Fort Worth, Texas, has a reputation of being the place where the West begins. Its history, steeped in Western culture, makes it the perfect home for the only museum in the world honoring the women who embraced the rugged Wild West, who galloped into the blazing spotlight of a rodeo arena and who shaped their identity by breaking barriers-the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame.

With more than 30 years in the saddle celebrating cowgirls, the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame is an invaluable educational resource nationally known for its exhibits, research library, rare photography collection, and of course the honorees in its Hall of Fame.

Annie Oakley began her career as a sharpshooter to support her struggling family. Later on, as her talent grew, so did her fame as she became the star attraction in the famous Buffalo Bill Wild West Show. For nearly two decades, Oakley dazzled audiences with her keen skills and pinpoint accuracy. She died in 1926 in Greenville, Ohio.

Touting some 5,000 artifacts in its permanent collection, the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame showcases the cowgirl story through interactive exhibits and hands-on activities such as the Connie Reeves Discovery Corral, a play area where children can get their hands on real horse tack, sit by a make-believe campfire, and read stories about cowgirls. Also kids and adults alike enjoy the buckin' bronc ride- a thrilling chance to be a rodeo star and to see it displayed on video, too.

From Annie Oakley to Tad Lucas, Laura Ingalls Wilder to Georgia O'Keeffe, the growing list of honorees includes some of the most accomplished women in rodeo, ranching, art, film, sports and more. Each with a pioneering spirit, these women proved to the world they could reach for the stars and pave new roads for women in the future.

National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame is open 7 days a week. Check them out online at www.cowgirl.net and catch the Cowgirl Spirit!