The CRMRC is a Western History Museum
You don’t need to be a cowboy or a ranch hand to appreciate the history of the West. The CRMRC is a museum that honors and preserves the western American heritage. Visitors can learn about western history and culture through exhibits and research materials. There is a museum gift shop, which is open every day, and the museum office is open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
One exhibition of note is the Italian Americans in the American West, which explored the early exploration of the Santa Fe Trail and the subsequent settlement of Western towns. The exhibit also featured family heirlooms and photographs. The exhibition emphasized the contribution of Jews throughout the West, from homesteading in a utopian agricultural community to creating an industry. Lastly, visitors will appreciate the exhibit’s emphasis on the diversity of Western communities. The museum offers a wealth of educational opportunities and activities for the whole family.
Another exhibition was the crossroads of two continents, featuring work by North American and Soviet scholars. This exhibition featured nearly 600 works of art from various cultures, including artifacts and clothing used by arctic people. Visitors will also learn about the history of the U.S. Marshal Agency, established in 1789. At the end of the exhibition, visitors will have a chance to discover what the agency has accomplished for the West.
While visiting the Autry Museum of Western Heritage, you can also visit the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Oklahoma City. It features an impressive collection of Native American artifacts and traces the history of the American West through the early 19th century. You can also visit the Plains Indian Museum, the largest collection of Indian art in the world. A tour of the Plains Indian Museum will provide a greater understanding of the culture of Indians and their role in the American West.
The Autry Museum of Art’s Autry Contemporary Art Exhibition, held in February 2010, was a particularly striking example of contemporary art. Emphasizing works created after 1990, the Maverick Art exhibition explored how contemporary artists use the American West as an artistic resource. Some artists explored the lingering presence of Western mythology and icons, while others explored the modern connection between tradition and innovation. Ultimately, this exhibit demonstrates the symbiotic relationship between tradition and innovation.