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Curator B. Byron Price points to Cowboys & Presidents exhibit
display of former president Teddy Roosevelt's
Western-themed items that include a book of photos Roosevelt
took, documenting his Western adventurers, and his saddle.
COWBOYS and PRESIDENTS at the Autry National Center
through September 7, 2008
 Cowboy Culture and
Presidential Politics Intersect at the
Autry National Center in a
unique exhibit spanning the presidential terms of Theodore
Roosevelt to George W. Bush.
Submitted by
Connie Young
U.S. presidents have used
the powerful symbol of a heroic American cowboy to define
themselves and their administrations to the nation and the
world. The presidency became intertwined with this emerging
image at the turn of the twentieth century. The cowboy
image used in presidential politics has had a polarizing
effect too. The press, foreign governments and domestic
political opponents have used cowboy imagery in criticizing
presidential policy and leadership.
Curator B. Byron Price
brings this collection together, drawing on his vast
experience as director of the Charles M. Russell Center for
the Study of Art of the American West at the U. of Oklahoma.
The exhibit includes
countless historically important images and artifacts, such
as Benjamin Harrison's longhorn chair, Theodore Roosevelt's
personal saddle and photo album of his ranch, Lyndon B.
Johnson's "campaign aid's outfits", Calvin Coolidge's
electric horse and cowboy outfit, the Saddle of Independence
given to George W. Bush in memory of the 9-11 attacks as
well as photos showing presidents as cowboys or in the
company of cowboys.
Motion pictures,
television, political cartoons, newsreels, radio and music
enhance the exhibition revealing the media's impact on the
cowboy imagery in both domestic and international politics.
A series of "CONVERSATIONS"
add to the understanding and enjoyment of the presidential
cowboy experience. Five forums include "Riding with
Reagan" - John Barletta; Political cartoonist Lalo Alcaraz;
Black Hat, White Hat, The Band and The Enduring Image with
Curator Byron Price; Will Rogers, Now! Starring Lance Brown;
Steve Ford, From the White House to the Rodeo. Consult the
Autry Center's website for dates and times at
AutryNationalCenter.org
Hours: Tuesday through
Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Special summer hours are 10 a.m.
to 8 p.m. June 1 through August 31.
Admission: Adults $9,
Students $5, Seniors 60+ $5, Children 3-12, $3
Admission is free on the
second Tuesday of every month and free for veterans year
round. (prices and hours are subject to change, check
for updates before going)
Location: 4700 Western
Heritage Way, Los Angeles, California. Phone: (323) 667-2000. AutryNationalCenter.org
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