Press Release
July 30, 2019
Contact: Renee Trindle
Sod House Museum, Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 580-463-2441
sodhouse@okhistory.org
www.okhistory.org/sodhouse
“Judge Parker’s Court: Its Impact on the State of Oklahoma” Presentation at Sod House Museum
ALINE, Okla. — Dr. Aaron Mason of Northwestern Oklahoma State University (NWOSU) will present “Judge Parker’s Court: Its Impact on the State of Oklahoma,” an overview of Judge Isaac Parker’s federal court for the Western District of Arkansas, at the Sod House Museum on Saturday, August 17, at 10 a.m.
Most people recognize Judge Isaac Parker as the enforcer of law for Indian Territory, but his court also played an additional role in Oklahoma history. Mason will explain the background, importance and long-term significance of the U.S. District Court at Fort Smith, Ark. Judge Parker’s court was created by Congress and operated during the last half of the nineteenth century. His court presided over Indian Territory and was instrumental in the events leading to the creation of the state of Oklahoma.
Dr. Aaron Mason currently serves as professor of political science at NWOSU in Alva. He received his doctorate from Northern Arizona University in 2006. He has published articles on American Indian tribal governments and their interaction with state governments, as well as issues dealing with the founding fathers and the U.S. Constitution. He serves as the co-executive director of the NWOSU Institute for Citizenship Studies. Mason has also taught and conducted research at universities in Texas and Arizona.
The Sod House Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located southeast of Aline on State Highway 8. For more information contact Director Renee Trindle at 580-463-2441 or sodhouse@okhistory.org
The Sod House Museum is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit www.okhistory.org.
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