Ropers say...

Back by popular demand, summer performances July 8, 15, 22, & 29 and August 5

2011-06-20T09:50:00.005-05:00

Make Claremore a summer outing destination.

Letters from the Heart: Betty and Will Rogers, a one-woman, multi-media show written and performed by acclaimed New York actress Laurette Willis, is returning to Will Rogers Memorial Museum Theatre.

Back by popular demand, summer performances are scheduled on Friday evenings July 8, 15, 22 and 29 and Aug. 5 at 7 p.m.

Claremore is an exceptional destination for a day out or weekend of museum visits, dinner and theatre — or a pleasant drive for the theatre.

Tickets are $10 and are available in the Museum store or by calling 918-343-8115 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Click here to see video promo.

War veterans and active duty military personnel will be honored July 8 and be given free admission with a paid ticket. As part of a Blue Star Museums program, they will also be given a 10 percent discount in the Museum store anytime between May 23 and Labor Day. Veterans and active duty military are asked to identify themselves when they reserve a ticket so they can be properly recognized.

Would you like to meet people from all over the world?

2011-06-20T09:34:00.001-05:00

Volunteer Classes Begin September 1

Spend few hours a month with an opportunity to meet people from all over the world and at the same time share the life, wisdom and humor of Will Rogers.

A new class of Ropers (docent volunteers) will begin training Thursday, Sept 1. Classes will meet from 10 am. to 3 p.m. each Thursday through Dec. 1 — except for the weeks of Will Rogers Days (Nov. 3-5) and Thanksgiving (Nov. 24) when they will meet on Tuesday, Nov. 1 and Nov. 22.

Ropers welcome visitors, introduce them to the Will Rogers Memorial Museum and Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch, point out places of interest, answer questions about exhibits and Will Rogers and give directions for touring and experiencing the museums.

The 14 training sessions provide volunteers with information and resources to be a Roper. Continued training and updates allow Ropers to remain current on new exhibits and events at the Museums.

There are opportunities to serve as a guide, greeter and interpreter and/or work in areas of collections, horticulture and special events.

Since the Roper program started in 2008, four classes have graduated and volunteered almost 5,000 hours, according to Steve Gragert, Will Rogers Memorial Museums executive director.

Ropers have had an increasingly important role with the record attendance at both museums. With still a month left on the fiscal year, attendance at the Claremore Museum is at 136,527, a nine-year record. More than half the visitors are from outside Oklahoma.

While most of the Ropers are from Claremore, there are several from Pryor, Tulsa, Sperry, Owasso, Oologah, Collinsville, Adair, Pryor and Foyil.

Ropers are required to join Friends of Will Rogers support group at least at the minimum level, volunteer at least two five-hour shifts per month, read and research the life and legacy of Will Rogers and the museums' collections and undergo a background check.

If you are interested in volunteering at the Memorial Museum or Birthplace Ranch, an application form is available on the Museum website www.willrogers.com or in the Claremore Museum store. Store hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Interested persons can also email name, address, daytime phone (and fax if available) and email address to Gragert at skgragert@willrogers.com or call him at 918-343-8118.

Did you know?

2010-10-28T16:43:00.001-05:00

    Will Rogers was radio’s pioneer commentator, but he was also the Number One male box office star of the 1930s.

    When soundtracks were added to motion pictures in 1929, Will Rogers found a new media and a heightening fame. He was a leading star behind only 5-year-old Shirley Temple, but he was still the top moneymaker for 20th Century Fox.

    Will Rogers’ first talking contract was signed with Fox on June 1, 1929, guaranteeing him $600,000 for four movies.

    Then came a 1.2 million dollar deal for six movies the following year.

    During a six-year period, Will Rogers starred in 21 sound-on-film movies that earned more than one million dollars each … That’s one million in Depression-era dollars.

    Will Rogers did not memorize scripts. Instead, he would study the plot, and understand the storyline, and then he would simply talk. Or, ad-lib, if you choose. And, he did this with very few rehearsals.

    John Ford was selected by 20th Century Fox to direct a classic story of the South in the 1890s, “Judge Priest.” Released in 1934, it starred Will Rogers in the title role.

    Years later, John Ford, who directed 145 movies during a seven-decade career, told an interviewer that “Judge Priest” was his favorite movie of all time.

    The 80-minute comedy-drama was written by Irving Cobb. Will Rogers played the role of the wise but wily judge so convincingly that President Franklin Roosevelt wrote to Will Rogers, saying: “I suppose the next thing you’ll be doing is making an application for an appointment to the federal bench. And I might just take you up on that.”

WILL ROGERS DAYS 2010

2010-09-24T10:23:00.002-05:00

November 4-6, Will Rogers Days, celebrating the 131st birthday of Oklahoma’s favorite son with a birthday party at the Oologah ranch, Pocahontas Indian Women’s Club tribute at Claremore Memorial Museum, Children’s Day at the Museum and Saturday parade down Will Rogers Blvd.

(For information, call 918-341-0719, Julie Luna, events coordinator, or e-mail jluna@willrogers.com.)

All events are free.

Wednesday, 3 November
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
“Stars of Oklahoma,” Main Theatre, Will Rogers Memorial Museum
• A film montage of motion picture personalities with Oklahoma connections

Thursday, 4 November
9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Will Rogers Birthday Party, Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch
• Kim Grazier & Oologah-Talala Elementary School Presentation
• Will Rogers Birthday Cake
• Kowboy Kal performs

2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Pocahontas Indian Women’s Club Tribute, Will Rogers Memorial Museum
• “Hats off to Will” Celebration
• Fashion Show
• Wreath-laying and Tea

Friday, 5 November
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Children’s Day at the Museum, Will Rogers Memorial Museum
• Main Theatre- Oologah-Talala Elementary School performs Will Rogers Play
• Heritage Gallery, Cherokee Story Teller
• Andy Hogan Rope Demonstrations, SE Patio of Building & Tomb area near entrance
• Sunken Garden, Gene Lloyd singing Oklahoma songs with a partner
• Games and snacks; SW grassy area for teaching and monitoring traditional Oklahoma games

Saturday, 6 November
10:00a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Antique & Classic Car Show, Will Rogers Memorial Museum

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Public Reception for Glorea Robb Morgan and Cleora Robb Galt, Will Rogers Memorial Museum. The Robb sisters appeared with Will Rogers in the Fox film Mr. Skitch in 1933.

4:00 p.m.

Will Rogers Day Parade

Crowds gather for Fly-In, Memorial tribute

2010-08-27T09:41:00.001-05:00

By PAT REEDER

Will Rogers Memorial Museums

Will Rogers and Wiley Post Post died 75 years ago in an Alaskan plane crash, both in their prime of life, Wiley laid claim to fame as an aviator. Will was an actor, writer, philosopher and philanthropist. Both were dedicated to flying and promotion of aviation.

For the first time since the deaths, four simultaneous tributes were made to the two men — at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore: at the Will Rogers Ranch in Will Rogers Historic Park in Pacific Palisades, Calif.; at Wiley Post’s graveside in Oklahoma City Memorial Park Cemetery; and in Barrow, Alaska, where their bodies were taken when they were removed from the crash.

Will Rogers was flown home to California, where he lived with his family at the time of his death. Post’s body was flown to Oklahoma City for burial. Services for Will Rogers were held in California and he was buried in the famous Forest Lawn Cemetery. After the Will Rogers Memorial Museum opened in 1938, Betty Rogers planned a tomb on the grounds and Will’s body was moved here.

The afternoon tributes followed the annual Will Rogers-Wiley Post Fly-In on the grass strip at the Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch and a Champagne Brunch and Dog Iron Polo Cup at the California Ranch. More than 60 pilots and more than 1,000 spectators were at the Oologah ranch for a morning of flying, looking at planes, and enjoying food, fun and fellowship, Cherokee storytelling, children’s amusements and a classic and antique car show.

Dave Denton, who has been coming from Siloam Springs, Ark., the last nine years in his Call Air, was picked by spectators as the “People’s Choice” plane and pilot. He said there are only nine All Air’s still flying.

Ross Adkins, assisted by Tony Isler, introduced pilots as they arrived.

Ed Fogel, a United Airlines pilot and resident of Rogers County, participated in the Fly-In, then flew over the Will Rogers Memorial before family members placed a wreath at the tomb in the sunken garden. Kem Rogers, grandson of Will Rogers, was joined by Doris Lane “Coke” Meyer, a great-niece, and Nancy Smith, a great-great-niece.

Presenting the colors was an Honor Guard from Boy Scout Troop 88, Claremore First United Methodist Church, and vocalist Mary West from Oologah,

Sen. Sean Burrage read a proclamation from Gov. Brad Henry, proclaiming Sunday, Aug. 15, “Will Rogers Remembrance Day.” Jim Hartz Will Rogers Memorial Commission Chairman recreated the eulogy delivered by Rev. J. Whitcomb Brougher Sr. at the California funeral service at Wee Kirk o’ the Heather.

Museum Director Steve Gregart recognized military aviation veterans and active duty personnel at the tribute.

Mikela Connella, bugler with the award-winning Oologah-Talala Mustang Band, played “Taps”.

Bryan Brewer flew a 1941 Stearman over the Post monument to open the Oklahoma City ceremony, coordinated by Don Dennis, Wiley Post Commission. Also on the program was Bob Burke, author of a Wiley Post biography; Dr. Bob Blackburn, Oklahoma Historical Society executive director; and retired aviator Wil Moore and state Supreme Court Justice Marian P. Opala, friends and former classmates of Wiley’s brother, Gordon.

The California tribute was coordinated by members of the Will Rogers Ranch Foundation, working closely with Jennifer Rogers Etcheverry, granddaughter of Will Rogers. She is the daughter of. Kem Rogers, who serves on the Oklahoma Will Rogers Memorial Commission.

In Alaska, the tribute came at the end of the annual Claire Okpeaha Memorial Run from the crash site into Barrow. It was Okpeaha who witnessed the crash and brought the word the 15 miles to Barrow.

Training and Requirements

2010-08-19T14:57:00.001-05:00

TRAINING AND REQUIREMENTS

Dates and times for training:

Training will begin on Wednesday, September 1, 2010.

Training will continue every Wednesday thereafter until its completion on
December 1, 2010.

All classes will be held at the Lodge on the grounds of the Will Rogers Memorial
Museum from 10:00 am–3:00 pm. There will be a break at noon for lunch, and
plans for that will be discussed at our first meeting.

Requirements:

1. Join Friends of Will Rogers at least at the Senior Level of $25 annually.

2. Have Internet accessibility, cell phone, or other ways to connect.

3. Be available to work as docent at least twice per month. Each shift is
a five-hour period (10:00–3:00) with a lunch break.

4. Attend periodic meetings to learn about new exhibits, programs,
acquisitions, and other developments. These meetings will be held
during daytime hours.

5. Have the ability to stand and walk for at least 45 minutes at a time with
short rest breaks for next 45-minute stand-and-walk period.

6. Possess an eagerness to meet, greet, and chat with museum guests.

7. Read given materials and do independent research on aspects of the
collections, contents, and materials of the Memorial Museum and
Birthplace Ranch and on the life and legacy of Will Rogers.

8. Undergo a satisfactory background check.

DESCRIPTION OF A ROPER

Goals as a gallery host:

To greet and meet the visiting public to the Memorial. Orient the visitor to the galleries,
point out places of interest, answer general questions, and give directions.

To acquaint the visiting public with the exhibits, offer helpful information about
the exhibits and the life and legacy of Will Rogers, and act as a resource for questions
about the displays and Rogers.

To act as a guide to groups that visit the Memorial and help them to understand
the exhibits, learn about Will Rogers, and have a positive experience while visiting
the Memorial.

To keep current with research, reading, and updates about items in the Memorial.

Prospective Ropers should receive or achieve the following:

✪ Intensive training by the staff of the Will Rogers Memorial Museums

✪ Good communication and interpretive skills

✪ Introduction to the collection and its historical significance

✪ Reading lists and resources

✪ Opportunities to shadow experienced Ropers

✪ Supervision as the new Roper conducts a tour

✪ Continued training and seminars to remain up to date with exhibits
and programs

✪ Ability to record service time in an accurate and efficient manner

Ropers may also work in the following areas:

✪ Archives

✪ Horticulture

✪ Collections

✪ Garden

✪ Birthplace Ranch

Fourth class of Ropers spots open

2010-07-09T15:45:00.001-05:00

Spots are still open for a fourth class of Will Rogers Ropers (docents) to start training Sept 1. Classes have been moved to a Wednesday schedule for 14 weekly classes that will continue through Dec. 1. Facilitators for the training will be Elmer Symsack and Sherry Whisler, graduates of the first class. They completed training for the third class when the original trainer moved. Classes are conducted from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Persons interested in volunteering at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore or Oologah Birthplace Ranch are asked to submit a letter of interest, with contact information. It may be mailed to Steve Gragert, Will Rogers Memorial executive director, P.O. Box 157, Claremore, OK 74018, or left at the Memorial store.

The third class graduated in June and includes residents of Claremore, Collinsville, Pryor, Foyil and Owasso.

Space limited for new Will Rogers Museums' docent class

2010-01-28T12:15:00.002-06:00

Spots in the latest class of Will Rogers Ropers, docents at Will Rogers Memorial Museums, are filling fast. Susan Rollins, Ropers’ trainer, said there still openings for those interested in becoming volunteers at the Claremore museum or Birthplace Ranch.

A 14-week training session, meeting each week on Tuesdays, will begin March 2. Persons interested can leave a letter of interest with contact information at the Will Rogers Memorial store or administrative office or mail to Susan Rollins, Will Rogers Memorial Roper Coordinator, P.O. Box 157, Claremore, OK 74018.

There are 26 active Ropers with the December graduation of the second class. That class included eight men, five retired teachers, semi-retired dentist, retired nurse and businesswoman and a retired Tulsa police officer. Ropers can volunteer as little or as much time as they have available.

Graduates have made it possible to have volunteers in the museum most days.

“Ropers have been an invaluable resource to the Memorial museum and in a sense have expanded our staff,” said Steve Gragert, Will Rogers Museums executive director.

New Class of Ropers Graduate

2009-12-23T10:58:00.004-06:00

The newest class of Will Rogers Ropers earned graduation certificates and are volunteering at the Will Rogers Memorial. They were joined in training sessions by Doris “Coke” Meyer, Will Rogers’ great-niece (left). Graduates are Marjorie Purkey, Paulette Hood, Jan Wilson, Dr. Jim Marshall, Dick Clark, Donna Henson, Ken McSlarrow, Mary Marshall and Tom Lingenfelter.

And now there are 25.

The latest class of Will Rogers Ropers has finished a 16-week training session and is signing on for volunteer duty at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum. The graduates make it possible to have volunteers in the museum most days.

Will Rogers Memorial Director Steve Gragert presented nine new docents with graduation certificates at a luncheon ceremony, witnessed by members of the first class, which graduated in November 2008. Susan Rollins, who led the first class, was also trainer for the latest class.

Six of the newest class are retired teachers; one retired from secondary school and now teaches in college. One is a retired Tulsa police officer, one is a semi-retired dentist and one is a retired nurse and businesswoman. Retired teacher Tom Lingenfelter taught at Will Rogers High School in Tulsa.

A second husband-wife team was in this class — dentist Dr. Jim Marshall and his wife, Mary, a retired teacher. Bernice and John Denbo were in the first class. John Denbo died earlier this year.

There are eight men Ropers.

Rollins said there is already interest in a third class to begin in March 2010. Women and men interested in volunteering at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore or Oologah Birthplace Ranch can leave a letter of interest with contact information at the Will Rogers Memorial store or administrative office or mail to Susan Rollins, Will Rogers Memorial Roper Coordinator, P.O. Box 157, Claremore, OK 74018.

Ropers’ training to start soon

2009-10-14T10:56:00.000-05:00

There’s a few days left for women and men interested in volunteering at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore or Oologah Birthplace Ranch to submit a letter of interest.

Susan Rollins, docent trainer, will start the training sessions September 8. The trainer for the first group of volunteers, who graduated last November, is a Tulsa Gilcrease Museum docent.

Several have signed up for the next session, but applications are still being accepted. Persons interested can leave a letter of interest with contact information at the Will Rogers Memorial store or administrative office or mail to Susan Rollins, Will Rogers Memorial Roper Coordinator, P.O. Box 157, Claremore, OK 74018.

Classes are scheduled Tuesdays for 14 weeks from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., completing Dec. 8.

Ropers continue to be an “invaluable asset to the museums in terms of service, promotion and goodwill,” said Steve Gragert, Museums director. They were out in full force during the annual Will Rogers-Wiley Post Fly-In at the Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch.

In addition to volunteering more than 2,000 hours at the museums, docents have helped with special events, represented the museum on special occasions both in and outside of Claremore, and worked in special areas.

Docents, men and women come from all walks of life, homemakers, civic leaders, retirees and professionals, all sharing a love of Will Rogers' history and the Claremore Memorial and Oologah Birthplace Ranch.