Tulsa HIstorical Society and Museum

Note: If we continue to receive donations past the goal, we will use that money exclusively on the 5 Moons: extra security, maintenance, updated lighting, more signage and interpretation, etc. We are continually blown away by your generosity, thank you Tulsa!! 

Our beloved Marjorie Tallchief statue was stolen, sawed from its base, cut into pieces and taken to a recycling center for around $250. Parts are missing and it must be fully replaced. The Tulsa Police Department is working diligently to apprehend the thief. We are extremely grateful to TPD and the Tulsa community for spreading the word and helping us find the partial statue. Now the ultimate goal is full replacement.

We are hoping to raise $10,000 to cover our insurance deductible + $5,000 for increased security for all five statues.  

 

This statue of Marjorie Tallchief is one of the 5 Moons: bronze depictions of Oklahoma’s renowned American Indian ballerinas Yvonne Chouteau, Rosella Hightower, Moscelyne Larkin, Maria Tallchief, and Marjorie Tallchief. When these dancers began their careers, Europeans dominated ballet. These women, due to their talent, dedication and determination, went to the top of their field and brought recognition to Oklahoma and Native American artistry. Each sculpture depicts the ballerinas in the ballet she considered to be her signature piece.

 

The Five Moons were a gift of Charles and Peggy Stephenson and Billie and Howard Barnett.

 

The Five Moons were created by two local artists, Monte England and Gary Henson. England worked on two sculptures before his death in 2005, at which time Henson completed the unfinished project. Henson was already well known as the point-up artist for “The Great Spirit” sculpture, located close to the southeast corner of 21st and Peoria in Woodward Park. With the installation of the Five Moons on the northeast corner of 25th and Peoria, Henson’s work will mark both the north and south perimeters of the Woodward Park corridor. Henson is a second generation sculptor and artist. His mother, Inez Running Rabbit, is an acclaimed painter and sculptor.

 

More information about Tulsa Historical Society & Museum: THSM's mission is to illuminate the past, enrich the present, and inspire future generations by collecting, preserving, and presenting Tulsa's history. Established in 1965, THSM is a non-profit 501(c)3 which holds an extensive collection, including more than 250,000 still photographs, books, maps, documents, textiles and architectural elements, and fine and decorative arts. THSM is Tulsa's only museum dedicated to collecting, preserving, and presenting a look at Tulsa's rich history.