In 1990, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (formerly National Cowboy Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Center) established the Chester A. Reynolds Award, named in honor of the founder of the Museum. This special award does not include an induction into one of the Museum's three Halls of Fame.

Criteria for Nomination
This award is presented to a living honoree that has made outstanding contributions as an individual, group or institution toward perpetuating the ideals, history and heritage of the American West, whether by a single remarkable achievement or a body of quality work over a period of years.