Please see below for two statements regarding wildfires in California that directly impacted the Will Rogers State Historic Park. We know the home burned to the ground, but we’re still working to get additional information about the extent of the damage to the rest of the property. 

 

Statement from Trait Thompson, executive director of the Oklahoma Historical Society

We are deeply saddened to learn about the fire that destroyed Will Rogers State Historic Park in Los Angeles, which includes Will Rogers’ former home and 186 acres of land. This tragedy resonates with the Oklahoma Historical Society because Rogers (Cherokee) was born in Indian Territory in 1879, and the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore is dedicated to honoring and preserving the legacy of “Oklahoma’s Favorite Son.” Rogers moved to California in 1919 and became Hollywood’s most popular and highest-paid actor in the 1930s. Our thoughts are with the Will Rogers State Historic Park staff, who work directly with the Will Rogers Memorial Museum to share the story of Will Rogers, and Rogers’ family, who continue to play an active role at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum.

 

Statement from Jennifer Rogers-Etcheverry, great-granddaughter of Will Rogers

While the loss to the Will Rogers Ranch is devastating, it pales in comparison to the loss of the property and businesses and, more importantly, the lives of those in the surrounding area.

 

The Rogers family is devastated by the loss of the California ranch and the overwhelming loss of the community. Our hearts go out to all those neighbors who have lost their homes. The community of Pacific Palisades has always been a generous supporter of the Will Rogers State Historic Park. It is the hidden gem of the Palisades.

 

The family donated the ranch in 1944 to the State of California to act as a living museum to Will Rogers. The Rogers family has always been actively involved and will continue to be involved as we recover from this disaster. State park officials are there right now assessing the situation.

 

Jennifer Rogers, the family representative, is active with the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore, as well as a founding member of the Will Rogers Ranch Foundation, which supports Will Rogers State Historic Park. She is in direct contact with California State Parks, which is currently on-site assessing the situation. State park employees spent time yesterday getting artifacts out of the house, but the situation is still evolving, and we won’t know the full extent of the damage for a few days.

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For more information on the fire and how you can help park employees and volunteers visit the Will Rogers Ranch Foundation.