Make space in your calendar to attend the 2012 John Wayne Birthday Celebration on Friday, May 25th and Saturday, May 26th. John Ford’s beloved The Quiet Man will be featured.
See the Midwest premiere of “Dreaming The Quiet Man” documentary about the making of the film with a special reception, attend a live performance of Maurice Walsh’s The Quiet Man adapted for the stage by Frank Mahon, enjoy live Irish music at The Little Dublin Irish Pub, and thrill to the 5K Inisfree Race. There will be FREEshowings of The Quiet Man at the Iowa Theatre, the John Wayne Birthplace Museum Benefit Dinner and auction, and so much more!
Help Us Build the New John Wayne Birthplace Museum and Learning Center
YOU can help us build the only museum in the world dedicated to John Wayne! Help us teach new generations about Duke and the character for which he stood. We’re on our way, but there’s a way to go to reach our $5.5 million goal. More information on the new Museum
Contribute Now!
You may contribute with the following credit cards:
VISA
MasterCard
Discover
AMEX
Or help build the new Museum with a Walk of Fame Granite or a Tribute Brick.More information
Your contribution is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. The tax identification number of the John Wayne Birthplace Society Ltd., a not-for-profit 501(C)(3) corporation, is 42-1207533.
See the latest News from the John Wayne Birthplace!
“Saddle Up with Dennis Brouse” 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 John Wayne Birthday Celebration.
Sales of products from our shop support The John Wayne Birthplace Society, a non-profit organization which exists to preserve and expand the Birthplace of Winterset’s most famous resident. If you'd like to become a member of the Society, click here.
You can order toll-free by phone from the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean: (877) 462-1044.
Here’s the latest items in our Birthplace Shop:
Winterset, Madison County, Iowa Bag
Need a perfect way to haul all your John Wayne Birthplace loot? How about this rugged made in USA sewn green bag, a hefty 10-1/4" w x 14-1/2" h x 10" d, complete with a removeable board at the bottom to add strength and keep the bottom flat. Screened in white on the front with an outline of Duke’s birth state of Iowa, and a star locating “Winterset, Madison County Iowa.” Study white woven handles. Merchandise not included.
Buy it or get it FREE with your purchase of $100 or more!
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 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 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 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 John Wayne Birthplace is an inspiring tribute to a good friend and a great American.
BIRTHPLACE TOUR INFORMATION AND HOURS
Winter Hours: We are open Saturdays and Sundays from 12 noon to 4pm and Mondays from 10:00am to 2:00pm.
We will return to our regular hours beginning March 1st.
The Birthplace is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Easter.
Guided tours of the house are available and are handicap accessible.
items in our Birthplace Shop:
John Wayne: The mere mention of his name produces images of courage and patriotism.
