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6 April, 2020

Security guard becomes social media icon after taking over cowboy museum’s Twitter account

An employee at North America’s National Cowboy Museum has become a Twitter sensation, thanks to his sweet and hilarious posts that include dad jokes and an ironically hilarious hashtag.

His name is Tim Tiller, and he’s the head of security at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, which is currently closed due to COVID-19.

While also protecting the shutdown museum, the moustachioed Tiller has been tapped to oversee its daily Twitter, Instagram and Facebook postings – a role he is relishing with huge success.

He began on 17 March with a post that has garnered nearly 53 thousand likes.

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

Since starting, Tiller has tweeted photos of the museum’s cowboy artefacts and artwork, had selfies with museum items, and even shared the occasional picture of his morning coffee.

He also adds dad jokes, consistently signs off with “Thanks, Tim” and includes the now-famous hashtag ‘#HashtagTheCowboy’ in just about all his posts.

I’m wearing a lot of hats now. Here are some hats I can’t wear. They're behind glass. Seth in Marketing told me I could share this web address of a Virtual Tour of The Cowboy. It’s a long address so get a pen and paper ready #HashtagTheCowboy Thanks, Tim https://t.co/8DFS8Kv4lr pic.twitter.com/zLisrehjhl
— Nat'l Cowboy Museum (@ncwhm) March 20, 2020

Put this cowboy at Seth from Marketing’s desk. He is going to be so startled when he comes in. Several weeks from now. Still counts as a classic April Fool’s prank! Lol! #HashtagTheCowboy Thanks, Tim pic.twitter.com/o4m5JmTbTx
— Nat'l Cowboy Museum (@ncwhm) April 1, 2020

Accidentally locked myself in the Prosperity Junction Jail! Actually it’s a strap-iron cage. When towns didn’t have a jail they’d use cages or just chain you to a tree. See you all Monday! If I can find the key. LOL! #HashtagTheCowboy Thanks, Tim pic.twitter.com/eYgJFmjU9y
— Nat'l Cowboy Museum (@ncwhm) March 28, 2020

It’s a strategy working wonders for the museum. With guidance from marketing staff, Tiller’s posts have taken its Twitter followers to over 267,000, while the museum’s Facebook and Instagram presence has also grown considerably.

Moreover, in stressful times, his tweets are providing much needed comic relief.

Morning! Here, kitty kitty. Do you want some coffee? Her name is the Canyon Princess by Gerald Balciar. Don’t think she likes coffee. Probably because she’s a sculpture. #HashtagTheCowboy Thanks, Tim pic.twitter.com/W0QLeRh7eV
— Nat'l Cowboy Museum (@ncwhm) April 1, 2020

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-Pu-Kph-8S/

Started the day with a cat seemed only fair to end the day with a dog. This painting is called Two’s Company by Duane Bryers, 1997, oil on canvas. Museum purchase, 1997.15. Stay. Good boy. #HashtagTheCowboy Thanks, Tim pic.twitter.com/1XXleoFJ3d
— Nat'l Cowboy Museum (@ncwhm) April 1, 2020

The National Cowboy Museum is currently closed, but Tiller’s photos along with virtual exhibits available through Google Arts & Culture are bringing Western history to audiences virtually.

And if the response he’s received to his posts is anything to go by, the people are thankful for it:

“Tim, you are a god damn national treasure.”

“Tim you’re a bright spot in every day. Keep up the good work!”

“When this virus finally subsides, I can guarantee you I will be visiting this place.”

Featured image: Tim Tiller (Instagram/@nationalcowboymuseum)

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#HashtagTheCowboy coronavirus COVID-19 National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Oklahoma Tim Tiller watch