From 1991 – 1996, Wilson Hurley (1924 – 2008) devoted his life and artistic skill to creating five enormous triptychs that depict the grandeur of the American West landscape. Known collectively as the Windows to the West, these 15 canvases grace the walls of the National Cowboy Museum’s Sam Noble Special Events Center. In this …
In conjunction with the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association (TCAA), this workshop will focus on aspects of design, layout and engraving and inlay techniques. Learn from experts in the field to create the decorative elements that go into creating beautiful and functional art. Instructors: Bit and spur makers Wilson Capron and Ernie Marsh have more than …
On the second Sunday of the month, visitors learn the specifics behind a unique artifact from the Museum’s collection, thus opening a window to learning even more about a particular culture, individual or moment in time. Afterward, venture into the galleries and enjoy the current exhibitions at your own pace. Free for members or with …
Explore your creative side in a fun and informal drawing session. Borrow drawing materials from the Visitor Services desk in the Museum Lobby (while supplies last) or bring your own! Gather with other art lovers to enjoy an afternoon of drawing. Can’t make it to Drop-In Drawing? Drop in anytime, pick up sketching materials or …
Mysteries and murder; art and adventure; rodeo and rebellion – the Dickinson Research Center (DRC) has it all. In this Curator Conversation, Kera Newby, Director of the DRC and Curator of Archives, presents a behind-the-scenes look at the archives and library of the Museum. Experience the personal stories, rare books and surprising finds preserved in …
In recent years, as consumers increasingly demand to connect with the people and places that produce their food, the concept of terroir—the taste of place—has become more and more prominent. Divided Spirits author Sarah Bowen shows how the institutions that are supposed to guard “the legacy of all Mexicans” often fail those who are most …
Join Museum Curator Michael Grauer in examining the development of what is known today as a “cowboy hat” using the Museum’s permanent collection. Beginning with wide-brimmed leather hats (vaqueteadas), the exhibition will explore the evolution of the cowboy hat from woven sombreros, to “John B.s” or “Stetsons” (whether they were Stetson-made or not), to today’s …
On the second Sunday of the month, visitors learn the specifics behind a unique artifact from the Museum’s collection, thus opening a window to learning even more about a particular culture, individual or moment in time. Afterward, venture into the galleries and enjoy the current exhibitions at your own pace. Free for members or with …
At times, the black-hatted “villains” and white-hatted “good guys” of the Old West were one and the same. Often it was difficult, if not impossible, to distinguish who was who. Sheriff Wyatt Earp stole horses and ran brothels. Justice Hoodoo Brown and Deputy JJ Webb ruled Las Vegas as leaders of the Dodge City Gang …
Join Associate Curator of History Nathan Jones for a playful telling of Western history through the games we play, starting with the Oregon Trail video game first released in the 1970s. Examine the fascinating worlds of board games, video games, toys and roleplaying and how they connect to the history they explore. Registration requested.
