Top 10 Western Museums of 2009
By: Johnny D. Boggs 04/01/2009
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Favell Museum
Klamath Falls, Oregon
Small town, amazing museum. That seems to be the consensus for this 17,000-square-foot learning center “dedicated to the enhancement and understanding of the history of the West, preservation of American Indian artifacts and culture, and exhibits of notable contemporary Western art.” Besides, where else can you buy Southwestern jewelry in the Pacific Northwest—on a free-admission day, no less?
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Ruidoso River Museum
Ruidoso, New Mexico
We expect to hear a lot more about this two-story newcomer to the museum world that focuses on Billy the Kid, Pat Garrett and the Lincoln County War but doesn’t overlook the rest of the area’s rich history. Here you cannot only see the badge and gun A.J. Fountain gave Garrett but also a tiara worn at Queen Victoria’s wedding? Go figure!
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Chisholm Trail Heritage Center
Duncan, Oklahoma
Only 10 years old, the museum has already tripled in size, and its reputation continues to grow. Dedicated to educating children and adults about the history and heritage of the famous cattle trail, the museum offers a wide range of exhibits and special events.
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National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center
Baker City, Oregon
Focusing on the story of overland migration allows visitors to experience the Oregon Trail indoors (a 25,000-square-foot facility that includes a massive, full-scale diorama will almost have you coughing from trail dust) and outdoors (four miles of hiking trails leading to a dozen Oregon Trail overlooks, and a one-mile stretch of wagon ruts).
Comments (4)
No mention of the Amon Carter Museum in Fort Worth, Texas? Their Remington and Russell collection surpasses all.
The Archway is truly one of the best western history museums we have ever had the pleasure of touring. A must see for anyone traveling I-80 across Nebraska! Makes you feel like you are living the events as they are depicted.
on the way to texas way back in 2001, we saw the platte river road archway for the first time...just rises up out of the plain at you...quite a surprise...really different...
Kudos to the #1 Museum Choice, the "Archway". As a Pawnee tribal member involved with the archway staff in several activities I believe they are very deserving. The upcoming June event they are planning, Dancers of the Plains & welcoming the Pawnee back to their homeland ... will be a historic event. Not only are they preserving the past, but in their quest they are making history by hosting the homecoming event and coordinating with the Neb.Council of Indian Affairs to have their mtg inducting the Pawnee into their commission. Staff has helped with the effort to keep their traditional seeds alive ... and developed friendships between a tribal nation and the people of Neb. I am so proud of them and thank you for recognizing their good ways. - Deb Echo-Hawk
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