Fort Worth, Texas – The traveling trunk used by famed female sharpshooter Annie Oakley has found a permanent home at The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame in Fort Worth, Texas.

Annie Oakley’s (born Phoebe Ann Moses) trunk is displayed in its own case and is particularly relevant to Oakley’s life as she traveled continually, offering demonstrations and performing in Wild West shows. It was typical for the time to use trunks for personal belongings when traveling away from home for extended periods of time.

Oakley was inducted posthumously in 1984 to the Hall of Fame and the 150th anniversary of her birth was celebrated at the Museum on August 13.

“Annie Oakley was not just an extraordinary female sharpshooter for her era; she was an extraordinary sharpshooter, period. She mastered and excelled in a sport traditionally reserved for men, yet she was very focused and acutely aware of maintaining her femininity as it was defined in her day,” noted Diana Vela, director of exhibits and education for the Museum. “We are honored to be the Museum where this trunk will reside and indebted to the generosity of the benefactor who donated this artifact,” she added.

Oakley’s trunk joins another Oakley artifact housed at the Museum, a late 19th century cabinet card autographed by Oakley and inscribed to Buffalo Bill. The cabinet card was the successor of the carte de visite (visiting card or calling card) replacing it as a more popular form of portraiture. The popularity of the cabinet card reached its peak in the late 1800’s, when Annie Oakley was enjoying much success in her career.

About the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame

The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame honors and celebrates women, past and present, whose lives exemplify the courage, resilience, and independence that helped shape the American West, and fosters an appreciation of the ideals and spirit of self-reliance they inspire. Open Tuesday through Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m., admission is $10 for adults ages 13 and up and $8 for children ages 3 to 12 and senior citizens. Group rates and docent tours are available. For more information please call (817) 336-4475 or (800) 476-FAME, or visit www.cowgirl.net.