Press Release

October 16, 2008
Contact: Robert Hicks (512) 936-4600, robert.hicks@thestoryoftexas.com

INTERSECTION OF COWBOY CULTURE AND PRESIDENTIAL POLITICS EXPLORED IN THE SPECIAL EXHIBITION COWBOYS AND PRESIDENTS AT THE BOB BULLOCK TEXAS STATE HISTORY MUSEUM

Austin, TX -- From Theodore Roosevelt to George W. Bush, United States presidents have used the powerful iconographic symbol of the heroic American cowboy to define themselves and their administrations to the nation and the world.

In this election year, the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum explores the fascinating and ongoing intersection of cowboy culture and presidential politics in Cowboys and Presidents.

This timely exhibition includes many historically important images and artifacts that are associated with a host of American presidents, such as Benjamin Harrison’s longhorn chair; Theodore Roosevelt’s personal photo album of his ranch; Calvin Coolidge’s electric exercise horse and cowboy outfit; Franklin D. Roosevelt’s spurs — a gift from Roy Rogers; Lyndon B. Johnson’s famous Stetson hat; Ronald Reagan’s cowboy boots adorned with a map of Texas; Bill Clinton’s childhood drawings based on the film High Noon; and the Saddle of Independence, given to George W. Bush in memory of the 9/11 attacks.

Motion pictures, television, radio, and music enhance the exhibition and visitors are invited to cast their votes on thought-provoking issues in interactive voting booths.

The presidency became intertwined with the cowboy image at the turn of the twentieth century and was used by the press, foreign governments, and domestic political opponents to praise or criticize presidential policy and leadership.

The exhibit — organized by the Autry National Center, Los Angeles, CA — reveals the media’s impact on the cowboy imagery in both domestic and international contexts through photographs, political cartoons, motion pictures, and newsreels.

Local support: Albert and Ethel Herzstein Hall Fund. Special thanks to Valero Energy Foundation, The Texas Heritage Songwriters Association, Humanities Texas, and Allens Boots for their support.

Admission to the exhibits, including Cowboys and Presidents is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors/military/college students (with valid ID), $4 for youth ages 5-18, free for ages 4 and under. The Museum is located at 1800 N. Congress Ave., at the corner of Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. in downtown Austin. For more information, call 512-936-8746 or go online to www.TheStoryofTexas.com.