Over decades, Joe Zuckschwerdt has amassed one of the world’s largest private collections of John Wayne memorabilia. The longtime President of the John Wayne Birthplace and Museum, Joe Zuckschwerdt is an authority on the life and career of The Duke. Screen-worn costumes from his collection are currently on display in Western Spirit’s blockbuster exhibition Still in the Saddle: A New History of the Hollywood Western.

Joe Zuckschwerdt will join Chief Curator Andrew Patrick Nelson for a conversation about his passion for John Wayne and how he built his remarkable collection.

Andrew Patrick Nelson, PhD is Chief Curator at Western Spirit. He is a leading authority on Western cinema, art, and culture, and the author and editor of numerous books and essays. Dr. Nelson’s insights have been featured in the New York Times, The Hollywood Reporter, and on NPR, and he regularly appears as a commentator on the History Chanel and other networks. He also cohosts the popular Western movie podcast How the West Was ‘Cast and is the author of the book Still in the Saddle: The Hollywood Western, 1969 – 1980.

Program Info:

Thursday, October 15, 2026
6:00 p.m.
FREE for Museum Members (Members, log-in first to reserve tickets)
FREE with Museum Admission
$10 for just the program