In these trying times, it’s nice to see folks pull together, helping where they can, doing others’ parts in addition to their own. One hero that’s emerged in recent weeks is Tim Send, head of security for the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma.
After the mayor of Oklahoma City declared a state of emergency, the museum closed to the public and various tasks were relegated to employees still able to work. The responsibility of maintaining an active social media presence was entrusted to Tim, whose big heart and unbreakable spirit are needed now more than ever.
He introduced himself with a pic.
Hello, my name is Tim and I am the head of security for The Cowboy. I have been asked to take on the additional duty of social media management while the museum is closed. I’m new to this but excited. My team will also continue to protect and monitor the museum. Thanks, Tim Send pic.twitter.com/bPiXD9DoAd
— Nat’l Cowboy Museum (@ncwhm) March 17, 2020
He then tried to show us around, unsure of how these newfangled hashtags work.
This is the hat and eyepatch the Duke wore in the movie True Grit. They are part of our Exhibition about the 2 True Grit. Lots of interesting props and clothes. I’m told I can’t try it on. Hashtag John Wayne. Lucas, my grandson, told me to use hashtags. Thanks, Tim pic.twitter.com/yNO3RP4uA4
— Nat’l Cowboy Museum (@ncwhm) March 17, 2020
So he reached out for some pointers.
Twitter tips, please
— Nat’l Cowboy Museum (@ncwhm) March 18, 2020
Well, accidentally.
Sorry, thought I was Googling that. Thanks, Tim
— Nat’l Cowboy Museum (@ncwhm) March 18, 2020
No progress yet on hashtags.
And these are his boots. Hashtag John Wayne. Thanks, Tim pic.twitter.com/4hVPPT8QX9
— Nat’l Cowboy Museum (@ncwhm) March 18, 2020
His wholesomeness is nothing short of heartwarming.
We have a very cool photography exhibition right now called Dorothea Lange: Politics of Seeing that runs through May 20, 2020. Her photographs are very moving. That is a photo of her. She looks like someone I’d want to have a beer with. Thanks, Tim pic.twitter.com/Y63sU1iDC0
— Nat’l Cowboy Museum (@ncwhm) March 18, 2020
He gave a shoutout to his grandson.
Lucas, can you read this?
— Nat’l Cowboy Museum (@ncwhm) March 18, 2020
Keeping so positive and encouraging.
This is one of her photos of people lined up at a social security office in San Francisco trying to get unemployment benefits in 1937. It was a tough time then. And it looks like it’s going to be a tough time now. But we get through these times together, don’t we? Thanks, Tim pic.twitter.com/UUXUlCiS2H
— Nat’l Cowboy Museum (@ncwhm) March 18, 2020
Eventually, he figured out hashtags.
Thanks for all the tips, Friends. Realize I have been doing the hashtags wrong. I need to use that pound sign from the phone. I’m learning! Here’s his costume from True Grit from 1969 courtesy of John Wayne Enterprises. #HashtagJohnWayne Thanks, Tim pic.twitter.com/AZu7EidGu2
— Nat’l Cowboy Museum (@ncwhm) March 19, 2020
Come to find out he has both a sense of humor and a wife named Tina.
Here’s a sculpture by Frederic Remington called The Bronco Buster cast in 1918. What do you guys think of it? Seth in marketing told me that asking questions on the social media is good for “engagement.” Let’s get engaged! LOL! Thanks, Tim I’m very happily married to Tina though pic.twitter.com/lMTxUpfTeJ
— Nat’l Cowboy Museum (@ncwhm) March 20, 2020
And if that’s not sweet enough, he even used the platform to wish his grandkids goodnight.
Good night, Lucas and Keira. Have cowboy dreams!
— Nat’l Cowboy Museum (@ncwhm) March 20, 2020
Click here to follow Tim’s journey into the world of tweeting. We wish him good health and can’t wait for the Cowboy Museum to reopen its doors!