed from these printers can also help visitors with visual impairments connect to the artifacts on display.

These 3D printers can be used for more than just gallery displays. Both printers will allow the museum to broaden its outreach. Objects can be modeled, so even if the original is loaned to another museum, no display will be left empty. The same goes for outreach to rural communities. As part of YGM’s continued goal to help educate and bring museum materials to all parts of Park County, the artifacts themselves can now be more safely transported. Custom printed object supports can ensure artifacts will travel safely and carefully, as well as be displayed properly at home or on the go.

These printers are even able to scale miniature replicas of large objects and areas. A model representation of the Northern Pacific Railway could be used to demonstrate the expanse and importance of the early rail systems. A scale model of a giant Bison of ancient Yellowstone could be compared to its descendants of today. Perhaps there’s even some games waiting to be made…learning is meant to be fun.

These printers represent YGM’s commitment to its local communities and its collections, as well as its advancement as an institution. YGM is committed to all of its visitors and these printers are just another step into the future for us to help curate and demonstrate our vibrant history in ways that are accessible to everyone.

(Eli Erickson, Digital Communications Intern)