McCracken Research Library at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we honor those who gave everything in service to our country.

Captain Jack Crawford—also known as the Poet Scout—captured the heart of this day in his writing. His poem “Just Us Few” remind us that Memorial Day is more than a holiday—it's a moment of gratitude, remembrance, and peace.

MS322.09.08.18, MS 322 Captain Jack Crawford

05/22/2026

Levi is back with another Buffalo Nation Spotlight — this time at the Cody Fi****ms Museum!

See late-1800s buffalo hunters’ fi****ms and accessories and learn about historical fi****ms technology and hunting practices. Explore how fi****ms contributed to the rapid decline of bison in the 19th century and how that crisis spurred early conservation efforts. Highlights include Sharps and Hawken rifles, trade muskets used by Native Americans, and Theodore Roosevelt’s rifle (on loan from Sagamore Hill National Historic Site). Roosevelt, a pivotal figure in the “hunters as conservationists” movement, helped drive reforms that eventually led to the Pittman-Robertson Act — a cornerstone of U.S. wildlife conservation. Come learn how these stories connect history, technology, and conservation.

05/21/2026

05/20/2026

New blog post alert! Check out Eric's latest blog, "A Boy named Pearl." From a restless boy named Pearl Gray to the legendary Western writer Zane Grey, Eric's blog post explores the childhood adventures, fights, fishing obsessions, and unlikely mentorship that shaped one of America’s most famous storytellers. It’s a vivid look at how nature, rebellion, and an old fisherman called Muddy Miser helped transform a troublemaking kid into a literary icon.

Explore the early life of Zane Grey, a renowned writer, and the childhood experiences that shaped his character.

05/16/2026

Today is National Biographer's Day! Did you know the McCracken Research Library has over 3,000 biographies in our book collection? You can browse our biography titles here: https://shorturl.at/o2CJm

05/13/2026

Eric Rossborough, our Associate Librarian and Senior Cataloger, spotlights rodeo legend Brida Gafford—a self-taught cowgirl who built a decades-long career, competed across the country, and won major titles, including at Madison Square Garden. Fiercely independent on and off the arena, her story is a powerful reminder that women helped shape the spirit of the West just as much as any cowboy.

Check out the full blog post here: https://centerofthewest.org/2026/03/04/brida-gafford-the-wild-life-of-a-rodeo-superstar/

“So they let you dress up like a cowgirl and when you say “I’m going to be a cowgirl when I grow up” they laugh and say, “Ain’t she cute.” Then one day

05/11/2026

05/07/2026

Happy National Tourism Day! Today we’re celebrating all of the incredible visitors who’ve stopped by the Buffalo Bill Center of the West and the McCracken Research Library during their travels. Whether you came with a research question, a love of history, or just happened to wander in—thank you! It’s a joy to share the stories in our collections with curious minds from near and far.

We’re also looking forward to welcoming even more visitors this season. If you’re planning a trip to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, don’t forget to swing by the library—we’re always happy to chat, share, and help you dig a little deeper into the past.

05/06/2026

Today is the day! Join the McCracken Research Library's May Book Club where we are exploring the powerful history, ecology, and cultural legacy of the American bison through a thoughtfully curated four-book series.

May's book club features "Last Stand: George Bird Grinnell, the Battle to Save the Buffalo, and the Birth of the New West" by Michael Punke. This book is a dramatic history of the extermination and recovery of the American bison, told through the story of conservationist George Bird Grinnell by the bestselling author of "The Revenant".

For more information about the meeting times, please visit https://centerofthewest.org/event/mccracken-research-library-book-club/

05/05/2026

Happy Teacher's Appreciation Day! We’re sending a huge thank you to all the amazing educators out there—and a special shoutout to our fantastic Education Department here at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West!

At the McCracken Research Library, we love teaming up with them to bring history to life for students through primary source-based school programs.

To every teacher helping the next generation—you're the best!

05/01/2026

This is a great resource to use this season! Happy opening day!