Museum Tour
Kinship with the Land
In this gallery, the cowgirl’s spirit seems to stretch as far as the horizon. The gallery has been transformed into a trail of light and land, reflecting the cowgirl’s love of the wide open spaces. The light changes, as if gradually cycling through the course of a day, playing off a vast landscape (evocative of the striking beauty of ranches) silkscreened onto a glass panel.
The focal point of this gallery is a large panoramic video projection of the open la
nd -- breathtaking in its scope -- that spans the wall. Layers of images slowly dissolve as the visitor embarks upon a sweeping journey that depicts the beginnings of the cowgirl and documents her enduring connection to the land. This is about vast landscapes and the rugged conditions that have shaped the lives of ranch women. Interwoven is the history of women moving west, tackling and embracing with their non-traditional roles, no matter what the hardships. Quotes from such cowgirls as Elinor Pruitt Stewart add historic context.
Interspersed between cases containing early ranching artifacts, visitors encounter projected images of ranch women hard at work-- women whose well-worn faces speak volumes. In this compelling audiovisual program women tell remarkable stories of a rich ranching heritage, of the responsibility of land stewardship, or of the weather and its impact.
Other exhibit highlights of Kinship with the Land:
- Artifact cases that include early cowgirl gear --
a split skirt, astride saddle, and a pistol, in one; a Victorian riding habit and sidesaddle in another. Graphic panels highlight how, from the very beginning, cowgirls bent the rules, bucking tradition to do things their own way -- a legacy that continues today. - A large plasma screen, showing images of children saddling and riding horses draws visitors into an area about children growing up on the ranch.
Here children can saddle a “Shetland pony,” while learning the importance of self-reliance and knowing how to saddle your own horse. - Children’s ranching memorabilia -- chaps, 4-H ribbons, a selection of toys.
- Connie Reeves Discovery Corral - named in honor of honoree Connie Reeves,
a woman that devoted her life to teach horsemanship to young girls. Dedicated to the philosophy that independence and confidence are important life tools, she taught her students to "saddle your own horse".
In the corral young visitors will find western activities and games - with something for all ages! Be a chuck wagon cook, dress in pioneer clothing or build a western fort.
