National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame

A nonprofit organization

Established in 1975, the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame is the only museum in the world dedicated to preserving and showcasing the legacy of the cowgirl through its collection of historical art, artifacts, and memorabilia of western women who embody the cowgirl spirit and ethos.

From humble beginnings in a library basement in the small Texas community of Hereford, the Museum has evolved into the premiere destination for honoring women from all walks of life who shaped the West.  Situated in the heart of the Fort Worth Cultural District, we usually welcome more than 35,000 annual visitors from across the country and reach thousands more via distance learning, classroom presentations, and community events.

Guided by the unique perspectives of the nearly 250 women in our Hall of Fame who helped define our nation's history, we create memorable experiences that capture the vitality of these iconic women.  The Hall of Fame includes ranchers, artists, rodeo cowgirls, equestrian competitors, trailblazers, business innovators, and a Supreme Court Justice.  Although diverse in their geography and fields of endeavor, these women are united by their accomplishments and contributions that make them inspirational role models for children and adults alike.

The 33,000 square-foot National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame is found on the Will Rogers Memorial Complex located in the heart of Fort Worth's Cultural District, which is also home to the Kimbell Art Museum, the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, and the Amon Carter Museum.

In 2015, the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame began renovations of the galleries and public spaces. The renovation was completed in two phases, starting with the first floor. Renovations of the first floor were completed in July 2015, which included the Grand Rotunda mobile, the Anne W. Marion Gallery, and the Hitting the Mark: Cowgirls and Wild West Shows Gallery which highlights those women who were immensely popular during the heyday of wild west shows, like Annie Oakley.

In March 2019, the Museum completed a renovation of its second floor galleries. The second floor contains the Kit Moncrief Galleries, of which the It's Never Just a Horse exhibition examines the partnership between people and horses, particularly the Museum's Honorees. Later that same year, the Alice Walton Cowgirl Park was opened on the grounds as a beautiful public space for visitors.  In 2021, the Museum updated its gift shop experience and opened the Legends Gallery to show additional content on the most celebrated cowgirls.

Our Needs

Over the last few years, the National Cowgirl Museum has faced significant challenges as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2020, we closed our doors to protect our staff and visitors from infection.  When we partially reopened in June 2020, we only saw about 10% of our normal visitation numbers.  Not until late-2021 did visitors begin returning to the Museum at levels we saw in past years.

Now as we emerge form the pandemic era, we are shifting our focus to the programming and initiatives that we were forced to suspend in 2020.  However, continuing to expand our museum offerings for a post-pandemic world will require us to shoulder new and ongoing operating costs.  

Our primary need at this time is assistance with our general operations to help us to continue our mission to honor, preserve, and share the lives of the extraordinary women featured in the National Cowgirl Museum and to make sure their stories are available to inspire all for generations to come.

Mission

The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame honors and celebrates women, past and present, whose lives exemplify the courage, resilience, and independence that helped shape the West, and fosters an appreciation of the ideals and spirit of self-reliance they inspire. The Museum proudly celebrates honorees throughout history to the present day who represent diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, and cultures.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame

Tax id (EIN)

75-1486136

Guidestar

Causes

Arts, Culture & Humanities

Operating Budget

$1,000,000 - $2,999,999

Counties Served

Tarrant

BIPOC Serving

Black or African American, Asian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic or Latinx

BIPOC Leadership

Neither/None

Address

1720 Gendy Street
Fort Worth, TX 76107

Phone

817-336-4475

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