The Active Historian

Hey, friend! Welcome back to another post! Today, I want to show you around ‘John Wayne: An American Experience’ in Fort Worth, Texas. This museum contains over 400 pieces that belonged to John Wayne. It features both his personal and professional items. The galleries take you through his life – it was cool to see how his career progressed as you made your way through the galleries. Let’s go look around!

Who was John Wayne?

Born Marion Mitchell Morrison, he would later become known as “John Wayne.” He was an American actor during Hollwood’s Golden Age who was known for playing the Western hero figure, the cowboy. People called him the “Duke” – a nickname he took from his family’s dog.

While playing football on a scholarship at USC, he took a summer job as a “prop man” at Fox Studios. He became friends with director, John Ford and caught the attention of Raoul Walsh. He was eventually given opportunities to appear as a silent extra in film, then he was given speaking roles as an extra, and then he was given a chance as an actor.

In 1930, Raoul Walsh selected Marion for his western, The Big Trail. He wanted an unknown actor who “embodied strength, honesty, and sincerity.” Walsh wanted Marion to have a “stronger name” and settled on ‘John Wayne.’

“I can tell you that the reason that he [John Wayne] had been so successful, was because he was the hardest working actor that I ever knew.”

John Ford

Exhibitions

I’ve included a handful of photos from the museum below! My phone ran out of storage space as I was going through the galleries and I was so sad…

“John Wayne was bigger than life. In an age of few heroes, he was the genuine article. He was more than a hero. He was a symbol of so many of the qualities that made America great. The ruggedness, the tough independence, the sense of personal courage – on and off the screen – reflected the best of our national character.”

Jimmy Carter, United States President (1977-1981)

Here are a handful of notable costumes from John Wayne’s iconic roles. How many do you recognize?!

John Wayne won the Academy Award for Best Actor in his role as ‘Rooster’ J. Cogburn in True Grit. Barbara Streisand presented him with the award on April 7, 1970.

John Wayne won numerous awards and honors as shown in the list below. This wall was huge and the text was fairly small – it goes to show how talented he was!

Items from John Wayne’s 26 Bar Ranch.

Photo Opportunities

I loved these two photo opportunities in the museum! As someone who loves hats, the hat wall made my heart oh so very happy. According the museum’s website, these are sixteen of John Wayne’s FAVORITE hats. How cool!

Concluding Thoughts

I enjoyed visiting this museum and learned quite a bit about John Wayne beyond what I already knew! I loved seeing the costumes, car and memorabilia. I hope you’ll go check it out when you’re in Fort Worth!

Happy Traveling! I’ll talk to ya soon! 🙂

Visit

2501 Rodeo Plaza

Fort Worth, TX 76164

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Sources

John Wayne: An American Experience – Website

*Panels in the museum.