Visiting the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum
Oklahoma has much to honor and appreciate regarding its rich history of cowboy heritage. With the exception of a few wronged cowboys (including Doc Mulcahy who was sentenced to death for shooting an unarmed sheriff), all OK people have an abundance of pride regarding their cowboy heritage. As Oklahoma has proven that it is able to not only honor its cowboy heritage but also make that presence felt through tours, festivals, and educational programs, Oklahoma’s recognition as a state that holds that very tradition is clearly demonstrated by the fact that it is home to such esteemed institutions as the National Cowboy Heritage Museum and Historic Area, the Oklahoma Historical Society, and the Oklahoma State Capitol.
The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum are an authentic museum within Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States. The museum has the world’s largest collection of American and western memorabilia, which includes everything from horses to ladders to teacups. It houses a wide variety of western instruments and art. The museum is currently hosting an annual western themed festival, “Easter’s Day at the Museum,” which runs from March 17th through May 4th each year.
The Oklahoma Historical Society is a non-profit organization that preserves and promotes the historical culture of Oklahoma. It is particularly noteworthy that it exists in a state that is almost completely devoid of native American history. Yet, the society does exist, and it is located in the beautiful Oklahoma City. One of the highlights of the organization is that it hosts what is known as a west side tour. In addition to the Museum, the society sponsors a number of interesting activities and events, such as the “OU West Side Band Challenge” every June. The group also sponsors a number of workshops and tours for those interested in learning more about the state of Oklahoma and its people.
The Oklahoma Historical Society has an incredible amount of knowledge about the early pioneer years of the state. They have a tremendous amount of information about the cowboy and the state of Oklahoma as well. They have a great deal of information about the Trail of Tears, the gold rush, the gold busters, the Oklahoma Territory, early cattle drives, and much more. One highlight of the organization is that they host an annual rodeo in mid-February. The rodeo is a spectacular event that brings celebrities from the television and movie industry to the OK Corral to view some of the best cattle in the area.
The Museum of Modern Art is another great place to visit if you are interested in learning more about Oklahoma’s rich western heritage. The Museum features numerous art galleries featuring the work of several famous western artists. Some of these famous artists are Frank Lloyd Wright, Annie Oakley, Dusty Middleton, and Ansel Adams. The Museum of Modern Art also houses a massive collection of artifacts, such as a dinosaur bone discovered by archaeologist John S. Rhine, the world’s first photographic print, and works by such diverse artists as Edvard Munch and Norwegian Forestiker.
Oklahoma’s own contribution to the genre of American western art can be found in the Museum of Contemporary American Art. This museum features contemporary artists, as well as, traditional artist who are showcased throughout the year. The Oklahoma Museum of Modern Art has won many awards and has served as the base for such movies as the “Lawrence of Arabia” and” Bonnie and Clyde.”
One other great way to learn about the rich history of Oklahoma’s cattle ranches is to visit the Southwestern States School of Art. This university offers two different venues that allow students to exhibit their artwork: the Rodeo Gallery and the Outland Gallery. The gallery exhibits both permanent and temporary exhibits, which highlight the work of both contemporary western artists as well as those who specialize in the historic style of the past. The Southwestern States School of Art also offers courses on the history of rodeo and cattle drives, as well as life on a ranch, and food and medicine through the ages. The school has won numerous national awards, including those won by students who have exhibited at the aforementioned museums.
One of the most interesting areas of study to come from the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Center is the area of history and culture surrounding the men and women of cowboy and western fashion. The museum has a portion devoted to the history of American cowboys, as well as an exhibit of western clothes created by cowboys and their admirers. The women of western Texas were as celebrated in the art gallery, which displays, among other items, a bust of Queen Eliza. Western art is shown not only in the home decor of cowboys, but also in the fashion of the day. This last aspect makes Texas home decor an even more beautiful representation of the time and lifestyle.