KEY Magazine Fort Worth

National Cowboys of Color Museum and Hall of Fame Gains New Fans
by Sha Branddon Johnson

During the first days of summer vacation, 7-year-old Laurence was excited about an invitation to visit the National Cowboys of Color Museum and Hall of Fame (NCCMHF). After arriving at the east Ft. Worth Museum, he raced inside to see the awesome displays. Upon a quick tour he asked "Where is the Emmitt Smith display?"

Just like many in America, Laurence never knew that there were actually real-life minority cowboys who helped win the Wild Wild West. Jim Austin, who founded the NCCMHF with his wife Gloria could only smile and respond with, "That's how I know we are making a positive impact with kids and adults from all backgrounds. We are providing a tremendous value by just telling our role in history."

Founded in 2001, the museum has uplifted itself beyond being simply a local community experience into a national destination. The museum's primary objective since its inception has been to "offer the visitor a true and complete historical perspective of the people and activities that built the unique culture of the American West."

Heading into its sixth year of existence, the NCCMHF has garnered tons of attention, attracting both new fans and partners alike. "Our partnership with the National Cowboys of Color Museum and Hall of Fame has been an important one for the American Paint Horse Association," APHA's Jerry Circelli said. "We look forward to building a lasting relationship between our two organizations – both are based in Fort Worth with involvement and interest from around the world."

The NCCMHF's premier fundraising endeavor is its Labor Day weekend extravaganza, to be held August 31- September 2, 2006. This year's activities include, but are not limited to, the 4th Annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony held at the Fort Worth Convention Center, that will include a banquet and full concert by Country Music Hall of Fame Inductee and legend Charley Pride, (who is also one of this year's hall of fame inductees), a benefit concert for the museum at Billy Bob's Texas featuring R&B Groups W.A.R., ZAPP and comedian A. J. Jamal and the 11th Annual Cowboys of Color Rodeo at the historic Will Rogers Coliseum in Ft. Worth. A variety of corporate sponsors such as event presenting sponsor Verizon Yellow Pages, Coors Light, Citibank, Church's Chicken, Coca Cola, Clear Channel, Harris Methodist Hospitals, American Airlines and WFAA have recognized the NCCMHF as a mutually beneficial partnership. "The National Cowboys of Color Museum and Hall of Fame is both an educational experience and a unique source of cultural entertainment that celebrates the diversity of people that built the American West. Verizon Yellow Pages is a proud sponsor and promoter of this wonderful museum, and its related activities," stated Verizon Yellow Pages, Marketing Communications Manager, Chey Reynolds. NCCMHF 2006 Hall of Fame Inductees include Patricia E. Kelly, Ken Pollard, Charley Pride, and Rosieleetta "Lee" Reed. Posthumous inductions for 2006 include George Fletcher, Bass Reeves, Colonel Juan Seguin, Knox Simmons and Jackson Sundown.

"Even the City of Ft. Worth and the Convention and Visitor's Bureau is beginning to see the global economic value of the museum. We view the NCCMHF as one of our great assets to position Ft. Worth as a destination experience for visitors as well as conventions," said Douglas Harman president and CEO of the Ft. Worth CVB.

Museum co-founder Austin boldly proclaims, "The best is yet to come. We have future expansion planned with an excellent location. We are making plans for the upcoming capital campaign for a facility that will better serve and educate our local and out of town visitors."

It appears that the museum is winning new fans everyday. Even 7-year-old Laurence, who came looking for Dallas Cowboy Football players, but left the museum excitedly stated with delight, "I learned about real cowboys today I didn't even know existed." Another educated and satisfied visitor! Museum co-founders Jim and Gloria Austin wouldn't have it any other way.

The National Cowboys of Color Museum and Hall of Fame is located at 3400 Mount Vernon Avenue, Fort Worth, Texas. Hours of operation are Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. The museum offers a gift shop and free parking is available. General Admission $6, $3 for students; 5 and under free. For additional information about the museum induction ceremony or other activities, call 817-922-9999, visit www.cowboysofcolor.org or email info@cowboysofcolor.org.

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