Fred Harman, who died in 1982, was a founder of the Cowboy Artists of America. In addition to becoming one of the country's foremost painters of the American West, he also is the world-celebrated creator of the cartoon strip, "Red Ryder and Little Beaver." The museum exhibits numerous Fred Harman paintings, Red Ryder and Little Beaver comic strips, rodeo, movie and other western memorabilia.
The Red Ryder Roundup is "The Event" in Pagosa Springs and it's America's oldest July 4th community event.