Cherokee to purchase Will Rogers Birthplace Museum
OOLOGAH — The Cherokee Nation plans to purchase the historic Will Rogers Birthplace Museum in Rogers County from the Oklahoma Historical Society.
“Will Rogers' humor and his unique ability to make complicated political and economic issues easy to understand made him a powerful social critic and commentator,” said Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. "He captivated audiences around the nation because his humor never insulted or belittled anyone — he was simply telling the truth about people in positions of power."
Hoskin noted that Rogers was called "The Cherokee Kid" in his early entertainment career and always embraced his culture and his tribe.
Rogers, who was famous for the rope tricks and political commentary, became one of the highest paid Hollywood actors in the 1930s. He appeared in more than 70 films, had a syndicated newspaper column and made numerous radio appearances. He and famous Oklahoma aviator Wiley Post were killed in a 1935 plane crash near Point Barrow, Alaska.
“No matter how popular he was, Will Rogers was always a Cherokee, and he talked about it," Hoskin said. "He reminded people every day that there are native people of this land still alive and who remain a vibrant part of America's tapestry. It is quite fitting that the Cherokee Nation will now have an opportunity to continue telling this story from such a unique perspective.”
A small signing ceremony was conducted at the museum near Oologah Wednesday on Will Rogers' birthday to formalize plans for the acquisition.
Bob Blackburn, executive director of the Oklahoma Historical Society, said the precise purchase price has not yet been determined, but it is expected to be about $1 million.
“The Oklahoma Historical Society and the Cherokee Nation have a long history of mutual respect, cooperation and shared resources,” Blackburn said. “Every penny earned from this transfer will be invested in the Will Rogers Memorial Museum. ... Together, we will make sure the world will always remember the life and legacy of this famous Cherokee cowboy."
The Will Rogers Memorial Museum is in Claremore, which is within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation, he noted.
The Historical Society has transferred a number of properties to Oklahoma tribes since the early 1990s.
"We've taken 54% budget cuts in the last 12 years," Blackburn said. "So where possible, we reach out to our partners in Indian country and find a way to accomplish our mission, which is to collect, preserve and share history."
The Cherokee Nation has plans to enhance and expand exhibits at the birthplace museum, said Whitney Dittman, a tribal spokeswoman.
The property spans 162 acres and includes the historic ranch-style home, a caretaker's home and two outbuildings, tribal officials said.
The museum showcases what life was like on a late 19th century ranch in Indian Territory and shares details about Will Rogers' Cherokee lineage and his family's relocation to Indian Territory, tribal officials said.