ANN SIMPSON
Wyoming steward, mental health advocate, and champion for the arts
A celebrated Wyoming icon, Ann Simpson has journeyed from her family’s farm in Greybull, Wyoming to Washington D.C. with her husband, former United States Senator Alan Simpson.
“I think the feeling of self-worth is very important for all of us. That’s what holds us back, when you don’t have self worth.”
Listen to Ann’s story.
Ann Simpson grew up on a small farm in Greybull, Wyoming. As the wife of former United States Senator Alan Simpson, she had the opportunity to travel and experience the world. Her exposure to people and cultures at home and abroad inspired Ann’s many projects across the decades. Throughout her years in politics, first with father-in-law Milward Simpson and continuing with husband Al in the Wyoming State Legislature and the U.S. Senate, Ann learned that by extending oneself to people of all types, they respond in kind. This realization has been a guiding force throughout her life and is at the heart of her good works.
Time spent in Germany during Al’s army career led Ann to start the first American Field Service study abroad program in Cody. This program allowed Wyoming youth to travel abroad, while bringing students from around the world to Wyoming. A mental health advocate, Ann was passionately involved in the Congressional Wives Mental Health Group and the Lab School of Washington for Children with Dyslexia.
As a champion of the arts, Ann was spurred to create the University of Wyoming’s most successful art outreach effort, the Ann Simpson Artmobile. Named in her honor, the Artmobile has traveled the state for more than 30 years showcasing objects from the University of Wyoming Art Museum’s collection and engaging Wyoming communities with the arts through hands-on activities.
Ann Simpson, at home in Cody, Wyoming
“Al’s father was campaigning for Governor, and that was a fabulous experience because I learned that if you extend yourself to people, people respond. Everyone’s waiting for someone to make the first step.”
An avid reader and champion of the arts, Ann initiated the University of Wyoming’s largest art outreach effort. Named in her honor, the “Ann Simpson Artmobile” travels to communities all around Wyoming to expose youth to art and culture.
“Life is to make the most of what you have done, and let go of regret. I think the goal is to gain wisdom about ourselves and life. We are just constantly evolving with the goal to become a richer person.”
As the wife of former United States Senator Alan Simpson, Ann Simpson had the opportunity to travel and experience the world. Her exposure to people and cultures at home and abroad inspired Ann’s many projects across the decades.
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