Overview

The Rancho Los Cerritos Museum and Historic Site is set to unveil a new exhibit titled "Untold Legacies: Rethinking the American Cowboy" on Sunday, July 14. This exhibition aims to highlight the often-overlooked contributions of Black, Mexican, and Indigenous cowboys in American history.

Situated on nearly five acres, Rancho Los Cerritos features a historic adobe home, a garden, and various research collections. The exhibit is part of a broader initiative to reassess and celebrate the diverse legacies of communities that have been marginalized in historical narratives.

Key details

  • The exhibit opens on Sunday, July 14.
  • It focuses on the contributions of Black, Mexican, and Indigenous cowboys.
  • The exhibition is titled "Untold Legacies: Rethinking the American Cowboy."
  • Rancho Los Cerritos is a historic site that includes a museum and a nearly two-century-old adobe home.
  • The exhibit features works by five local artists: Lorenzo Baker, Hely Omar Gonzalez, Nia Lane, Daniel Tyree Gaitor-Lomack, and Brooklyn Sabino Smith.
  • Guest curator Martin Etem emphasizes the importance of presenting a more accurate portrayal of the American cowboy.
  • The exhibition aims to spotlight urban equestrian groups that educate youth and continue the cowboy tradition.
  • An open day event will take place at 1 p.m. on July 14, featuring various activities and tours.
  • The event is free and open to the public.
  • The exhibit is part of a movement to rediscover alternative histories of cowboys.
  • Rancho Los Cerritos seeks to highlight the legacies of communities often excluded from traditional historical narratives.
  • Activities during the open day event will include tours of the historic adobe home.

Context

This exhibition reflects a growing trend to revisit and recontextualize the history of cowboys, driven largely by the contributions of BIPOC artists in various fields.

What happens next

The public is invited to attend the open day event on July 14, where they can engage with the exhibit and participate in activities designed to educate and inform about the true history of the American cowboy.

What we don't know yet

Details about specific activities planned for the open day event and the duration of the exhibit have not been confirmed.