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ing that there’ s a younger generation that really don’ t know a whole lot about him,” Tush said.
Boone passed away in 2019, and that means students entering classes this year probably don’ t know his backstory and history.
“ Many of them, all they know is that his name is at the top of this football stadium, not a whole lot else,” Tush said.“ That’ s why we think it’ s important to show this film … it gives these people that really don’ t know a whole lot about him a background and why he is so important to OSU and the impact he had on OSU.”
From there, visitors move to the Staying Active room, which highlights Boone’ s contributions to
Visitors will also view examples of his nearly $ 2 billion donations during his lifetime, which went toward health and medical research, kids at risk, education and athletics( with a focus on his alma mater, OSU), conservation and wildlife management and more.
The tour ends as visitors step into an exact replica of his office in Dallas, complete with original furniture, then move to the Mesa Vista Room, which pays tribute to his 65,000-acre Mesa Vista Ranch in the Texas panhandle and which features original artwork from the ranch.
The museum is open from 11 a. m. to 4 p. m. Tuesday-Saturday and closed Sunday-Monday. Groups of
A replica of Boone ' s childhood home in Holdenville, OK
OSU sports, his love for football, basketball, racquetball and golf and his passion for staying fit throughout his whole life.
As visitors head upstairs, they’ ll climb the the Awards and Honor Staircase, where Boone’ s lifetime achievements are displayed in glass cases.
On the second floor, Pickens’ early life is featured, complete with the story of his transfer to Oklahoma A & M, a replica of his childhood home and his recollections of how his parents and close relatives shaped his life and future career.
Against the west wall, four phases of his career are highlighted. Visitors will see a replica station wagon and the geology tools he used when he struck out on his own, his“ deal-making” shoes that he constantly had resoled, his political engagement and his passion for alternative energy. more than 10 visitors are encouraged to reach out in advance to schedule a tour.
Tush said staff is still working out extra hours for Game Day visitors, but those wishing to visit the museum outside of regular hours may call 405-744-6400 or email BoonePickensLegacy @ okstate. edu for more information.
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STORY BY: JESSICA MARSHALL Stillwater Oklahoma Magazine
PHOTOS by JESSICA MARSHALL
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