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
We’re all having to adapt to new norms in the era of COVID-19. For Tim Tiller, the head of security at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, that means learning the ropes of Twitter on the fly while the rest of his team works from home. Following along as Tim (or “Tim Send” as he’s come to be known, thanks to the sign-off on his inaugural tweet) shares his genuine love of cowboy history and learns how to use hashtags — under the advice of his grandkids and “Seth in marketing” — is the wholesome delight we all crave in these trying times.
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
Tim’s posts are not only charming, but informative. Clearly, he wants to succeed at this new task.
Twitter tips, please
— Nat’l Cowboy Museum (@ncwhm) March 18, 2020
Sorry, thought I was Googling that. Thanks, Tim
— Nat’l Cowboy Museum (@ncwhm) March 18, 2020
The museum is currently exhibiting a selection of Dorothea Lange photographs. “Her photographs are very moving,” writes Tim. “She looks like someone I’d want to have a beer with.” It’s a timely exhibition, as Lange spent much of her career documenting struggles such as the Dust Bowl and the Japanese internment camps during World War II. Tim draws some solace from one of her images of a 1937 unemployment line, in a moment that is both solemn and uplifting.
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
For those who were concerned that grandson Lucas would interfere with Tim’s unique style, worry not. Even though Tim has learned how to use hashtags, he still puts his own spin on them.
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
A bronze sculpture by Frederic Remington called “The Bronco Buster” prompted Tim to “engage” his audience.
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
Tina is one lucky lady. May we all find someone as warmhearted and dad-joke-proficient as Tim. Lucas isn’t giving him nearly enough credit.
Want to borrow some lip balm? You’re looking kind of chapped! Lucas, my grandson, didn’t think it was that funny, but I think you guys will LOL. #HashtagTheCowboy Thanks, Tim. pic.twitter.com/pbUPTWJu8G
— Nat’l Cowboy Museum (@ncwhm) March 20, 2020
Tim is open to suggestions and will answer questions from commenters. In response to someone suggesting he get on TikTok, he posted a photograph of a 1951 Roy Rogers alarm clock from the Andy Warhol Museum.
Someone suggested I post a Tick Tock. It’s from our Warhol and The West Exhibition.
Roy Rogers Alarm Clock c 1951 from The Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh; Founding Collection, Contribution The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts Inc TC526.36 #HashtagTheCowboy Thanks, Tim pic.twitter.com/FTz9Gp5bZH— Nat’l Cowboy Museum (@ncwhm) March 21, 2020
Twitter right now — at least for yours truly — is mostly a minefield of anxiety-producing news, uncertain futures, and deafening echo chambers. Tim is changing the landscape for the better with his heartfelt posts and sincere desire to connect. Thanks, Tim.
Oh, what a beautiful morning. Wish you were here. Glad you’re staying home. #HashtagTheCowboy Thanks, Tim pic.twitter.com/R5p5eAK0Px
— Nat’l Cowboy Museum (@ncwhm) March 24, 2020
Can we just take a moment to appreciate that Tim says please to Google.