YOU can help us build the only museum in the world dedicated to John Wayne! Help us teach new generations about the Duke and the character for which he stood. We’re on our way with approximately $1.1 million raised so far in pledges, gifts and donations, but there’s a long way to go to reach our $5.5 million goal. Click for more information on the new Museum project or to contribute online!

	You can sponsor a laser-engraved granite block, one for each film starring John Wayne, that will be set in concrete to form our Walk of Fame which will connect the Birthplace home with the new Museum.
	Or you may support the museum with a Tribute Brick. You will be permanently recognized for your support of John Wayne and what he stood for.
The Tribute Bricks are available in many different sizes, but right now you can purchase a 4" x 8" brick with your choice of three lines of text and have it placed on the walkway leading to the front steps of the Birthplace home! (see below) This offer is only available while the supply of brick spaces lasts! Click here to go directly to the information for this special limited-time offer!
Walk of Fame & Tribute Brick information We recently received the following letter from Wayne Enterprises: To Whom It May Concern: Wayne Enterprises and the Wayne family wholly support the John Wayne Birthplace Society Ltd. and its efforts to gain support for the endowment of the new John Wayne Birthplace Museum and Learning Center. We believe this project has the best intentions to preserve the legacy of John Wayne and share his values with generations to come. Thank you for your consideration in supporting this endeavor. Sincerely, Ethan Wayne President (.pdf of letter)

Visit us during the Madison County Covered Bridge Festival, October 11-12, 2008 and enjoy the sounds of KG & The Ranger singing from the front porch of the Birthplace and take a ride on the nationally-famous Johnson Stagecoach from Delmar, Iowa!

Here’s the latest items in our Birthplace Shop:

	Alamo Village Book		John Wayne, My Father Book
	John Wayne Alarm Clock		Duke Wood Wall Clock
	John Wayne 2009 Calendar		John Wayne Nite Lite
	The Duke Mini Mug		John Wayne Canvas Boxes
	The Sons of Katie Elder Notecard		In Harm’s Way Notecard #2
	Rio Bravo Notecard		Jet Pilot Notecard

John Wayne: The mere mention of his name produces images of courage and patriotism.

The life story of John Wayne began in the central Iowa town of Winterset. He was born Marion Robert Morrison on May 26, 1907, the son of Clyde and Mary Brown Morrison.

His father Clyde was a pharmacist who worked on the south side of Winterset's town square. In his youth, Clyde attended nearby Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa. John Wayne described his father as “the kindest, most patient man I ever knew.”

Wayne’s mother Mary was of Irish descent, and the Duke said “she was a tiny, vivacious red-headed bundle of energy.”

Step back in time and picture the life of a young midwestern boy and his family near the turn of the century. This modest four-room home has been restored to reflect its appearance in 1907, the year of the Duke’s birth. An impressive collection of John Wayne memorabilia includes unique items such as the eyepatch worn in the movie True Grit, a hat worn in Rio Lobo, and a prop suitcase used in the film Stagecoach. Hundreds of rare photographs of the Duke are on display as well as letters from Lucille Ball, Gene Autry, Maureen O’Hara, Jimmy Stewart, Kirk Douglas, Bob Hope, Ronald Reagan and George Burns.

Since its opening, the childhood home of John Wayne has been visited by many celebrities and dignitaries. On November 3, 1984, President Ronald Reagan commented that the Birthplace of John Wayne is an inspiring tribute to a good friend and a great American.

BIRTHPLACE TOUR INFORMATION AND HOURS

The Birthplace of John Wayne is open seven days a week, 10:00am to 4:30pm except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day and Easter.

Guided tours of the house are available daily, with the last guided tour of the day beginning at 4:30pm. Handicap accessible.