The Woody Guthrie Center is dedicated to spreading Woody Guthrie’s message of diversity, equality, and justice. In today’s world, where it seems intolerance, bigotry, and violence are on the rise, it’s an honor to share this positive message with a new generation who can create their own ripples of change.
Our facility honors Woody Guthrie’s life and legacy by educating visitors, teachers, students, and scholars about his relevance today and his important role in American history — through our on-site programming, classroom materials and youth music programs, artist-in-residence programs, school outreach, internship and fellowship opportunities, and the Woody Guthrie Center Archives.
About the Center
Q: When did the Woody Guthrie Center open?
A:
April 27, 2013.
Q: How many items are in the archive?
A:
The Woody Guthrie Archives & Special Collections consists of more than 10,000 items. The collection continues to grow as new items and resources for education and research are added.
Q: Where should I park when visiting the center?
A:
Metered parking in the district is enforced Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. If you’re visiting on Fridays from 5 p.m. until 11 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. until 11 p.m. and Sundays noon until 9 p.m., free parking is generously offered by Bank of Oklahoma in the parking lot at the corner of North Boston Avenue and East Archer Street.
Q: Can I bring my pet to the center?
A:
Service animals are permitted into the Woody Guthrie Center. We do not allow pets or therapy animals.
About Woody Guthrie
Q: Who is Woody Guthrie?
A:
Woody Guthrie was one of the first artists who realized the power of his craft to create social change. He became a voice for those who were disenfranchised and a source of power for those who needed strength. Today, Woody is an inspiration to realize the power of your own voice. His message is still relevant and vital in the fight for equality and justice.
Q: How many children did Woody Guthrie have?
A:
He had eight children: Arlo, Nora, Lorinna Lynn, Bill, Cathy, Joadie, Sue, and Gwen.
Q: When will Arlo Guthrie be back at the center?
A:
Arlo visits as often as possible. You never know when a member of the Guthrie family will stop in to visit the Woody Guthrie Center! Q: Was Woody Guthrie an artist too?
A:
Yes! Woody was a highly accomplished visual artist. In the Pampa phone directory, his number was listed beside his occupation: "sign painter." His art is multifaceted and took many different directions and styles as you can experience in the center.
Q: Did Woody Guthrie live in Tulsa?
A:
No. There is no mention of Woody visiting Tulsa. He grew up in Okemah, Oklahoma.
Q: Did Woody Guthrie know Will Rogers or Bob Wills?
A:
He definitely did not know Will Rogers, but Woody admired this other native son so much he named his first song "Will Rogers Highway," and he modeled his homespun persona on Will Rogers. Woody’s daughter Nora and Bob Wills’ daughter Carolyn both feel the two men may have met, but there is no documentation to confirm.
Q: How old was Woody Guthrie when he died?
A:
55.
Q: How did Woody Guthrie die?
A:
Huntington’s disease.
Q: What is Huntington’s disease?
A:
Huntington’s disease is a genetic degenerative neurological disease. Please visit Huntington’s Disease Society of America for detailed information and join us in supporting the research to find a cure.
Q: Did any of Woody Guthrie’s children have Huntington’s disease?
A:
Two of Woody’s daughters from his first marriage, Sue and Gwen, died from Huntington’s disease.
Q: Did Woody Guthrie ever come back to Oklahoma to live?
A:
No. He lived most of his adult life in New York.
Q: Why is the Woody Guthrie Center in Tulsa and not Okemah?
A:
Woody’s hometown of Okemah is an annual trip for the team every summer to celebrate his birthday at the Woody Guthrie Folk Festival. To reach the most people, the center for exploration and education needed to be in a more populated area, where there are many schools (both urban and suburban) and the funding to realize the vision. Those things were all available in Tulsa with financial support from the George Kaiser Family Foundation.
Q: Was Woody Guthrie a communist, a socialist, or what?
A:
Woody was never a member of any political party. He called himself a "commonist" who supported the common people. In his own words
Woody GuthrieHis ideas were very progressive for his time and often were frightening to those who feared change from the status quo. Woody started the work, and it’s up to us to keep marching for equality.Left wing, right wing, chicken win... it don’t make no difference to me.
Thanks Woody Guthrie Center!
