Discovering Stories

I joined the staff of the City of Las Vegas Museum in June of 2008 and discovered that I have always been a "closet archivist." I love delving into the documents and photos, indentifying them, recording them, and--when possible--connecting them to other archives. The stories that emerge tell fascinating tales of the area and its people.

Recently, I have been updating our records on the Las Vegas Cowboys' Reunions. There are now close to 200 records in this collection--snapshots of rodeo events and parades; programs listing prizes, contestants, and rules (beginning in 1915); and souvenirs such as match books, dance cards, a neckerchief. I enjoyed uncovering the rich history of these Reunions that, each year, drew famous people like Tom Mix, Prairie Rose Henderson, Tex Austin, and Jim Shoulders to join with hardworking ranchers, cowgirls, cowboys, and top-notch stock to take part in one of the largest rodeos "entirely managed and owned by cowboys" (from the 1928 program).

In June of this year, the Museum received a New Mexico Humanities Council grant which gave me the opportunity to work as part of the team creating a new exhibit--"Git Fer Vegas, Cowboy"--about the Cowboys' Reunions (1915-1967) and their impact on both Las Vegas and East Las Vegas. The exhibition kicks off with a performance--Songs of the Cowboys by Mark Gardner and Rex Rideout --on October 23. I am excited to be part of this project, and I love coming to work each day--I never know what new discoveries await me.

Pat Romero, Ph. D.
Museum Assistant and Research Specialist
Las Vegas City Museum & Rough Riders Memorial Collection
(505) 454-1401 ext 283