Skip to content The Black American West Museum and Heritage Center is a museum in Denver, Colorado dedicated to educating people about the contributions of African Americans in the Old West. The museum features a collection of artifacts, photographs, and stories that chronicle the lives of these heroic men and women of the 19th and early 20th centuries.
The museum was founded in 1971 by Paul W. Stewart, who was passionate about showcasing the cultural contributions of African American cowboys in the American West. His collection of artifacts, stories, and photographs brings these cowboys to life, highlighting their experiences in a time when racial prejudice was rampant.
One of the most prominent features of the museum is its exhibits that showcase the heroic African American men and women who played a significant role in the expansion of the American West. Through photographs, stories, and artifacts, visitors can learn about the Buffalo Soldiers, rodeo competitors, cowboys, settlers, ranchers, and more.
Visitors can take a self-guided tour through each room of the museum, which is dedicated to a different part of African American western history. The exhibits bring the stories of the black cowboys to life and leave visitors with a clearer understanding of the African American role in the Old West.
At the end of the tour, visitors can watch a film that details the African American role in settling Dearfield, Colorado, one of the first black settlements in the West. The film highlights the challenges and triumphs of the African American pioneers who created a successful farming community in the midst of the rugged western landscape.
Experienced docents are on hand to answer questions and provide insight into the African American history of the Old West. Visitors can examine artifacts, listen to stories, and learn how African Americans lived, worked, and aided in the expansion of America’s western region.
Discounted tickets are available for seniors, students 12+, and children 6-11. Children 5 and under are free. The museum is open Friday and Saturday, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm and is closed the rest of the week.
The Black American West Museum and Heritage Center offers an opportunity for visitors to learn about a significant part of American history that is often overlooked. African American cowboys played an integral role in the expansion of the West, and the museum’s exhibits honor their contributions.
Visitors can explore the museum’s collections, which include a range of artifacts, photographs, and stories, and learn about the lives of African Americans in the Old West. The museum is a testament to the courage and resilience of these pioneers, who faced enormous challenges and overcame them with determination and perseverance.
Overall, the Black American West Museum and Heritage Center is a must-visit for anyone interested in American history and the contributions of African Americans in the West. Its exhibits and collections offer a unique perspective on a little-known aspect of American history and provide insight into the challenges and triumphs of the black cowboys who helped shape the West.
