Cherokee Nation Takes Ownership Of Will Rogers Birthplace Museum

The Cherokee Nation officially took ownership of the Will Rogers Birthplace Museum Wednesday from the State of Oklahoma.

This puts the home of Oklahoma's favorite son into the hands of the Cherokee nation as Will Rogers himself was a proud Cherokee.

“He always remembered he was Cherokee. He said it was his proudest possession and so knowing that about him means that we should celebrate him,” Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation Chuck Hoskin Jr. said. “Because a young generation of Cherokees may not know him, but they can come here, and they can learn more about him and they can learn about someone who was so pivotal."

Will Rogers was a powerful storyteller and his humor captivated audiences across the nation for years in the early 1900's.

Hoskin said the purchase of Rogers' home helps tell a new story.

“There is a renaissance going on across the Cherokee Nation in which we are telling our stories again, and we are going to do it here in a very special way,” Hoskin said.

In many ways, Rogers' own story is deeply intertwined with the Cherokee Nation. Rogers' great-niece, Virginia McSpadden-Workman, said she is excited for the new life the nation will bring to the ranch.

“It seems so right and fitting that the tribe takes over,” McSpadden-Workman said. “I think it makes sure that it's maintained and loved, and the purpose of the ranch keeps living on."

The Cherokee Nation said it will take some time to repair and restore the home.

Chief Hoskin said once the work is done, it will be another milestone in tribe’s ongoing effort to preserve history.

“Will Rogers said if you're on the right track and you just sit there, well you'll get run over,” Hoskin said.  “We're on the right track in the Cherokee Nation, we've been on the right track in restoring sites and preserving history. We have to stay on the right track even in the most difficult of times."

The Cherokee Nation hopes this will be a learning place for younger generations.