Join Friends of Will Rogers and help share the legend of an Indian Territory Cherokee, who grew up to be recognized worldwide for his wit and wisdom.
Membership in Friends of Will Rogers through Will Rogers Heritage, Inc., will help support educational and cultural contributions the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore and the Birthplace Ranch near Oologah make to the community, state, nation and even the world.
Donations will help preserve and perpetuate Will Rogers’ heritage and legacy for present and future generations, said Steve Gragert, Will Rogers Museums director.
“We are looking forward to building a base of support for the museums and legacy of Will Rogers not only in Claremore but throughout the country,” he said. “We hear from people who want to contribute to the museum. Perhaps they don’t have archival material, but want to offer help in other ways.
“We are looking at not just building financial support but a base for volunteers in many ways from greeting visitors to assisting by whatever expertise, skills and knowledge available. Both the museum and donors can benefit in a positive manner.” Will Rogers Heritage Trust Inc is a not-for-profit, 501 (C)(3) with membership tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Memberships are available in areas ranging from: students $30; seniors (62 and older), $25; senior couples, $45; individuals, $30; and family-dual (two adults and all children/grandchildren under 18 in same household, $45.
Special memberships are named for Will’s career areas. Ropers are $100, Performers are $250, Communicators are $500, Ambassadors are $750 and Will’s Lariat of Friends are $1,000.
Memorial donations or honorariums (in any amount) may be made in honor of someone living or deceased.
The Friends’ organization was officially launched with a shared event sponsored by Sam and Becky Cowherd of Spirits of 66 and Will Rogers Heritage Inc.
Mike Wimmer, a friend of the Will Rogers Museums and illustrator for Frank Keating’s book “Will Rogers, A Man and His Legend,” drew pencil sketches of Will throughout the evening, which were auctioned to benefit the new organization. (Oils of illustrations in the Keating book are now on permanent display in the Will Rogers Memorial Museum.)
High bidders and among the first Friends of Will Rogers were Linda Chambers Bradshaw of Tulsa and Dr. Fred and Patty Northrop of Claremore.
A number of membership applications were made at the event.
Each member will receive a personalized membership card, 10 percent discount on purchases in the Museum Shop and online, complimentary members-only newsletter “The Lariat”, library privileges and invitation to members-only events.
Members in special designations will be recognized in the museum newsletter and donors of $250 or more recognized on Lariat of Honor Wall in the Memorial.
Gift certificates of denominations of $50 and $75 to $100 will be included to Communicators, Ambassadors and Will’s Lariat of Friends
Ambassadors and Will’s Lariat of Friends will be allowed a complimentary one-time use of the Memorial Lodge or Ranch Barn.
The curator will lead a private tour of the museum for a member and four guests for the top donor designation, who will also receive an invitation for two to “Will’s Lariat of Friends” dinner.
To receive a membership application call 800-324-9455 or visit the website www.willrogers.com. Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express credit cards will be accepted.
Gift card messages will be provided with gift membership.
The Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore and Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch near Oologah are open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 365 days a year. Admission is by donation.
The birthplace ranch has a registered 2,000-foot grass airstrip and parking for eight recreational vehicles. For information about the museums, call 800-324-9455 or 918-341-0719.