Hats Off to a Western Symbol

Fashions in hats may come and go, but no piece of headgear says America like the cowboy hat. Now more than 50 of these symbols of the West, worn by reel and real-life cowboys alike, are on display at the Buffalo Bill Museum in Golden, Colo.

Items from “A Century of Celebrity Cowboy Hats,” running through Sept. 12, were gathered from around the country. Historical figures such as Wyatt Earp and Buffalo Bill are represented, along with celebrities like Clayton Moore (“The Lone Ranger”), John Travolta (“Urban Cowboy”) and Jane Seymour (“Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman”).

Former President Ronald Reagan loaned two hats, one adorned with the presidential seal and the other sporting a rattlesnake band with open-mouthed head, fangs and all. Perhaps the most unusual item is the “Teddy turban,” made from bandannas decorated with images of former President Theodore Roosevelt in a cowboy hat, and worn by members of his Bull Moose Party. Other hats sport feathers and rhinestones.

The museum is open daily. Admission is $3 adults, $1 ages 6 to 15. Telephone (303) 526-0744.