Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Woody Guthrie London House, Inc.?
Woody Guthrie London House, Inc. is a non-profit organization created with the sole purpose of reconstructing and preserving Woody Guthrie's childhood home, the London House. In 2013, after lengthy negotiations, Woody Guthrie London House, Inc. purchased the London House property (and several adjacent lots) from the private owners who had owned the land since 1962. While the former property owners are not involved with Woody Guthrie London House, Inc., we are partners with several members and organization within Okemah, OK.
2. What will the money raised be used for?
All proceeds raised will be used exclusively for the purpose of reconstructing and preserving the childhood home of American poet, activist, and folk music legend Woody Guthrie. All money donated to this project will be used exclusively for this project and no other.
3. Are my donations tax-deductible?
While we always recommend checking with your accountant, in most cases, yes - your donation is tax deductible. All donations are going to the Woody Guthrie London House, Inc., OK, a registered 501c3 (non-profit) corporation. You will receive a receipt reflecting the amount of your donation for use with your tax filing and records.
4. I don't have any money to donate, but I would still like to help. Is there a way I can?
Of course! While the fundraising campaign is geared towards financial donations, there are several other ways in which you can help. These include volunteering your time and labor or donating period-appropriate pieces for use in the home, among others. Whether you are a skilled carpenter or simply someone who wants to help with site prep and clean up, we can use all the help we can get! Simply check out our volunteer day schedules or contact us directly for more information. If you have a piece you are interested in donating to the Woody Guthrie Childhood Home, please contact us directly using our contact page. Remember, any donated pieces must reflect the proper time period, the proper income level, and the proper lifestyle of the Guthrie family.
5. What happens if you go over your fundraising goal? Where does the extra money go?
The project budget does not include reconstructing the London House to historical and factual accuracy, it also includes two years worth of maintenance and operating expenses. If we raise more than our specific goal - and we can think of no better scenario - all excess funds will be equally divided: one half will be used for maintenance and operations and one half will be donated to the Woody Guthrie Foundation.
6. How do you know what Woody's house looked like? Wasn't it torn down?
Unfortunately, yes - Woody's house was torn down. However, in order to insure complete accuracy historically, factually, and architecturally, we have spent the last eighteen months painstakingly researching the London House. That research included perusing through hundreds of photos, thousands of documents, and dozens of interviews with both members of Woody's family and neighbors who lived nearby. The end result is that the reconstruction of the London House will be exactly as it was when Woody lived there.
7. I've heard you will be using the exact same materials that were used to build Woody's house originally. Is that true?
Yes, it is. When Woody's house was torn down, the original wood and other materials were put into storage. That wood was verified by both Woody's family members and his neighbors as being the same wood that was used in the original construction of Woody's childhood home. Wherever possible, we will be using the exact same wood. In some cases, modern materials will be required - but those will only be used on an as needed basis. As much as possible, the existing wood will be used.
8. I'd like to visit the site of Woody's childhood home. Is that possible?
It certainly is... and thousands do every year. The London House site is located on Birch Street between First and Second Street in Okemah, OK.
9. What happens once the London House reconstruction project is complete?
Upon completion of the London House reconstruction project, the home and grounds will immediately be opened tot he public as a fully functioning museum and educational resource center.
10. Will there by anything other than a house there?
Of course! The final London House complex will include everything from a visitor's center and museum to parking and public restrooms. In addition, there will be a limited number of camping spaces available and an organically sustainable park. The entire complex will be a destination area for fans, artists, historians, and visitors.
