The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is among the nation’s most prestigious museums of Western heritage and art. Set atop the historic Persimmon Hill district overlooking Oklahoma City, the Museum is surrounded by beautiful gardens, fountains, and a flagstone esplanade representing the 17 Western states.

Believing the Museum should have a national influence beyond that of solely exhibitions, the Board of Directors established the Western Heritage Awards in 1960. The purpose was to encourage others to tell the great stories of the West, both past and present, with accuracy and artistic quality. The developing West is one of history’s most exciting eras, when people of all nationalities, from all walks of life, sought their futures on America’s Western frontier.

Standing more than a foot in height, the Wrangler, an impressive bronze sculpture, is awarded to principal creators of the winning entries in specified categories of Western literature, music, film, and television. The Museum also may award Wranglers to organizations or individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the nation’s Western heritage during a period of years, or whose contributions lie outside established categories.

Past recipients include distinguished writers, musicians, actors, and directors such as John Wayne, C.J. Box, Taylor Sheridan, Red Steagall, Clint Eastwood, Sam Elliott, and John Ford.

The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum invites your entries in this nationally recognized awards program.