First Black Equestrian Museum Opens in Connecticut

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Members of the Black Cowboy Association parade past spectators during the opening ceremonies Saturday of a two-day rodeo in New York’s Harlem Saturday, Sept. 9, 1984 benefiting the United Negro College Fund and other charities. The rodeo was held a vacant lot at 137th St. and Eighth Avenue specially prepared to accommodate 15 bulls, 25 horses, 15 steers and 15 calves making up the five rodeo events from bull riding to calf roping. (AP Photo/Todd James)
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(AURN News) — The Mary Fields Horse & Heritage Museum has opened in Connecticut, becoming the first museum in the nation dedicated to Black equestrian history, according to the CT Mirror.

Black cowboys are not myths or movie characters — they helped build America — and this museum finally gives them their due.

See page for author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Named after Mary “Stagecoach Mary” Fields — the first Black woman to work for the U.S. Postal Service — the museum honors her fearless legacy.

Fields delivered mail in Montana in the late 1800s, carried a rifle, smoked cigars, wore men’s clothing, and dared anyone to challenge her.

Marty Aligata, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Born into slavery in 1832, Fields became one of the most respected figures in the American West.

Located on the grounds of Ebony Horsewomen, Inc., founded by Patricia Kelly, the museum also highlights Buffalo Soldiers and the powerful bond between Black communities and horse culture.


Click play to listen to the AURN News report from Clay Cane. Follow @claycane & @aurnonline for more.

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