Press Release
December 19, 2018
Contact: Pat Reeder
Will Rogers Memorial Museum and Birthplace Ranch, Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 918-343-8129
pr@willrogers.com
www.willrogers.com
Will Rogers Memorial Museum Theatre to Undergo Renovation
CLAREMORE, Okla. — After spending the year celebrating the 100th anniversary of Will Rogers’s first movie appearance in “Laughing Bill Hyde,” the curtains literally are coming down in the Will Rogers Memorial Museum Theatre in preparation for renovation of the stage and remodeling of the auditorium. All new seating and an organ also will be added to the theatre.
The theatre was added to the museum in 1982 and has changed little since it was built. It is used almost daily by school groups, tours, for community events and movie showings. Over the years the seating has become worn and faded, and the technology in the theatre is in need of an upgrade. A red carpet fundraising event held in November has provided funds for the renovation, but sponsorships are still being accepted for theatre chairs. Seat sponsorships are $350 and can be purchased at www.willrogers.com/theatre-renovation.
The theatre will undergo these renovations during the museum’s winter hours of operation. Now until the end of February 2019, the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore and the Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch in Oologah will observe winter hours of operation. The museums will be open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and will be closed on Christmas Day. Questions regarding group visits and guided tours may be directed to www.willrogers.com.
The Will Rogers Memorial Museum and the Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch are divisions 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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