Buffalo Bill Center of the West

  • Visit
    • Current HoursDecember 1–February 28: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Thursday–Sunday
    • Hours and RatesPlan your visit to the Center of the West.
    • Group SalesBook a commercial or non-commercial tour with us.
    • Facility RentalsHost your event in one of our indoor or outdoor spaces.
    • Visiting YellowstonePlan your visit to Yellowstone National Park.
    • LodgingSelect from a variety of local accommodations.
    • ItinerariesDiscover some quick day trips in and around Cody.
    • DirectionsFind driving directions and check road conditions.
    • StoriesFind your story among ours.
    • Calendar of EventsSee what events are happening during your visit here.
  • Explore
    • Buffalo Bill Museummuseum icon
    • Draper Natural History Museummuseum icon
    • Whitney Western Art Museummuseum icon
    • Plains Indian Museummuseum icon
    • Cody Firearms Museummuseum icon
    • McCracken Research Librarymuseum icon
    • Online Collectionsmuseum icon
    • Blogs, articles, and featuresmuseum icon
    • ExhibitionsFind out what’s on view in our Center.
    • Beyond Our WallsSee how we bring the West to the World.
    • EventsEnjoy learning more about the American West.
    • NewsroomStay up-to-date with all Center happenings.
  • Learn
    • School Programs & ResourcesEssential info and resources for teachers and students.
    • Family ProgramsFamily-friendly programs, activities, and craft ideas.
    • InternshipsCollege students may apply to gain museum experience.
    • Skype in the ClassroomLive, interactive K–12 field trips.
    • WorkshopsExplore hands-on programs for kids, families, and adults.
    • Conservation InternshipsTraining for conservators from all over the world.
    • Pre-K ProgramsSet up a guided tour for your preschool class.
    • Field TripsInvestigate outdoor adventures for adults and children.
    • Highlights MapsDiscover collection highlights in each of our museum.
    • Games and InteractivesLearn about the collection through online interactives.
    • Lectures & FilmsPlan for future talks and view past program videos.
    • Western EssaysDelve into historical information on western topics.
  • Shop
    • Books
    • Clothing and Accessories
    • Gifts
    • Native American Replicas
    • Fine Art
    • Quality Leather
    • Native American Jewelry
    • Navajo Rugs
    • Pottery
    • Prints
    • Media
    • Baskets
  • Research
    • McCracken Research LibraryFind books, photos, archives, media, and more.
    • Digital CollectionsExplore our extensive photo and manuscript collections.
    • Archival Collection List and Finding GuidesBrowse inventories of archival collections.
    • The Papers of William F. CodyDiscover scholarship on the man and the myth.
    • Fellowship ProgramContribute to new scholarship using Center collections.
    • Buffalo BillUncover in-depth information about William F. Cody.
    • Greater Yellowstone Natural HistoryLearn more about the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
    • Western ArtDelve into the lives and works of western artists.
    • Plains IndianDiscover more about Plains Indian tribes and collections.
    • FirearmsFind a firearms bibliography, glossary, and more.
    • ConservationFind out how we preserve Center collections.
    • Rights and ReproductionsLicense or reproduce images from our collections.
  • Support
    • Planned GivingLeave your legacy with a bequest or estate gift.
    • Patrons BallAttend our annual gala fundraiser.
    • MembershipBecome a supporter and receive great benefits.
    • VolunteerSupport the Center with your time and talent.
    • 1966 Pontiac GTO winner: Ticket # 4206Our winner: Ticket number 4206 from Bozeman, Montana!
    • Give TodayMake a donation to programs and operations.
    • Why I SupportSee what motivates donors to give to the Center.
    • A.P. Proctor bronze winner: Ticket # 1115407Our winner: Ticket number 1115407 from Dayton, Ohio!
    • Raptor ExperienceHelp provide care for our avian friends.

Buffalo Bill Center of the West

Become a Member Sign up for our Newsletter
  • Visit
    • Current HoursDecember 1–February 28: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Thursday–Sunday
    • Hours and RatesPlan your visit to the Center of the West.
    • Group SalesBook a commercial or non-commercial tour with us.
    • Facility RentalsHost your event in one of our indoor or outdoor spaces.
    • Visiting YellowstonePlan your visit to Yellowstone National Park.
    • LodgingSelect from a variety of local accommodations.
    • ItinerariesDiscover some quick day trips in and around Cody.
    • DirectionsFind driving directions and check road conditions.
    • StoriesFind your story among ours.
    • Calendar of EventsSee what events are happening during your visit here.
  • Explore
    • Our Museums
      • Buffalo Bill Museum Buffalo Bill Center of the West
      • Draper Natural History Museum Buffalo Bill Center of the West
      • Whitney Western Art Museum Buffalo Bill Center of the West
      • Plains Indian Museum Buffalo Bill Center of the West
      • Cody Firearms Museum Buffalo Bill Center of the West
      • McCracken Research Library Buffalo Bill Center of the West
      • Online Collections Buffalo Bill Center of the West
      • Blogs, articles, and features Buffalo Bill Center of the West
    • Museum Details
      • ExhibitionsFind out what’s on view in our Center.
      • Beyond Our WallsSee how we bring the West to the World.
      • EventsEnjoy learning more about the American West.
      • NewsroomStay up-to-date with all Center happenings.
  • Learn
    • School Programs & ResourcesEssential info and resources for teachers and students.
    • Family ProgramsFamily-friendly programs, activities, and craft ideas.
    • InternshipsCollege students may apply to gain museum experience.
    • Skype in the ClassroomLive, interactive K–12 field trips.
    • WorkshopsExplore hands-on programs for kids, families, and adults.
    • Conservation InternshipsTraining for conservators from all over the world.
    • Pre-K ProgramsSet up a guided tour for your preschool class.
    • Field TripsInvestigate outdoor adventures for adults and children.
    • Highlights MapsDiscover collection highlights in each of our museum.
    • Games and InteractivesLearn about the collection through online interactives.
    • Lectures & FilmsPlan for future talks and view past program videos.
    • Western EssaysDelve into historical information on western topics.
  • Shop
    • Books
    • Clothing and Accessories
    • Gifts
    • Native American Replicas
    • Fine Art
    • Quality Leather
    • Native American Jewelry
    • Navajo Rugs
    • Pottery
    • Prints
    • Media
    • Baskets
  • Research
    • McCracken Research LibraryFind books, photos, archives, media, and more.Buffalo Bill Center of the West
    • Digital CollectionsExplore our extensive photo and manuscript collections.
    • Archival Collection List and Finding GuidesBrowse inventories of archival collections.
    • The Papers of William F. CodyDiscover scholarship on the man and the myth.
    • Fellowship ProgramContribute to new scholarship using Center collections.
    • Buffalo BillUncover in-depth information about William F. Cody.
    • Greater Yellowstone Natural HistoryLearn more about the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
    • Western ArtDelve into the lives and works of western artists.
    • Plains IndianDiscover more about Plains Indian tribes and collections.
    • FirearmsFind a firearms bibliography, glossary, and more.
    • ConservationFind out how we preserve Center collections.
    • Rights and ReproductionsLicense or reproduce images from our collections.
  • Support
    • Planned GivingLeave your legacy with a bequest or estate gift.
    • Patrons BallAttend our annual gala fundraiser.
    • MembershipBecome a supporter and receive great benefits.
    • VolunteerSupport the Center with your time and talent.
    • 1966 Pontiac GTO winner: Ticket # 4206Our winner: Ticket number 4206 from Bozeman, Montana!
    • Give TodayMake a donation to programs and operations.
    • Why I SupportSee what motivates donors to give to the Center.
    • A.P. Proctor bronze winner: Ticket # 1115407Our winner: Ticket number 1115407 from Dayton, Ohio!
    • Raptor ExperienceHelp provide care for our avian friends.
  • Visit
  • Explore
  • Learn
  • Store
  • Research
  • Support
Home > Staff > Current Exhibition: Scots in the West

Current Exhibition: Scots in the West

June 5, 2014 by Nancy McClure

Past Exhibition:

Robert Burns statue in Cheyenne, Wyoming

Robert Burns statue in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Scots in the American West

Buffalo Bill statue in Glasgow, Scotland

Buffalo Bill statue in Glasgow, Scotland.

This exhibition, Scots in the American West, documents the individual accomplishments of a few Scots in the American West. Their stories reflect the collective contributions of the Scottish impact on the extensive and dynamic history of the American West. The exhibition features sixteen large interpretive panels and four sculptures from the Center of the West’s collections.

These two sculptures attest to a cultural exchange between Scotland and the American West. The Robert Burns statue was donated by Mary Gilchrist to the City of Cheyenne, Wyoming, in 1928 (Richard Collier photo, Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources). The Colonel William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody statue was presented to the people of Dennistoun, Glasgow, Scotland, by Regency Homes and unveiled by Mr. Paul Martin, Member of Scottish Parliament, in 2006. (Linda Clark photo).

Sponsored by the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, the panels from the exhibition are designed to travel to other locations after its run at the Center. The exhibition panels were on display at Ellis Island for Tartan Day in April 2014.

Scotland…

Scots in the West: Glencoe, Scotland. By Jeremy M. Johnston

Scots in the West: Glencoe, Scotland. By Jeremy M. Johnston.

Scots endured a land with an unforgiving climate and rugged terrain. Theirs was a violent land defended by native people protecting themselves from cattle thieves, feuding families, and outside invaders. Over many generations, Scots suffered through battles and massacres. These were people accustomed to taking risks, overcoming obstacles, and starting new lives. Their characteristics shaped their own country as well as the distant lands that became their new homes—including North America.

The American West…

Scots in the West: Upper South Fork near Cody, Wyoming. By Mack Frost

Scots in the West: Upper South Fork near Cody, Wyoming. By Mack Frost.

Throughout the 1700s, population growth, changes in land use, and political upheaval drove more than 80,000 Scots to North America. Additionally, Scots-Irish settled in America and it is estimated that in excess of 350,000 lived in the United States by 1790. As the United States expanded westward in the 1800s, many of the earliest pioneers were of Scots or Scots-Irish descent.

The Buffalo Bill Center of the West offers a special thank you to Naoma Tate and the family of Hal Tate, whose generosity made this exhibition possible. Additional support came from Clan Currie Society, Ellis Island Immigration Museum, LDS Church History Museum, Marjorie Stewart, National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA, New York Tartan Week Alliance, Smithsonian Institution, and the University of Stathclyde.

Filed Under: Staff
Tagged With: Ellis Island, Glasgow Scotland, Robert Burns, Scots in the American West, special exhibition

 

About Nancy McClure

Nancy works with electronic communications, including website, events, news, images, and social media. She produces the e-newsletter Western Wire, writes news releases, and assistant edits Points West magazine. In her spare time, Nancy enjoys photography, plays the flute, and is attempting to learn to play the piano.

What’s up next?

Calendar of Events

Join us for special events, programs, and lectures that celebrate the real story of the American West.

View the Calendar

See our collection

Digital museum

The Center of the West is known for the amazing artifacts that help us tell the authentic story of the American West.

Explore our Online Collection

Create a Virtual Gallery

Visitor Survey

Have you visited before?

If you’ve visited the Center anytime in the past two years, we’d like to hear from you! Our brief survey helps us improve for the future.

Take our survey

Newsroom

  • All Blogs
  • Newsroom
  • Points West Online
  • Treasures from Our West
  • Reporting from the Center of the West
  • epiCENTER Staff Blog
  • Buffalo Bill Museum
  • Cody Firearms Museum
  • Draper Museum Raptor Experience
  • Whitney Western Art Museum
  • Plains Indian Museum
  • McCracken Research Library
  • Fieldnotes from the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem
  • Education
  • Classroom Resources
  • Calendar of Events
Our Blogs: View all the blogs from the Center of the West
  • Like Us on Facebook
  • Follow Us on Twitter
  • Subscribe to us on Youtube
  • View our photos on flickr
  • Subscribe to us on Google Plus
  • Check out our Instagram feed

location

Buffalo Bill Center of the West  
720 Sheridan Avenue Cody, Wyoming 82414
+1 307-587-4771

Exhibitions

  • Current Exhibitions
  • Upcoming Exhibitions
  • Past Exhibitions
  • Beyond Our Walls

Calendar of Events

  • Buffalo Bill’s Birthday
  • Havana Nights: A Mardi Gras Social
  • Powwow
  • Patrons Ball
  • Holiday Open House

Online Collections

  • Photographs
  • Buffalo Bill
  • Firearms
  • Plains Indians
  • Western Art
  • Natural History

Support

  • Membership
  • Give Today
  • Planned Giving
  • Volunteer
  • Disclosure Statement

About Us

  • Contact Us
  • Our Mission
  • Newsroom
  • Employment
  • Annual Reports
  • Terms and Policies

© 2019 Buffalo Bill Center of the West. All rights reserved. Smithonian Affiliations AAM