Have you herd?
“Ancient. Massive. Wild — The Bison Exhibit.” will open Feb. 9 at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63.
The exhibit will focus on the iconic American bison through interactive experiences that combine history, artifacts and handson activities.
From its role as a primary provider for the Plains Indian people, to its years languishing on the brink of extinction — and its current comeback — the bison’s story is a unique and vibrant chapter in the American West’s history, a news release stated. Created by the National Bison Association, the Kauffman Museum and the National Buffalo Museum, the bison exhibit will remain at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum until May 12.
“As a uniquely North American animal, the bison is central to the story of the West,” said Natalie Shirley, museum president & CEO.
The traveling exhibition will be augmented by the museum’s permanent collection, which offers paintings, photographs and sculptures depicting bison across the many cultures of the American West.
More than 40 exhibit-related public programs also will be offered during the exhibition, including a lecture series supported by Oklahoma Humanities; a Wild Wits Trivia Night; visits from living history re-enactor Teddy Roosevelt; a family sleepover in cooperation with the Oklahoma City Zoo; a Bison Film Fest; a Bison and Beer Paint Night; and a guided bus trip to see bison in the wild at the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, a Nature Conservancy site near Pawhuska.