Fair Park News
Iconic fedoras will top new exhibit of Dallas Cowboys coach Tom Landry
The Dallas Historical Society will celebrate legendary Dallas Cowboys coach Tom Landry with a new exhibit featuring more than 60 mementos from his life, some of which have never been seen by the public.
The collection comes from Landry's widow, Alicia.
Her son Tom Landry, Jr. says in a release that they wanted to share his dad's legacy with fans.
"My family and I are excited to leave my father's memorabilia in the hands of the Dallas Historical Society because we know they will take great care to tell his story well," Landry, Jr. says. "As much as my father belonged to me and my family, I also know how much he belonged to Dallas so it seems right that his things have a permanent home in the heart of the city."
This is not the first exhibit Tom Landry exhibit that's been offered by the Dallas Historical Society; they hosted one a decade ago (written up on My Sweet Charity), which was a little more focused on Landry's football career.
Dallas Historical Society executive director Karl Chiao says that the exhibit will paint a portrait that spans Landry's life.
"With the items donated to us by Alicia Landry, people can experience the entertaining and comprehensive tale of the man behind 'America's Team' – from childhood to college student to husband to coach to legend," Chiao says.
Included in the collection are:
- Historic footballs from the Landry era, including the first victory game ball from Landry’s Dallas Cowboys in 1960 signed by the original team, as well as Landry’s 100th win football
- Landry’s bust from the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Statue from Texas Stadium
- Dallas Cowboys Lombardi trophy
- Super Bowl and Championship rings as a professional player and as a coach
- Iconic fedoras
- Papers from Landry's childhood, including football plays and research, which inspired his revolutionary defensive formations as a coach
The Dallas Historical Society is housed in the legendary Hall of State, where it hosts exhibits, tours, educational programs, and research libraries. It maintains more than three million artifacts that connect people to history, the newest of which comprises the Landry collection.
The exhibit comes on the 60th anniversary of the Dallas Cowboys, with an accompanying event on November 12 when the public will have the first opportunity to view it.
Limited to 396 attendees, the event will feature a panel of special guests, moderated by radio sports star Norm Hitzges from KTCK-AM. Tickets will be available starting in August at dallashistory.org.