National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum The official page of the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
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The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum brings historical western culture back to life through captivating artwork and timeless artifacts. The Museum serves as a home for new discovery and learning for children and families. The purpose of the Museum’s social media page is to engage with the community in a way that relates back to the mission of the Museum. The Museum’s social media pages re

present the same core values and were created in 1955: to preserve and interpret the evolving history and cultures of the American West for the education and enrichment of its diverse audiences of adults and children. The Museum welcomes and encourages your comments and look forward to staying engaged with you. To keep the discussion in a positive and cooperative spirit, we have a few rules. We reserve the right to remove any post we feel does not support the principles depicted in this policy. The following types of comments will not be allowed:

• Any post that is inappropriate, rude, offensive, or that contains vulgar language or personal attacks of any kind
• An post that is malicious, obscene, threatening, or intimidating, that disparage customers, members, associates or suppliers, or that might constitute harassment or bullying
• Any comment that releases personal information
• Unsolicited advertising or comments that include advertising links to other sites
• The promotion of services, products, political or advocacy organizations
• Anything that infringes on copyrights or trademarks

Those who repeatedly post inappropriate content will be blocked from commenting on this page. The Museum WILL NOT publish or promote political ads nor will we endorse candidates running for public office. The Museum reserves the right to delete any and all posts made by our social media followers that endorse and/or promote political candidates. Likes, follows, and interactions are not endorsements. The Museum is neither responsible for the content nor endorses any site which has a link to or from the page. Social media pages represent a place of passion for the arts and engagement for all visitors in a welcoming, respectful way.

Today's episode of our "This Week in the West" podcast has the most Hall of Famers per minute in history.Meet the Beutle...
08/31/2026

Today's episode of our "This Week in the West" podcast has the most Hall of Famers per minute in history.

Meet the Beutlers, the Western Oklahoma family, who have transformed the world of rodeo through generation after generation of stock contracting excellence.

Dive into their story from an Oklahoma Land Run to today by clicking the link below or finding us wherever you get your podcasts.

https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/blog/this-week-in-the-west-episode-96-the-unmatched-rodeo-excellence-of-the-beutler-family/

Let the Spooky Season Countdown begin!Two months until Halloween, but mark your calendars because before that is the Hal...
08/30/2026

Let the Spooky Season Countdown begin!

Two months until Halloween, but mark your calendars because before that is the HalloWest celebration here at The Cowboy.

October 22 starting at 5:30 p.m.

Prosperity Junction will be decked out for cowboys, cowgirls, vampires, superheroes and the assorted Minion with candy, crafts and fun!

Advance tickets available at the link below!

https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/event/hallowest-2026/

A quirt is much more than the hardest word in a Western-themed crossword puzzle, it's an important piece of equine equip...
08/30/2026

A quirt is much more than the hardest word in a Western-themed crossword puzzle, it's an important piece of equine equipment and, in the hands of some, a work of art.

At the upcoming Traditional Cowboy Arts Association Exhibition & Sale, take a moment to marvel at Nate Ward's California Style Rawhide Quirt.

Wald crafted the California-style quirt with a dyed dark-rust rawhide body and buttons with natural rawhide interweaves, a braided rawhide core and Trenza Patria wrist strap. It features a feather-carved popper by Pedro Pedrini and a 22/24K gold peyote-beaded feather inlay by TJ Wald.

The TCAA Exhibition runs September 12 – October 18, 2026.

Art Sale Weekend is September 25-26, 2026.

All the information about the exhibition, presented by Nadine and Alan Levin, can be found at tcaa.nationalcowboymuseum.org.

And for the record: Quirt - 5 letters, noun meaning "a short riding whip that has a braided leather or rawhide lash."

The American West is sweltering everywhere except inside The Cowboy.And nothing's cooler than watching a dusty cattle dr...
08/29/2026

The American West is sweltering everywhere except inside The Cowboy.

And nothing's cooler than watching a dusty cattle drive from our climate-controlled confines, showing "The Cowboy: An Immersive Journey."

The innovative experience continues with daily shows, including late on Saturday.

Ticket info and more at thecowboy.org/immersive

Among the honorees at this year's National Rodeo Hall of Fame celebration in November will be Linsay Rosser Sumpter, win...
08/28/2026

Among the honorees at this year's National Rodeo Hall of Fame celebration in November will be Linsay Rosser Sumpter, winner of this year's Tad Lucas Award.

If you'd like to join us in celebrating these legends of rodeo, you can attend National Rodeo Hall of Fame Weekend here at The Cowboy on November 13-14. Ticket and event information can be found at this link: https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/national-rodeo-hall-of-fame/rodeo-hall-of-fame-weekend/

Presented each year by the family of Tad Lucas, the most decorated cowgirl in American history whose career spanned seven decades, the award recognizes a living woman whose actions promote the values Lucas embodied.

Sumpter is a recognized leader in the rodeo and western sports industry, known for advancing opportunities for women and honoring the traditions that define the sport.

As the granddaughter of National Hall of Famer Cotton Rosser, one of rodeo’s most influential figures, she carries forward a legacy deeply rooted in excellence and innovation.

An accomplished rodeo athlete, Sumpter has competed at the highest levels, earning qualifications to the Mountain States Circuit Finals, Women’s Rodeo World Championship, Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) World Finals, and the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR). She continues to compete professionally as a breakaway roper, bringing firsthand perspective to her leadership and advocacy work.

Sumpter currently serves as Commissioner of the Premier Women’s Rodeo (PWR), where she plays a pivotal role in expanding opportunities for female athletes, increasing visibility for women’s rodeo, and helping shape the future of the sport through strategic partnerships and national platforms.

The 2026 National Rodeo Hall of Fame Weekend is presented by Bobby and JJ Norris & The Dellora A. and Lester J. Norris Foundation.

The National Rodeo Hall of Fame named its newest class of inductees and honorees. We're taking a closer look at those le...
08/27/2026

The National Rodeo Hall of Fame named its newest class of inductees and honorees. We're taking a closer look at those legends.

If you'd like to join us in celebrating these legends of rodeo, you can attend National Rodeo Hall of Fame Weekend here at The Cowboy on November 13-14. Ticket and event information can be found at the link below: https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/national-rodeo-hall-of-fame/rodeo-hall-of-fame-weekend/

Today, meet our final inductee: Bobby Kerr.

Born in the late 1950s, Kerr grew up during the golden age of television westerns, when the cowboy way of life captured his imagination early on. His first job was with a neighbor’s Wild West horse show, where he discovered his lifelong passion for horses.

As a teenager, he competed in rodeo as a saddle bronc rider, bull rider and calf roper. Over the years, Bobby became a respected horseman and trainer, competing successfully in reining, working cow horse, cutting and other Western disciplines.

His deep connection with the American Mustang became a defining part of his legacy, earning national recognition for his ability to build trust with these horses and bring out their intelligence, heart and versatility. His Mustang performances and freestyle acts made him a standout in rodeo entertainment across the country, earning him the PRCA Specialty Act of the Year title six times.

In 1997, Bobby and his wife Susan founded the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, honoring outstanding horsemen and women and preserving Western heritage.

More than a performer or trainer, Bobby Kerr embodied the cowboy way of life in its purest form with honesty, humility, hard work and deep respect for both animals and people. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, the horses he transformed and the enduring cowboy spirit he so authentically represented.

The 2026 National Rodeo Hall of Fame Weekend is presented by Bobby and JJ Norris & The Dellora A. and Lester J. Norris Foundation.

Last week, our Cowboy Crew was on hand to experience one of ProRodeo's premier summer events—the Caldwell (Idaho) Night ...
08/27/2026

Last week, our Cowboy Crew was on hand to experience one of ProRodeo's premier summer events—the Caldwell (Idaho) Night Rodeo.

Nestled right in the heart of town, this legendary rodeo lives up to its 10 PRCA nominations for Top Large Outdoor Rodeo in every way.

There is nothing quite like the energy in that arena, fueled by the friendly rivalry between the famous "Rowdies" and "Civies" in the grandstands, whose spirited back-and-forth participation keeps the crowd entertained all night long.

A few highlights from our stop on the trail:
* 44 Years of Service: Legendary announcer Randy Corley was honored for an incredible 44 years behind the mic at Caldwell!
* NFR Impact: Five nights featuring the top cowboys and cowgirls in the world competing for record-breaking payouts on their push toward Las Vegas
* Community Commitment: Seeing how CNR gives back year-round through impactful programs like "Rodeo 101"—which introduces local youth to Western heritage and the fundamentals of the sport and "Miracle on Dirt" fundraiser benefitting the Boys and Girls Club of Canyon County.

We loved seeing a rodeo that brings high-stakes NFR quality action to the arena while staying so deeply connected to its community.

Until next time, Caldwell!

Western style, with a little extra fringe. ✨The Halsey bag, from Pranee's Brooklyn collection, is completely handmade us...
08/27/2026

Western style, with a little extra fringe. ✨

The Halsey bag, from Pranee's Brooklyn collection, is completely handmade using genuine leather, hand sewn embroidery, unique decorative stitching, and lots of care and attention.

Pair it with our vintage-inspired National Cowboy Hall of Fame 1955 tee for an easy throwback Western look.

Shop both inside the museum or online at Persimmon Hill Store. https://bit.ly/3SBuNrb

The craftsmanship of the saddlemakers of the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association sometimes goes far beyond saddles. The ...
08/26/2026

The craftsmanship of the saddlemakers of the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association sometimes goes far beyond saddles.

The works created for the TCAA Exhibition & Sale, coming in September, introduce artistry to everyday objects.

The TCAA Exhibition runs September 12 – October 18, 2026.

Art Sale Weekend is September 25-26, 2026.

All the information about the exhibition, presented by Nadine and Alan Levin, is available at tcaa.nationalcowboymuseum.org

The National Rodeo Hall of Fame named its newest class of inductees and honorees. We're taking a closer look at those le...
08/26/2026

The National Rodeo Hall of Fame named its newest class of inductees and honorees. We're taking a closer look at those legends.

If you'd like to join us in celebrating these legends of rodeo, you can attend National Rodeo Hall of Fame Weekend here at The Cowboy on November 13-14. Ticket and event information can be found at the link below:

https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/national-rodeo-hall-of-fame/rodeo-hall-of-fame-weekend/

Today, meet the first of our deceased nominees: Hoss Inman.

Born on November 15, 1929, James Allen Inman earned the nickname “Hoss” for his exceptional speed on the football field. While his early years were spent ranching in Colorado and competing as an amateur, his true calling lay in equine management and rodeo production.

In 1954, Inman established the Flying I Rodeo company after purchasing stock from Lester Hines.

Over the next 23 years, he became a premier contractor throughout the Midwest. A pioneer in the sport, the well-dressed and personable Inman was the first producer to give bucking bulls names instead of numbers, adding a new level of engagement for fans. His eye for talent was unmatched; he provided nine head of stock for the very first National Finals Rodeo. Among his legendary animals were “Jesse James,” who went to the finals 11 years and was the 1961 PRCA Horse of the Year, and “Sippin’ Velvet,” a six-time Texas Circuit Top Horse.

Beyond the arena, Inman served as the NIRA Secretary-Manager, producing their Finals during the 1960s. In retirement, he transitioned to the horse race track. He was inducted into the Nebraska Racing Hall of Fame in 1992, just one year before his passing in 1993.

The 2026 National Rodeo Hall of Fame Weekend is presented by Bobby and JJ Norris & The Dellora A. and Lester J. Norris Foundation.

Address

1700 NE 63rd Street
Oklahoma City, OK
73111

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 8pm
Saturday 10am - 8pm
Sunday 12pm - 5pm

Telephone

+14054782250

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