Marshal McCully sculpture unveiling and open house

The Sod House Museum near Aline continues to celebrate the 126th anniversary of its centerpiece sod house by unveiling a bronze sculpture of Marshal McCully, the man who built it, at an Open House on Saturday, May 15, from 1 to 3 p.m. Sen. Roland Pederson, Rep. Carl Newton, and OHS Board of Directors President Dr. Deena Fisher will assist with the unveiling of the sculpture.

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 April. 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.