See the bold men who rode for Judge Parker from

1850 to 1907 COME ALIVE!

In the days before Statehood in Indian Territory, Judge Parker commissioned marshalls to keep the law in Oklahoma. These were commonly called Guardsmen of Oklahoma, and included many well known names. This Saturday (4/27) we are privileged host at least 10 of these historic characters at the museum. Come see them while touring the “Voices and Votes” Smithsonian exhibit. Open from 10:00 to 4:00. Here is a bit of description of the group:

“​We are Oklahoma’s ambassadors of historical Oklahoma/Indian Territory law enforcement. We are available to present our historical re-enactments for groups of most any size. We do not act out any quickdraw or shootout exhibitions; rather, we share, in the first person, historically correct information about the characters whom we represent. Our characters include the following: Judge Isaac C. Parker; Deputy U.S. Marshals Heck Thomas, Bill Tilghman, Chris Madsen, Bass Reeves, and Frank “Pistol Pete” Eaton.”

If interested in hosting your own Prairie Grass Production show, please contact John Pryor at 918-864-3521.

The special Smithsonian traveling exhibit VOICES AND VOTES is up and running through May 25th. Learn how our Democratic Republic came about. Several school groups have been in to see the exhibit. It’s a wonderful learning experience for these students. See earlier posts for details on dates and times.

The new Smithsonian special exhibit is just 2 weeks away. It’s here for 6 weeks, so be sure to plan a visit. For TOUR GROUPS OR SCHOOL CLASS visits, please call Nancy Malone at the Nowata Area Chamber of Commerce (918-273-2301) to arrange a date and time.

Teachers and school administrators, the Nowata Historical Society is hosting a destination that is perfect for a Field trip. See the invitation below. In addition to the tour of the museum and Smithsonian exhibit, an extra Drive-By tour of local interests can add to the field trip experience. A list of local attractions to visit are shown here. And finally, here are some eating places along with other local information. The Society would love to host your field trip. If interested in arranging a tour, Please call Nancy Malone at there Nowata Chamber of Commerce at 918-273-2301.

The holiday decoration of the Glass Mansion is finishing up. This year’s theme is all things Nutcrackers! Displayed throughout the house are hundreds of nutcrackers of all types and sizes. Add to that a number of Christmas trees, and it is a very festive atmosphere. Here are the dates and times the Mansion is open for tours. Group tours may be accommodated by calling the Society at 918-273-1191.

The Smithsonian in Nowata. Bring the kids for lots of activities. Photo opportunities, Cherokee artisans doing traditional crafts. Vintage gas engines demonstrations, and much more. Join us from

10am to 4:00pm

The Nowata Museum’s latest acquisition is a 1912 International Harvester delivery truck that has been fully restored to running condition. The truck is now available for viewing as a permanent exhibit in the museum. The truck was donated to the Historical Society Museum by the Bell family in remembrance of James (Dude) Bell, who had it in his collction of autos from the past. Come by and take a look.