The Donald C. & Elizabeth M. Dickinson Research Center houses the Museum’s archival and photographic collections, institutional records, and library. It shares the Museum’s mission to preserve and interpret the evolving history and cultures of the American West through exhibitions, education, research, and publications.

The collections span centuries and include over 42,000 books; 700,000 photographs; dime novels, manuscripts, maps, film posters, movies and more. Not limited to the old West, they also cover the modern authors, directors, and artists inspired by it. Main subject areas include general western history, rodeo history, Native American history, western popular culture, western art, and ranching.

The Dickinson Research Center is open to the public. To research special collections, please make an appointment by contacting us at askarchives@nationalcowboymuseum.org