Boom and bust cycles have long characterized the state of Wyoming, where regional populations and economies have ebbed and flowed in tandem with the energy industry. These cycles evoke a spectrum of emotions, from collective hope to anxiety, prosperity to distress. Within this context, the struggle between capital and labor over public memory is palpable, reflecting the ongoing tensions inherent in these economic fluctuations.

This qualitative inquiry delves into the consciousness of coal mining communities in Kemmerer-Diamondville, Wyoming, exploring their fear of forgetting and the imperative to remember labor history amidst shifting economic landscapes and a transition to nuclear power. Central to this investigation is the creation of a digital public memory-keeping platform, which serves as a repository for collective memory and lived experiences.

Grounded in community participation and informed by oral histories and material culture, this accessible website provides a space for residents to engage with and contribute to the preservation of their labor heritage. By examining labor memory within the context of a transitioning coal-centered economy, this study sheds light on the significance of remembering in the face of economic uncertainty and underscores the importance of community-driven initiatives in preserving the legacy of labor in Wyoming's history.