Pioneer Woman Museum and Statue | Oklahoma Historical Society

Pioneer Woman Museum and Statue | Oklahoma Historical Society Pioneer Woman Museum and Statue | Oklahoma Historical Society Oklahoma Historical Society Pioneer Woman Museum and Statue Upcoming Events Daughters of Daring: Hollywood Cowgirl Stunt Women book discussion with author Chris Enss May 16, 2 p.m. 3:30 p.m. Pioneer Woman Museum preserves the legacy of women of all races, creeds, and nationalities who contributed to the development of Oklahoma. The museum’s education center features craft demonstrations, special exhibits, an interactive timeline, and the Pioneer Woman Walk of Fame. The museum is dedicated to the enduring spirit of women—past, present, and future—who see no boundaries. To learn more, visit pioneerwomanmuseum.com About the Statue Pioneer Woman is a bronze statue of a young, sun-bonneted pioneer mother, protectively leading her son by the hand, striding confidently, head held high—a young woman of sturdy beauty and dignity whose eyes are fixed on the far southwestern horizon. Courage, determination, and humility are in her face. A bible is in her hand. The bronze cast is 17 feet high and weighs 12,000 pounds. It was erected in 1930 at a cost of $300,000. The monument was conceived, directed, and financed by Ernest Whitworth Marland, an oilman, philanthropist, US Congressman, and the tenth governor of Oklahoma. In October 1926, Marland invited sculptors to submit competitive designs in the form of small models. Four months later the models were exhibited across the nation, and 750,000 people cast their vote. Bryant Baker’s model was the most popular by a large margin. Baker was born in London in 1881 and graduated from the Royal Academy of Arts in London. He came to the United States in 1916 and was a sergeant in the US Army in 1918–19. Unveiling ceremonies were held April 22, 1930, the anniversary of the first land run in Oklahoma. The ceremony was attended by 40,000 people. President Herbert Hoover gave a brief radio address from Washington, DC, as did Colonel Patrick J. Hurley, a native Oklahoman and then secretary of war. Oklahoma’s favorite son, Will Rogers, also spoke briefly. The Pioneer Woman Museum was dedicated September 15, 1958, just east of the statue. The statue was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. Pioneer Woman Museum and Statue Plan Your Visit Oklahoma Historical Society 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73105 405-521-2491 Site Index Press Room Get Updates in Your Inbox Keep up to date with our weekly newsletter delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe Now