Fort Worth Cowgirl Museum to Open Expansion in 2026
The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame will unveil a facility expansion and new exhibition on November 7, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Rodeo
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The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame in Fort Worth will open an expanded facility on November 7, 2026. This expansion will debut a new photography exhibition titled Gravity Defied: Trick Riders of the Cowgirl.
Why it matters
The museum created the exhibition to spotlight the athleticism and stories of Cowgirl Hall of Fame Honorees. The project signals a commitment to making the Hall of Fame and its members central to the visitor experience.
The museum maintains an extensive collection housing over 4,000 archival artifacts. The Hall of Fame currently honors more than 260 women who have made significant contributions to the sport.
The players
National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame
This Fort Worth institution preserves the history and impact of women who have shaped the American West.
Tad Lucas
She was a prominent rodeo performer who dominated the sport for women during the 1920s and 1930s.
Faye Blesing
She is a Cowgirl Honoree who was captured in a historic 1949 photograph at the Santa Rosa Rodeo.
The details
The upcoming exhibition showcases the history of trick and fancy riding through archive photographs, oral histories, and materials from the museum collection. Featured images include a 1949 photograph of Honoree Faye Blesing by James Cathey and documentation of Tad Lucas performing a suicide drag at the 1948 Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo.
Timeline
Tad Lucas dominated women's rodeo during the 1920s and 1930s.
Tad Lucas performed at the 1948 Fort Worth Stock Show.
Faye Blesing was photographed at the 1949 Santa Rosa Rodeo.
The museum expansion and exhibition opening are set for November 7, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The expansion of the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame marks a significant milestone in the preservation of rodeo history. This development solidifies the institution as a leading repository for women's contributions to the western lifestyle.
The November 7, 2026, opening will provide visitors with increased access to previously archived photography and historical artifacts. The expansion effectively creates new dedicated space for archival displays that were not previously central to the visitor experience.
The takeaway
The upcoming expansion highlights the lasting impact of historic rodeo performers like Tad Lucas and Faye Blesing. Visitors can look forward to a more comprehensive experience that centers the stories of these iconic women.
Further reading
Discover more about the regional impact of the sport at Fort Worth Rodeo.
Source note: This article includes information reported by North Texas e-News.
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