Matthew Shepard Collection

James D. Osborn was the chair for the University of Wyoming LGBT Association before and after Matthew Shepard's death. His notes capture the events he participated in and the various press interviews he was asked to give.

The flyer explains the meaning behind yellow ribbons marked with green circles which were distributed at the University of Wyoming in the wake of the attack on Matthew Shepard.

Jay N. Fromkin, the Director of University Relations at the University of Wyoming, replies to some of the emails he has received in response to the attack on Matthew Shepard.

The article summarizes the hearing and sentencing of Russell Henderson, one of Matthew Shepard's killers. It is representative of the continued interest of the national media, months after Shepard's death.

Clark, the Faculty Advisor for the Pitzer College Queer Resource Center, writes with his condolences. Clark relays that a candlelight vigil for Matthew Shepard was held on Pitzer College's campus in California. It was one of many vigils held across the county for Shepard.

Hines, the Director of the Mountain States Network Against Bigotry, writes to suggest ways to publicly denounce hate crimes and to organize activities for "Hate Crimes Awareness Week" including church bell ringing in memory of Matthew Shepard.

Supporters of Matthew Shepard's  family dressed as angels stand silently to block hateful anti-gay protesters from the Westboro Baptist Church. 

Leaders of the University of Wyoming Union reflect in a written report on what they learned while dealing with the tragedy of Matthew Shepard's death.

Osborn became the spokesperson for the University of Wyoming's LGBT Association in the aftermath of Matthew Shepard's beating and death.

Long was a childhood friend of Matthew Shepard. She wrote of Shepard's friendly personality and his willingness to stand up to bullies despite his small stature

Hundreds of people signed a banner at the University of Wyoming expressing their sympathies to Matthew's family and friends.

A memorial service was held at the University of Wyoming to allow members of both the university and the surrounding community to come together in grief over Matthew Shepard's death.

The vigil in Tucson, Arizona was one of many held across the U.S. while Matthew Shepard was hospitalized and after his death.

Nearly a year after Matthew Shepard's death, a concert, sponsored by the Office of the President of the University of Wyoming and the Matthew Shepard Foundation, was held in his memory.

Dubois addresses members of the university and Laramie community. He reflects on the events of the year following Matthew Shepard's death.

Dubois replies to a letter received in response to Matthew Shepard's death. Dubois outlines actions the University has taken to fight prejudice. The letter is representative of many sent out by Dubois in reply to correspondence received from around the world.

Proctor, the grandmother of Aaron McKinney, writes to Dubois to elaborate on McKinney's family history and explain her perspective on the death of Matthew Shepard.

Dubois replies to Proctor's letter, saying "violence and murder cannot be excused by attempting to blame the victim."

Dubois details the actions taken  by the University in response to the death of Matthew Shepard.

Hurst summarizes a list of ideas generated by the University of Wyoming Student Senate for on-campus remembrances for Matthew Shepard.

The email contains remarks made by University of Wyoming President Philip L. Dubois immediately following Matthew Shepard's death.

The email contains remarks made by University of Wyoming President Philip L. Dubois during a memorial service for Matthew Shepard.

The text of Dubois' speech summarizes his perspective as University of Wyoming President on events following and lessons learned in the aftermath of Matthew Shepard's death.

The text of a speech made by Matthew Shepard's friend, Walt Boulden. The speech was given during the Washington D.C. vigil for Shepard held on October 14, 1998.

The magazine article, which includes some errors in reporting, is indicative of the national interest in Matthew Shepard's death.

The article, in the National Affairs section of the magazine, discusses Matthew Shepard's murder and the link to renewed discussions about hate crime laws.

The magazine article profiles Matthew Shepard, Russell Henderson and Aaron McKinney.

The article, published a year after Matthew Shepard's death, highlights the perspectives of members of the University of Wyoming community.

The article discusses the capital-murder trial of Aaron McKinney, who admitted he had killed Matthew Shepard. Published more than a year after Shepard's death, It is indicative of the continued national interest.

The article is an in depth investigation of Aaron McKinney and Russell Henderson, the circumstances leading to Matthew Shepard's killing, and the aftermath.

The article discusses the making of a film about Laramie in the aftermath of Matthew Shepard's death. Part of the film focuses on the anti-gay protests led by Reverend Fred Phelps from Westboro Baptist Church.

Three articles published by the British Broadcasting Corporation online. From October 12, 1998 - "World: Americas - Clinton urges crackdown on hate crimes". From October 17, 1998 - "World: Americas - Americans mourn gay hate-crime victim". From December 29, 1998 - "World: Americas - Gay student's killers could face death penalty". The articles are representative of the continuing international interest following the death of Matthew Shepard.

The letters, written by members of the UW community and others around the U.S., reflect a national outpouring of emotion in the wake of Matthew Shepard's death.

The article details the charges against Russell Henderson and Aaron McKinney. They are charged with kidnapping, aggravated robbery and attempted first degree murder of Matthew Shepard.

The article discusses the march held in support of Matthew Shepard as part of the University of Wyoming Homecoming Parade.

The article reports that Wyoming Governor Jim Geringer has called for discussion of anti-bias, anti-hate legislation in the wake of the attack on Matthew Shepard.

The article discusses Matthew Shepard's brutal beating and death. The date and time of his memorial service in Casper, Wyoming is announced.

In this article from the Associated Press, it reports that President Clinton has called on Congress to pass legislation making it easier for federal prosecution of hate crimes.

This opinion piece from a Billings, Montana newspaper decries the ignorance that led to Matthew Shepard's killing, pointing out the influence members of the anti-gay Christian right might have had on the killers.

Shepard's obituary, published in the University of Wyoming's newspaper.

This article from the Associated Press covers the vigil held on the steps of the Capitol in Washington D.C. following Matthew Shepard's death. Mourners, including congressional leaders and celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres, spoke of the need for hate crimes legislation.

This article from the Associated Press covers Matthew Shepard's memorial service, held at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Casper, Wyoming.

The article reports on bias crime bills being sponsored in the Wyoming State Legislature in the aftermath of Matthew Shepard's death. 

The letter reflects the debate that followed the decision of the Albany County attorney to seek the death penalty for Aaron McKinney and Russell Henderson, the accused killers of Matthew Shepard.

An Associated Press article which discusses Judy's Shepard's concern that Matthew Shepard's death might be exploited by activists for political gain.

The article covers the defeat in the Wyoming legislature of the bias crimes bill and the negative publicity that followed. Wyoming remains one of only nine states that do not have a hate or bias crime law on the books.

The acticle covers Judy Shepard's appearance in Washington D.C. to push for national hate crimes legislation. It represents a change of heart by Shepard, who says she now realizes she has a window of opportunity to make some good come from her son's death.

Photos from the front page article on Russell Henderson's guilty plea. On the final day of jury selection Henderson pleaded guilty to the felony murder of Matthew Shepard.

The article covers a benefit concert performed by Elton John at the University of Wyoming in memory of Matthew Shepard. The benefit raised nearly a quarter of a million dollars.

The article reflects on the aftereffects in Laramie in the year following Matthew Shepard's death.

This article from the Associated Press details the anti-gay harassment television campaign which featured Judy Shepard and was aired on MTV beginning in October of 1999.

The article covers the beginning of the trial of Aaron McKinney, charged with the murder of Matthew Shepard.

The letter, written by Matthew Shepard's parents after the completion of the trial of Shepard's killers, expresses appreciation to the citizens of Laramie and Albany County.

The article details the trial of Aaron McKinney. The jury found McKinney guilty of the felony murder of Matthew Shepard.

The article discusses the sentencing of Aaron McKinney for the murder of Matthew Shepard. Judy and Dennis Shepard made the decision not to press for the death penalty, stating that Matthew stood for tolerance rather than revenge

The play, The Laramie Project, written by Moises Kaufamn, was one of the artistic endeavors that followed in the wake of the murder of Matthew Shepard and the events following his death. It has been performed in theaters around the world.

The article covers the signing, by President Obama, of the Matthew Shepard & James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009. Judy Shepard had advocated for a national hate crimes bill for 10 years and was at the president's side as he signed it into law.

Photos from the Laramie, Wyoming newpaper include the bench on the University of Wyoming campus dedicated to Matthew Shepard and a candlelight vigil held in Shepard's memory.