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 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.

With many Covid-19 pandemic restrictions in Oklahoma being lifted, the Nowata County Historical Society Museum will re-open officially on Wednesday May 5. New Museum hours will be 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday. Wearing masks is recommended and we ask that the number of visitors at any one time be limited to ten (10). 

The Memorial Flower sale will also begin on May 5 in the Museum Annex. Hours for this will be Wednesday -Friday 10:00 a. m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Prices are exceptionally good, there will be many pre-made items and lots of loose flowers and supplies if you want to create your own displays. Our volunteers will not be making special arrangements this year. This will be the last Memorial Flower Fund Raiser the Society will hold so if you need supplies this is the time to stock up as everything needs to go. The Historical Society has a new use for the space with new exhibits and new activities in the future. 

The Museum is located at 136 S. Oak, the Annex is located at 144 S. Oak. 

Questions call the Museum at 918-273-1191 during regular business hours.

The Museum and the Glass Mansion will both be closed to the public until at least September. If there is a special need, you can message us here or on Facebook and we will see if it can be accommodated. Thanks for your patience.