Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremores likely will close for full remodeling in early 2026

The director of the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore, Oklahoma, said the facility likely would close in January 2026 for a full remodeling project, then reopen by that spring. Museum director Tad Jones gave the Claremore Progress newspaper some details: Jones, who has been museum director since 2014, said plans to renovate every exhibit … Continue reading Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremores likely will close for full remodeling in early 2026

Sculptor wants a giant statue of aviation pioneer Wiley Post in Edmond

An Oklahoma City sculptor is seeking to erect a 50-foot-tall statue of aviation pioneer Wiley Post along Route 66 in nearby Edmond. Post's accomplishments are numerous: the first to fly solo around the world, a key developer of one of the first pressure suits and a discoverer of the jet stream. Post was born in Texas, but his family moved … Continue reading Sculptor wants a giant statue of aviation pioneer Wiley Post in Edmond

Ike’s Chili in Tulsa participates in fundraiser for Will Rogers Museum renovations

The owner of the more-than-century-old Ike's Chili in Tulsa is donating a portion of its revenues to help pay for renovations at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in nearby Claremore. Len Wade, owner of the restaurant at 1503 E. 11th St. (aka Route 66), told News on 6 in Tulsa he's motivated to help the … Continue reading Ike’s Chili in Tulsa participates in fundraiser for Will Rogers Museum renovations

Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore to undergo a $14 million expansion and renovation

The Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore, Oklahoma, will undergo an extensive renovation and expansion in the next few years -- the first since the museum opened in 1938. The Joplin Globe reported: Letters from Will Rogers’ adolescence, glass slides of movie posters, studio contracts, movie scripts and costumes are just a few of the … Continue reading Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore to undergo a $14 million expansion and renovation

Artificial intelligence program brings deceased Route 66 figures seemingly to life

A few weeks ago, the MyHeritage genealogy website released an artificial intelligence program called Deep Nostalgia. It takes still photographs of people, analyzes them and animates their faces in a lifelike way by making them seemingly blink their eyes, move their heads and make subtle movements with their lips. The effect often proves amazing, unsettling … Continue reading Artificial intelligence program brings deceased Route 66 figures seemingly to life

J.M. Davis Arms Museum in Claremore expands its Cherokee Nation exhibit

The J.M. Davis Arms and Historical Museum in Claremore, Oklahoma, recently added an expanded Cherokee Nation exhibit. The museum documented the opening of the exhibit Friday: The Tulsa World had more details about the exhibit, via Cherokee Nation District 14 Councilman Keith Austin: Austin said the display tells the story of the Cooweescoowee District of … Continue reading J.M. Davis Arms Museum in Claremore expands its Cherokee Nation exhibit

Enhanced Tour added to Will Rogers Memorial in Claremore

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, … Continue reading Enhanced Tour added to Will Rogers Memorial in Claremore

Will Rogers Memorial Museum merged into Oklahoma Historical Society

Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin this week signed her first bill of the 2016 state legislative session, which was to transfer the Will Rogers Memorial Commission into the Oklahoma Historical Society. It was a move that was sought for years and supported by both organizations. Tad Jones, director of the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore, Oklahoma, explained a few … Continue reading Will Rogers Memorial Museum merged into Oklahoma Historical Society

Will Rogers-Route 66 short film is out

Kirkpatrick & Kinslow Productions said it would have its short film promoting Will Rogers' link to Route 66 out in August to help boost the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore, Oklahoma. The Tulsa-area based production company finished the project early: Will Rogers-Route 66 Adventure from Kirkpatrick&Kinslow Productions on Vimeo. The Will Rogers-Route 66 Experience … Continue reading Will Rogers-Route 66 short film is out

Teaser film out about Will Rogers, Route 66

A few weeks ago, the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore, Oklahoma, announced it was working with Kirkpatrick & Kinslow Productions in nearby Tulsa to produce a three-minute film about the link between Oklahoma movie star and humorist Will Rogers and Route 66. “Route 66: The Mother Road” author Michael Wallis and Jennifer Rogers-Etcheverry, great-granddaughter of … Continue reading Teaser film out about Will Rogers, Route 66