Nestled on a sprawling 460-acre estate in northwest Tulsa, Oklahoma, the Gilcrease Museum stands as a beacon of American history and art, housing one of the world’s most extensive and celebrated collections of Native American and Western artifacts. This prestigious institution, renowned for its irreplaceable treasures, also harbors a reputation for being a haven for several resident ghosts, adding an intriguing layer to its rich historical tapestry. The Gilcrease Museum is not just a repository of art; it is a testament to the passionate vision of its founder, William Thomas Gilcrease, whose life story is as captivating as the collections he amassed.
William Thomas Gilcrease, an oilman, art collector, and philanthropist, dedicated his life to preserving the diverse narratives of the American West. Born in Robeline, Louisiana, on February 8, 1890, to William Lee and Mary Elizabeth (Vowell), Thomas’s Creek Indian ancestry profoundly influenced his future endeavors. Shortly after his birth, his family relocated to Indian Territory, where they resided on Creek Nation tribal lands. This upbringing, steeped in Native American culture, would later inspire his extraordinary commitment to collecting and preserving its heritage.
The Visionary Behind the Collection: William Thomas Gilcrease
Thomas’s early education in a one-room schoolhouse near Eufaula, under the guidance of Creek poet Alex Posey, ignited a lifelong passion for knowledge and imagination. This solid foundation prepared him for a remarkable future that would transcend his humble beginnings.
A pivotal moment in Gilcrease’s life occurred at the turn of the century when the federal government dissolved the Indian Nations’ land, distributing 160-acre parcels into private ownership. At just nine years old, Thomas, possessing 1/8 Creek heritage, received his own acreage approximately twenty miles southwest of Tulsa. What appeared to be a dry, dusty expanse in the Osage Hills transformed dramatically in 1905 when oil drillers discovered a massive reserve. His land, strategically situated atop the Glenn Pool Reserve, propelled Gilcrease to multi-millionaire status by his twentieth birthday. Despite initial struggles, he quickly proved to be an astute and formidable businessman in the competitive oil industry.
His personal life also began to take shape during these formative years. On August 22, 1908, Gilcrease married Belle Harlow, a member of the Osage tribe, and together they welcomed two sons: Thomas, Jr., born in 1909, and Barton Eugene, born in 1911.
Building an Empire and a Legacy
Seeking a suitable home for his growing family, Gilcrease acquired a new stone house northwest of Tulsa in 1913. This property, originally owned by Flowers and Carrie Nelson, was perched atop a hill overlooking the burgeoning town. Known affectionately as “Tom’s Place” or “The Little Stone House on the Hill,” it came with approximately 80 acres, a garage, and a barn, and would become central to his vision.
Gilcrease’s travels, particularly to Europe, profoundly inspired him to establish his own collection, echoing the historical museums he admired abroad. The year 1922 marked several significant milestones: the official founding of the Gilcrease Oil Company to manage his extensive holdings, the acquisition of his first oil painting, and the initiation of a divorce lawsuit by his wife of 14 years. Two years later, he briefly leased his rock house, but it reverted to his ownership in 1928 due to payment defaults.
During his travels, Thomas hired “Chief” Cephas Stout in 1927 to undertake remodeling and updating of the rock house. In 1928, he married Norma Smallwood, who had been crowned Miss America in 1926. Though they had a daughter, Des Cygne, in 1929, this marriage ended in divorce in 1933.
By 1937, Gilcrease’s company headquarters were established in San Antonio, Texas, with an additional office in Europe. Simultaneously, his art collection began its most rapid expansion after 1939. At a time when few others recognized the profound value of Native American art or artifacts of the American West, Gilcrease diligently sought out individual works and substantial collections from dealers and private collectors alike, showcasing his unwavering foresight and dedication.
In 1941, Thomas instructed Cephas Stout to transform the barn and garage into specialized storehouses for his growing art and artifact collection. These structures became affectionately known as “His Gallery” and “His Library,” signifying the immense personal value he placed on his acquisitions. In 1943, he established the Museum of the American Indian in San Antonio. During this period, with his stone house in Tulsa sitting empty, he saw an opportunity to serve his community, renovating the property to function as an orphanage for Indian children, complete with a technical training center in the garage.
Gilcrease was a staunch supporter of Oklahoma Indian artists, including notable figures like Crumbo, Acee Blue Eagle, and Willard Stone, whose works he proudly integrated into his collection. His dedication was recognized in 1946 when the Sioux Nation bestowed upon him the honorary tribal name Wicarpi Wakatuya, meaning “High Star.”
Despite the San Antonio museum not attracting the anticipated visitor numbers, Gilcrease’s collecting fervor remained undiminished. In 1947, he made what is widely regarded as one of the shrewdest acquisitions of American art in the century: purchasing the entire collection of the late Dr. Phillip Gillette Cole of New York. This monumental acquisition, valued at a sum that today would barely cover a single work, included 27 bronzes and 46 paintings by Charles Russell, along with 17 bronzes and 12 paintings by Frederic Remington, alongside a wealth of documents and correspondence from iconic figures of the American West.
The Gilcrease Museum: A Public Treasure
With his now colossal collection, Gilcrease commissioned architect Alexandre Hogue to design a dedicated museum on his Tulsa property. In 1949, Thomas returned his oil company to Tulsa and officially opened the Thomas Gilcrease Institute of American History and Art on his sprawling estate. He continued to reside in the rock house, surrounded by a garden cultivated with plants traditionally used by Native Americans.
The early 1950s saw Gilcrease further expanding his collection, but a decline in oil prices posed increasing financial challenges, making it difficult to fund major purchases. As his debt grew, Gilcrease considered selling the entire collection to ensure its integrity. However, in 1954, a group of concerned Tulsa citizens, fearing the potential departure of the Gilcrease Museum, organized a bond election. The following year, Tulsans overwhelmingly approved the bond issue, which successfully repaid Gilcrease’s outstanding debts. In a selfless act, Gilcrease then deeded the entire collection to the City of Tulsa, further committing oil property revenue to help maintain the museum until the $2.25 million bond was repaid. The Gilcrease Foundation officially conveyed the museum buildings and grounds to the City of Tulsa in 1958.
Even after transferring his beloved collection, Gilcrease continued to fund archaeological excavations and acquire additional materials. Thomas Gilcrease passed away from a heart attack in 1962. His funeral service, which included traditional Indian rituals, honored his heritage. His remains were interred in a mausoleum on the museum estate, and his remaining art and artifacts were bequeathed to the institution.
During his lifetime, William Thomas Gilcrease meticulously amassed a staggering collection that includes more than 10,000 artworks, 250,000 Native American artifacts, and 100,000 rare books and documents, notably including one of only a few surviving certified copies of the Declaration of Independence. Today, the Gilcrease Museum is internationally recognized as the world’s largest and most comprehensive collection of fine art, artifacts, and archives dedicated to chronicling the story of the American West. The museum grounds also feature 23 acres of meticulously designed thematic gardens, showcasing diverse gardening styles from various periods of the American West. Free guided tours enhance the visitor experience, complemented by a gift shop and the elegant Osage Restaurant. Currently, the museum is managed by the University of Tulsa, while ownership remains with the city.
Unveiling the Supernatural: Ghosts of the Gilcrease Museum
Beyond its historical significance, the Gilcrease Museum carries an air of mystery, with tales of resident ghosts enriching its lore. It is widely believed that Thomas Gilcrease himself, still deeply enamored with his life’s work, continues to roam his cherished grounds. He is frequently sighted across the estate, particularly in the gardens – his favorite place during his lifetime – and within his former home, which now hosts Art Education classes. These frequent nocturnal appearances by the philanthropist ghost have reportedly contributed to a high turnover rate among the museum’s security staff.
Other spectral reports detail ghostly children who play and linger on these historic grounds, adding to the museum’s ethereal residents. Paranormal investigators have captured compelling electronic voice recordings, including the sound of a woman singing, men arguing, and strange, whispered voices, hinting at unseen presences.
Staff and guests have also reported numerous other unexplained phenomena. These include loud banging noises emanating from the museum’s second floor, significant and sudden temperature fluctuations, doors mysteriously slamming shut, unexplainable technical malfunctions, and items that vanish only to reappear later in unusual, often misplaced, locations. Some estimates suggest that as many as seven different spirits call the property home, though they are uniformly described as harmless, simply choosing to linger in a place they clearly enjoy.
Conclusion/Final Thoughts
The Gilcrease Museum stands as an enduring monument to William Thomas Gilcrease’s extraordinary vision and his unwavering dedication to preserving the rich tapestry of Native American and American Western history and art. From its humble beginnings as an oilman’s dream to its current status as a world-class institution, the museum offers an unparalleled journey through the past. Whether drawn by the profound historical artifacts, the breathtaking artwork, or the intriguing tales of its spectral residents, visitors to the Gilcrease Museum are guaranteed a truly unforgettable experience, connecting with the vibrant spirit and enduring legacy of the American West.
