The Outsiders House is open to the Public! After several years of hard work, the house used in the original film has officially been turned into a museum dedicated to the book and movie. The ribbon was cut during a special ceremony on Aug 9, 2019, and now visitors are able to schedule a time to tour several of the filming locations in Tulsa and also the house itself.
C Thomas Howell stated that he is proud to have people come up to him all these years later and call him Ponyboy. Photo credit: Melissa Fudge 
‘The Outsiders’ author SE Hinton speaking about what how she feels seeing her work still affecting people in the way it has for generations. Photo: Melissa Fudge 
Several members of the cast and crew were available to take pictures and reminisce with fans about the part they played in bringing all of this to life, including several local dignitaries, the book’s author and “Supernatural” fan S.E. Hinton, and “Ponyboy” himself, C. Thomas Howell. During the grand opening, ticket holders were treated to a dinner with live music and several giveaways followed by a tour hosted by C. Thomas Howell.
Pony Boy’s desk. Photo credit: Melissa Fudge 
Photo credit: Melissa Fudge 
From the moment I stepped into the front door, it felt like I had literally stepped into the movie. All of the details were there, from the chocolate cake and beer that Two-Bit takes from the fridge for breakfast to the desk Ponyboy sat down at to pen the words “When I stepped out into the bright sunlight…”.
During the tour, C. Thomas Howell remarked how surreal it was for him to sit at that desk again and look at the words he wrote when he was 14 years old during the filming of the movie. Also among the rooms were pictures from the set, a collection of memorabilia in several languages from around the world, original sets and wardrobe, and a list of signatures where all those who had been involved could sign in the alcove between the kitchen and one of the bedrooms.
Throughout the day, C. Thomas Howell commented on many his fellow cast members, Matt Dillon, Emilio Estevez, Diane Lane, Rob Lowe, Ralph Macchio, Tom Cruise, and the late Patrick Swayze, telling stories of them all filming together and what some of them are up to now.
He confided that he had gone a few days before to a private showing of “I Am Patrick Swayze”, and encouraged us to not only watch it but to take two boxes of tissues. He even, upon a fan’s request, recited the Robert Frost poem that led to “The Outsiders’ line, “Stay Gold, Ponyboy”.
The museum is the passion project of Danny Boy O’Connor, who like many of us, felt a connection with the story and its characters from the first time he was introduced to it. While on tour in Tulsa, he drove by “The Outsiders’ house and when an opportunity presented itself, he bought the house and worked to restore it to its original state.
I had a moment to talk with Danny following the opening and we discussed several of the pieces that he had collected, either from purchase or donation over the last three years, and he said there were still several more he will be adding to the museum. One of his favorite things about the project is that it will never completely be done. There will always be more memories to be collected and experienced at the museum.
I couldn’t help but wonder as I walked among this treasure trove, what is the first item that came to mind when asked which was his favorite or the item he was most proud to have? That afternoon, I got my answer: A leather jacket worn by Dally, given to him by S.E. Hinton herself. He said that Dally was his favorite character and for S.E. Hinton to have personally chosen to give him that jacket made it even more special. I have to admit, that was my favorite too.
For more information, or to reserve a tour, please visit theoutsidershouse.com
Written by Melissa Fudge
