From shootouts and cattle drives to sweeping frontier landscapes, western films have long shaped how we imagine American history. But beyond the myths and movie tropes, what are these stories really telling us? In this thought-provoking talk, historian Dr. Mike Wise explores how westerns—often dismissed as old-fashioned kitsch or nostalgic—offer powerful insights into the nation’s past. By examining a selection of key films, Dr. Wise reveals how the genre wrestles with big themes like freedom and violence, race and gender, and the changing relationship between people and the land. Presented in conjunction with the museum’s current exhibition, The Cinematic West: The Art That Made the Movies, we invite you to take westerns seriously, as both artistic expression and historical storytelling. Whether you’re a film buff, history lover, or just curious about the American West, this lecture will invite you to see westerns in a whole new light.

Speaker:

• Dr. Mike Wise, Professor & Chair of the Department of History, University of North Texas

Registration Required – Opens October 7

American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation may be provided during this event upon advance request.

Ages: 18+

Contact: Director of Adult Programs at adulteducation@SidRichardsonMuseum.org or 817.332.6554 if you have any questions or would like to be added to the wait list when registration is full.