Mission The primary objective of the National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum and Hall of Fame is to offer the visitor a true and complete historical perspective of the people and activities that built the unique culture of the American West. The work of artists who documented the people and events of the time through journals, photographs and other historical items are part of this new collection. These long overlooked materials tell perhaps for the first time the complete story. The American West of today still operates on many of the principles and cultural relationships begun so long ago.

Jim and Gloria Austin Founders of NMWH Museum

Vision

The National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum’s Hall of Fame was founded to give recognition to the outstanding pioneers who played a role in settling the early American western frontier.  The National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum and Hall of Fame also acknowledges individuals that have contributed to the western culture and tradition and play a part in keeping this important piece of American History alive.

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History

The National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum was founded February 1, 2001 by Fort Worth, Texas, husband and wife team Jim and Gloria Austin to acknowledge the contributions of individuals of Hispanic, Native, European, Asian and African decent to the settlement of the Western American Frontier. Some of their stories are untold and the NMWHHF is their only voice. Originally named the National Cowboys of Color Museum, the museum was renamed in 2008 to describe the diverse history the museum embodies. The museum is located at 2029 N Main Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76164 in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards area. There is a Hall of Fame and permanent exhibits highlighting the Buffalo Soldiers, Tuskegee Airmen, Native American Indian Chiefs and the Vaquero.

What the Museum Offers:

Weekly Cultural Heritage Youth Education Workshops

"DISCOVER AND EXPLORE THE HISTORY OF THE MINORITY COWBOY, BUFFALO SOLDIER AND FRONTIER PEOPLE OF THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE."

The workshops focus on teaching students the history of the multicultural people who contributed and were heavily involved in the settling of the western United States.  The workshops also focus on the Texas Buffalo Soldiers, the history of the Black cowboy, American Indian culture and history and Hispanic customs and history, to name a few of the workshop topics. Students also have the opportunity to tour the Museum as a part of the workshop experience.  

Students, as well as adults, can add to their educational experience at the museum by participating in a variety of interactive activities such as matching games, crossword puzzles, hidden message word searches and scavenger hunts.  During the scavenger hunts, students will scour the museum, looking for the answers to a variety of questions about the heroes featured in our exhibits. Specialized cultural heritage scavenger hunts are available that highlight the achievements of particular groups, such as African-American cowboys, Hispanic cowboys, cowgirls and other female pioneers as well as Native American Indian Chiefs.

To schedule a workshop for a group of 10 or more please contact the museum office at (817) 534-8801 or email info@cowboysofcolor.org

The "Forgotten Cowboys" Traveling Living History Presentations

The "Forgotten Cowboys" Travelling Living History Presentations are an expansion of our educational program, "Cultural Heritage Youth Workshops”. With this program, we are able to take the rich educational experience of the "Cultural Heritage Youth Workshops" to local schools and organizations.  With the expansion of our current programming, we are able to outreach to a greater quantity of people within the community.  Through this programming, individuals will learn about a proud heritage, embrace diversity, encounter new role models and engage in interactive activities that will increase their knowledge of the complete history of the settlement of the western United States. The presentations can be tailored to fit the specific needs a group.  To schedule a presentation at your school or organization, please contact the museum (817) 534-8801 or email info@cowboysofcolor.org

Community Garden and Outdoor Activities

The museum’s community garden is located at 3534 E. Berry Street, Fort Worth, TX 76105.  Groups and individuals are invited to participate in growing fruits, vegetables or flowers. First time gardeners can find help at the community garden. Fun outdoor activities that encourage you to move such as archery, volleyball, dodge ball and horseshoe toss are offered during the museum’s Family Fun Days held throughout the year at the community garden site. Camping experiences for those who want to get in touch with nature are also offered. To sign up for a plot at the garden contact the museum call (817) 534-8801 or email info@cowboysofcolor.org.

Founders

Gloria Reed Austin
James N. Austin, Jr.

Executive Committee (View full list of members)

Board Members (View full list of members)