Press Release
May 3, 2021
Contact: Renee Trindle
Sod House Museum, Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 580-463-2441
sodhouse@okhistory.org
www.okhistory.org/sodhouse
Bronze Sculpture of Marshal McCully to be Unveiled at the Sod House Museum
ALINE, Okla. — The Sod House Museum near Aline will unveil a bronze sculpture of Marshal McCully, the builder of the sod house, on Saturday, May 15, from 1 to 3 p.m. to continue the celebration of the 126th anniversary of the sod house.
Renowned sculptor and painter Burneta Venosdel created the likeness of McCully and will be on-site for the unveiling of her bronze sculpture, which she is donating to the museum, paying homage to settlers and her pioneer roots. In 2015, Venosdel presented a program at the museum explaining her sculpture techniques. It was then that she was inspired to create a sculpture of McCully.
“As a sculptor, my subject matter is connected to my upbringing and pioneering roots in northwestern Oklahoma,” said Venosdel. “I am driven to express myself and record these subjects in bronze.” Venosdel also has 22 pieces of her artwork on display at the museum through May. A portion of the sales from this exhibit benefit the Friends of the Sod Museum.
Most sod houses only lasted three to eight years, but Marshal McCully lived in his sod house for 15 years. Thanks to the efforts of preservationists, the soddie is still standing after 126 years. The Friends of the Sod House Museum will celebrate this milestone with refreshments, door prizes and a drawing for a queen-sized “Nine Patch” quilt made by the group. The Friends work behind the scenes to assist the museum with funds needed for new exhibits and necessary repairs. At this time, they are assisting the Oklahoma Historical Society by raising funds needed for supplies to replace the exterior of the facility.
The Sod House Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is located southeast of Aline on State Highway 8. For more information contact Director Renee Trindle at 580-463-2441 or sodhouse@okhistory.org.
The Sod House Museum is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit www.okhistory.org.
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Editor’s Note: Photographs to accompany the story can be acquired by contacting Renee Trindle at the Sod House Museum at 580-463-2441 or reneet@okhistory.org.
