The Will Rogers Memorial in Claremore, Oklahoma, recently added a multimedia Enhanced Tour as part of its offerings that pay tribute to the famed humorist, actor and writer.
The Tulsa World newspaper reported how local history buff Brandi Glasscock took in the tour:
Glasscock and her family got to hear the voice of Michael Wallis, author of “Route 66 – The Mother Road,” and voice of the sheriff in Disney Pixar’s “Cars,” who narrated their tour, starting in the West Gallery through the Final Journey of the American Cowboy Philosopher.
They used their smartphones at designated “Stop” areas to access audio files, pictures and other media content, which provided for a unique and interactive experience throughout the tour.
The audio tour was recorded at 3CG Records and with the help of Taylor Hanson, multi-Grammy nominated singer, songwriter, producer and entrepreneur, and co-founder of the group, “Hanson.”
The Enhanced Tour also is available in a section of the Will Rogers Memorial’s website, including Wallis’ voice as a guide.
Tad Jones, the museum’s executive director, said in a news release the tour likely will change and expand as staff adds more content to each page, including personalized musings from Rogers about a certain state or country.
Rogers helped promote U.S. 66, including during the Bunion Derby continental footrace during the highway’s early years, until he died in an airplane crash in Alaska in 1935.
References to Route 66 being called the Will Rogers Highway began shortly after his death. A well-known monument dedicating the Will Rogers Highway also sits in Santa Monica, California, near the Santa Monica Pier.
Rogers indisputably was Oklahoma’s most famous citizen for much of the 20th century. He was so popular, he likely would have been elected president if he had run.
But his prominence in the public memory has faded. So it’s good the museum is trying new ways for people to rediscover him.
(Image of Will Rogers courtesy of the Will Rogers Memorial in Claremore, Oklahoma)