Birthplace Director Brian Downes Visits John Wayne’s Daughter Aissa

On a recent trip to the west coast, our own Brian Downes spent some time with Aissa Wayne, John Wayne’s daughter. An enthusiastic supporter of the Birthplace of John Wayne, Aissa will be joining us for the John Wayne Birthday Celebration here in Winterset on May 28-29, 2010.

Winterset Madisonian Features Signed Print from Maureen O’Hara in Cover Story on Museum Fundraising

Winterset’s local paper, the Madisonian, ran an article on their cover featuring a signed print from one of John Wayne's most beloved female co-stars, Maureen O'Hara. The accompanying story is about continuing efforts to raise funds for the new John Wayne Birthplace Museum, and recent purchases by Miss O’Hara and Winterset’s Farmers and Merchants State Bank of granite blocks for the Walk of Fame to lead from the Birthplace home to the new museum.

Click here or the image above for a .pdf version; click here for a larger image of the signed print.

Executive Director Brian Downes on WHO-AM’s Jan Mikelson

Birthplace of John Wayne Director Brian Downes was a guest on a recent program hosted by Jan Mickelson on WHO-AM radio in Des Moines. Brian and Jan talk about John Wayne, his Birthplace, the upcoming Birthday Celebration and The Alamo, and much more. Click the player below to listen. (26.9MB .mp3, 29:22)

Joe Zuckschwerdt Elected Birthplace Board President

With the new year comes election of officers for the Board of Directors of the Birthplace of John Wayne, and Joe Zuckschwerdt was elected President of the Board. Joe is an ethusiastic fan of John Wayne and an avid collector and has been a Director since mid-2007.

John Wayne still in the Harris Poll of America’s Favorite Movie Stars

The new Harris Poll is out and John Wayne is the seventh most favorite movie star in America. This is significant considering Wayne’s last movie was made in 1976, 34 years ago!

Harris Interactive has been conducting this poll for 16 years, and John Wayne is the only actor, living or dead, who has been on the list every single year.

Harris Poll of America’s Favorite Movie Stars

John Wayne’s Daughter Aissa to attend the John Wayne Birthday Celebration May 28-29, 2010!

Click here for full details!

Check out the Birthplace of John Wayne page on Facebook!

Saddle Up Visits The Birthplace of John Wayne

“Saddle Up with Dennis Browse” visited the Birthplace as a segment of their show. It includes a visual tour of the Birthplace home with Birthplace Board Vice President Joe Zuckschwerdt, a horseback ride down the Clark Tower Trail in Winterset’s City Park with Ginger Ryals, an interview with long-time Duke costumer Luster Bayless, and highlights of the 2009 John Wayne Birthday Celebration.

Learn more about “Saddle Up with Dennis Brouse” at http://saddleupwithdennisbrouse.com.

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The Tribute Bricks have proven to be a very popular item, with over 350 so far. The area at the front steps is now filled, so work began on the walkway between the back door of the Birthplace home and the front sidewalk for new bricks. There’s still time for you to get yours!

More information on the Tribute Bricks