Photo Album

Welcome to the Autry National Center's Museum of the American West and their new exhibit Cowboys and Presidents.

Members of the media listen to guest curator Byron Price at the press preview for Cowboys and Presidents.

The Dodge City Cowboy Band items are in this case and you must see the gold and diamond encrusted baton!

"Now look! That damned cowboy is president of the United States!" is the quote for this section on Teddy Roosevelt.

The first of several multimedia displays features a “silent movie” with many clips of Will Rogers that are quite funny even today!

Throughout the exhibit, you’ll find “popular art” such as the William S. Hart movie poster from Russia and “classic art” such as this Russell painting side by side presenting the Cowboys and Presidents themes.

Here curator Byron Price points out details in a political cartoon from William Howard Taft’s presidency.

In this section, cowboys Gene Autry and Will Rogers are presented.

You’ll also find a “dress up” area for children – mix and match your presidential business suits and cowboy hats here!

Cowboy Movie Star Gene Autry and Soldier Gene Autry are presented alongside the 1934 Vanity Fair cover of FDR as a "cowboy president."

A closer look of Gene’s outfits and the lobby cards from the films Rovin’ Tumbleweeds, In Old Monterey, and South of the Border.

Guest curator Byron Price talks about Will Rogers’ influence with American Presidents.

Throughout the exhibit you’ll find interactive “voting booths” where you can cast your vote on favorite items and subjects in the Cowboys and Presidents exhibit.

That’s President Coolidge’s Western outfit and electric exercise horse. You really must see this in person!

Cowboy Movie Star Tom Mix is represented with some swell items.

In this FDR case you’ll find sheet music for Home on the Range and very interesting wooden carvings of a cowboy roping Hitler!

Lyndon Johnson's supporters embraced the cowboy theme as shown in the outfit worn by the "Ladies for Lyndon."

“The Cold War Cowboy” is presented in this multimedia corner.

The case with President Eisenhower's cowboy items is very colorful.  And that’s a John Wayne movie poster next to it.

The decline of the cowboy image in the 1970s is represented by a poster from Blazing Saddles and a photo of Jimmy Carter farming peanuts.

This multimedia clip highlights President Reagan and is narrated by Steve Ford, President Ford’s son. You must visit the exhibit to find out Steve’s first hand cowboy experience.

Actor Ronald Reagan made many movies but his cowboy films captured the most attention during his political years.

President Ronald Reagan embraced the cowboy image as shown here with clothing and items from his ranch.

Cowboy imagery and political leadership is not unique to the United States as shown here.

President Reagan’s cowboy boots with the seal of the United States.

The cowboy imagery of the American presidency – both that of the “White Hat” and “Black Hat” – continues through the tail end of the 20th century as represented here.

Near the end of the exhibit you’ll find a “Presidential Podium” with video clips.

The President Reagan clip is a “must watch” for every Gene Autry fan!

Now in the 21st Century, one might ask, “Is this the end of Cowboy Diplomacy?”

Not so fast, the ride has just begun...

Meet the curators of this fine exhibit: Autry National Center Assistant Curator Garron Maloney, Guest Curator S. Byron Price, and Autry/UNLV Fellow Jeffrey Richardson. Nice job guys!

The Autry Museum’s Store has plenty of presidential and cowboy items for sale...

....don’t forget to use your Museum Membership discount!