Singing cowboys, western heroes, comic actors, and entertainment geniuses are honored in these museums and galleries around the Midwest and the world.
MISSOURI
Marceline
The Walt Disney Hometown Museum is found in the town’s restored Santa Fe Depot, the first location Walt saw when he arrived in Marceline at age 5. Learn about Walt’s childhood, family, friends, and creative adventures that lead to his creation of Mickey Mouse and Pals. After visiting the museum, visit the Dreaming Tree and Walt’s Happy Place at the old family farm or stroll down the Main Street that inspired the streets of the same name in his famous parks.
MORE INFORMATION: 660-376-3343 or waltdisneymuseum.org
SWITZERLAND
La Tour-de-Peliz
The L’Espace Musee Charlie Chaplin celebrates the unique and expressive charm that Chaplin brought to the silver screen. Study the beginnings of the film industry through his eyes as an actor, director, composer and producer. The films and achievements of his over 65 year entertainment career have been collected by his son and compiled in the museum, located in the Chaplin family’s Swiss residence from 1953 onwards, the Manoir de Ban Corsier sur Vevey Switzerland.
MORE INFORMATION: 41-21-977-22-22 or chaplinmuseum.com
IOWA
Winterset
Born May 26, 1907, John Wayne became one of the best known men of the big screen. Epitomizing a rugged masculinity, he is still an enduring American icon of courage and patriotism. On what would have been his 100th birthday, the town of his birth had a ground-breaking ceremony for the new John Wayne Museum and Learning Center at his birthplace house. They often have celebrations and festivals to celebrate the birth of the Duke. The original 4-bedroom home has been restored to its 1907 appearance, and contains a collection of memorabilia including costumes, props and rare photographs.
MORE INFORMATION: 877-462-1044 or johnwaynebirthplace.org
KANSAS
Piqua
The Buster Keaton Memorial Museum has a collection of newspaper clippings, family artifacts, books and other film memorabilia. Keaton starred or directed in more than 150 films and was in 40 television programs during his career. The internationally known actor was born in this small mid-west town while his parents were touring the country with Harry Houdini in a traveling vaudeville show. The nearby town of Iola has the Buster Keaton Celebration every year in late September.
MORE INFORMATION: 620-468-2692 or busterkeatonmuseum.happywebsite.biz
INDIANA
Fairmount
The James Dean Memorial Gallery is located in the actor’s hometown and final resting place. A private collector has opened the collection of artifacts from Dean’s short but prolific career. Movie posters, books and magazines from around the world line the walls of this Victorian home. Bronzes, novelty and souvenir items are on display in cases. The gallery offers opportunities to view memories of the Indiana native “rebel” who is still remembered to this day.
MORE INFORMATION: 765-948-3326 or jamesdeangallery.com
OHIO
Cadiz
Charleston Street is home to the birthplace of Clark Gable. The quaint home at number 138 is open for visitors today as a museum – decorated in the style of 1901. Gable’s childhood sled and one of his own automobiles, a 1954 Cadillac are on display. Classic film celebrations are held at the museum often, including special celebrity guests and festivals celebrating the humble town’s “King.”
MORE INFORMATION: 740-942-4989 or clarkgablefoundation.com
OKLAHOMA
Gene Autry
Gene Autry, the singing cowboy of the 1930s-50s “B” westerns, is immortalized in a town named after the local resident. Colorful displays, memorabilia and collectibles all display how to live by the infamous “cowboy code”. The building was once the town schoolhouse – once the school closed it left a perfect venue for a museum. Summer Jamborees and music and film festivals offer a way for fans to celebrate Gene, Eddie Dean, Ken Maynard, and other singing western actors.
MORE INFORMATION: 580-294-3047 or geneautryokmuseum.com
Contact the writer: klucas@ocregister.com
