ABOUT THE EVENT

Since there have been children in what is now called the American West, toys have been part of their lives. These toys often helped them “become” someone else: a brave warrior, a tough cowboy, a lawman, an outlaw. With the publication of the first dime novels and the worldwide tours of Wild West shows in the 1880s, children across the globe have “played cowboys and Indians.” Youth-targeted marketing, Westerns on the radio, early silent films and B-Westerns in the 1930s and 1940s only increased the wont for children’s Western toys. Join curator Michael Grauer in this discussion of Playing Cowboy. Bring your lunch or purchase one at The Museum Grill. Reservations are not required. Free admission to the Brown Bag presentation and The Museum Grill.