INDIANAPOLIS - At 1 p.m. Feb. 7, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art will welcome noted historian Art Burton for the Second Annual Leon Jett Memorial Lecture.Burton, author of several books, including "Black, Red and Deadly: Black and Indian Gunfighters of the Indian Territory 1870-1907" and "Black Buckskin and Blue: African American Scouts and Soldiers of the Western Frontier", will discuss "Cowboys and Indians: An African American Perspective." The lecture will be followed by a book signing in the Eiteljorg Museum Store.
Burton is a member of the history department at South Suburban College in South Holland, Ill. He has made a distinguished career in education and the arts focusing his research on the history of black lawmen and outlaws of the West. He lectures widely and brings to the forefront the untold stories of minority groups who often are left out of the dominant American myth of the cowboy.
The Annual Leon Jett Memorial Lecture celebrates the life and contributions of the museum's former public programs manager. Jett designed programs that brought artists, lecturers and performers to the museum to challenge stereotypes and tell the stories of the West and indigenous peoples from a diversity of perspectives. Through programming, Leon introduced museum visitors and members to a more inclusive view of the art, history and cultures of the West and Native Americans.
The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art is celebrating its 20th year of inspiring appreciation and understanding of the art, history and cultures of the American West and the indigenous peoples of North America. The museum, which opened in 1989, is located in Downtown Indianapolis' White River State Park.
For general information about the museum and to learn more about exhibits and events, call 317-636-WEST (9378) or visit www.eiteljorg.org
