Museums across the country are expanding their collections and broadening the stories they tell as they continue to grow and reimagine their presentations. Stories of the land and how people connect with it are enhanced by the artwork from myriad creators-both historic practitioners like Alfred Jacob Miller and contemporary image masters.
This year's roundup of the best collections, interpretations and experiences in museums includes exhibits that range from ancient pottery to modern-day cartoons. Ranching, American Indians, trails and geography are part of the smorgasbord.
1 WESTERN SPIRIT: SCOTTSDALE'S MUSEUM OF THE WEST
Scottsdale, Arizona
"Dazzling Array: The Richard A. Gates Collection of Native American Jewelry" includes belts, necklaces and cuffs among other pieces of contemporary jewelry by Native makers. And in the theme of pop culture this year the museum has exhibitions of works by Andy Warhol and Billy Schenk. Warhol's "Cowboys & Indians" calls attention to the cultural significance of both Indians and cowboys, while "Myth of the West" is a different take on those same subjects by Schenk, a cowboy inspired by Warhol's work. On exhibit for the first time are more than 65 pieces of Hopi pottery from the Allan and Judith Cooke Collection. And the museum features the photography exhibit "The Gather-A Portrait of the American West" by Scott T. Baxter. The museum is also in new hands. In May, highly experienced local business and community leader Todd Bankofier was named the new chief executive officer and executive director. He will be at the forefront of Western Spirit's crucial next phase of growth and development.
scottsdalemuseumwest.org
2 NATIONAL RANCHING HERITAGE CENTER
Lubbock, Texas
Esta historia es de la edición September 2023 de True West.
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Esta historia es de la edición September 2023 de True West.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Where Did the Loot Go? - This is one of those find the money stories. And it's one that has attracted treasure hunters for more than 150 years.
Whatever happened to the $97,000 from the Reno Gang's last heist? Up to a dozen members of the Reno Gang stopped a Jeffersonville, Madison and Indianapolis train at a watering station in southern Indiana. The outlaws had prior intelligence about its main load: express car safes held about $97,000 in government bonds and notes. In the process of the job, one of the crew was killed and two others hurt. The gang made a clean getaway with the loot.
Hero of Horsepower - Los Angeles lawman William Hammel tamed one of the West's wildest towns with hard work and horseless carriages.
Los Angeles lawman William Hammel tamed one of the West's wildest towns with hard work and horseless carriages.
From the Basin to the Plains
Discover Wyoming on a road trip to Cody, Casper and Cheyenne.
COLLECTING AMERICAN OUTLAWS
Wilbur Zink has preserved the Younger Gang's history in more ways than one.
Spencer's West
After the Civil War, savvy frontiersmen chose the Spencer repeating carbine.
Firearms With a Storied Past
Rock Island gavels off high profits from historic firearms.
She Means Business!
An energetic and ambitious woman has come to Lincoln, New Mexico, to restore the town's legendary Ellis Store.
Ride that Train!
HERITAGE RAILROADS KEEP THE OLD WEST ALIVE ACROSS THE UNITED STATES.
Saddle Up with a Western
Old West fiction and nonfiction are the perfect genres to fill your summer reading list.
RENEGADES OF THE RAILS
RAILROADS WERE OPEN SEASON FOR OKLAHOMA AND INDIAN TERRITORY OUTLAW GANGS.