Exhibits
February 4, 2026 – January 2, 2027
Cayuga Museum of History & Art | Auburn, NY
The Reel American West
This exhibition explores the history of the Western genre and Theodore Case’s role in the production of the first feature-length sound-on-film Western, In Old Arizona (1928). Visitors will discover how Western films shaped — and reshaped — representations of women, Black cowboys, and Indigenous Peoples over time. Drawing from firsthand accounts and key resources, including Black Wests: Reshaping Race and Place in Popular Culture by Sara Gallagher, the exhibition offers new perspectives on life in the American West. It also examines international Western subgenres and connects the genre’s enduring themes — independence, identity, and resistance to modern society — to conversations surrounding the America 250th commemoration.
Related Programs & Events
Into the Sunset
Western Film Series
Join us this spring for an in-depth look into the stories and greater cultural impact of Western films through cinema. This series is in conjunction with Cayuga Museum’s ongoing film exhibit, The Reel American West.
Screening & Discussion: True Grit
(1969)
Wednesday, April 22
Carriage House Theater
203 Genesee St REAR, Auburn, NY
6 PM
A drunken, hard-nosed U.S. Marshal and a Texas Ranger help a stubborn teenager track down her father’s murderer in the old American West. Andrew Patrick Nelson will join us virtually to introduce the film and lead a Q&A afterwards.
No Registration Required
Screening & Discussion: A Fistful of Dollars (1964)
Wednesday, May 6
Carriage House Theater
203 Genesee St REAR, Auburn, NY
6 PM
A wandering gunfighter plays two rival families against each other in a town torn apart by greed, pride, and revenge. Andrew Nelson will join us virtually to introduce the film and lead a Q&A afterwards.
No Registration Required
Virtual Book Talk with Sara Gallagher, author of Black Wests: Reshaping Race and Place in Popular Culture
Thursday, September 10
Zoom
6-7 PM
In this talk, Dr. Sara Gallagher explores how Black writers, filmmakers, and performers have reimagined the Western landscape in ways that challenge dominant myths about race, land, and belonging. The book talk will take place virtually on Zoom.
Registration is free and required to attend this program.
REGISTER HERE
Screening: The Great K & A Train Robbery
(1926) with an introduction by Diana Riesman, in partnership with Wharton Studio Museum
Wednesday, October 7
Carriage House Theater
203 Genesee St REAR, Auburn, NY
6 PM
Following a series of robberies of the K & A Railroad, detective Tom Gordon is hired to uncover the mystery. Disguised as a bandit, Tom boards the train of K & A President Cullen. Cullen's daughter, Madge, senses that Tom is not a criminal and soon falls in love with him. Madge is sought after by Burton, her father's secretary, who is in league with the bandits. Tom eventually discovers his duplicity, and with the aid of Tony, his horse, rounds up the villains and wins the hand of Madge.
No Registration Required