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Read the West Book Club: Divided Spirits Tequila, Mezcal, and the Politics of Production

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 …

Curator Conversations: Sombreros Texanas and Bosses of the Plains

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 …

Read the West Book Club: When Outlaws Wore Badges

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 …

Curator Conversations: You Have Died of Dysentery

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.

Date with the Duke: Stagecoach (1939)

A group of people traveling on a stagecoach set to leave Tonto, New Mexico, find their journey complicated by the threat of Geronimo and learn something about each other in the process. Stagecoach offers plenty of cowboys, Indians, shootouts and chases, aided by some remarkable stunt work and majestic photography of Ford's beloved Monument Valley. …

Holiday Wine-Down

Relax from the stresses of the holidays! Visit the Museum for a Holiday Wine-Down painting class under instruction from Wine & Palette. Inspired by the nocturnal paintings featured in the Museum galleries, create your own starry night desert landscape masterpiece. $45; $40 for Museum members. All supplies provided, includes light hors d’oeuvres and cash bar. …

Read the West Book Club: Chief Seattle and the Town That Took His Name

When the British, Spanish and then Americans arrived in the Pacific Northwest, it may have appeared to them as an untamed wilderness. In fact, it was a fully settled and populated land. Chief Seattle was a powerful representative from this very ancient world who had gained power and prominence on Puget Sound as a war …

Basket Workshop: Liberty Basket

This liberty basket is the perfect accent to any room. Led by BasketWeavers Guild of Oklahoma, participants will create their own utilizing sea grass. Approximate dimensions: 8.5 inches x 8 inches. Nine inches tall including handle. All supplies included; lunch not provided. $45; $40 for Museum members. Register online by January 13.

Clue! at the Cowboy

“A crime has been committed in Prosperity Junction. A prominent citizen has been murdered. You have been deputized to help find out what happened.” Relive your childhood by playing the popular board game Clue, IRL! Join us in our re-created 19th century frontier town as we work to solve a crime and interview suspects to determine: …

Date with the Duke: North to Alaska

John Wayne and Stewart Granger strike it rich in this rousing comedy adventure set during the Alaskan gold rush. When prospectors Sam McCord (Wayne) and George Pratt (Granger) hit the mother lode, Sam agrees to go to Seattle to bring George’s sweetheart back to Alaska. But since she’s married to someone else, Sam invites a …

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