Comanche leader Quanah Parker meant a lot to Fort Worth and North Texas and through Dec. 18, you can learn a bit about the man who lived in two worlds.
The National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum will serve as home to the Quanah Parker Exhibit: One Man, Two Worlds through Dec. 18, 2019. The traveling exhibit features rarely seen photos of Quanah Parker and his mother, Cynthia Ann Parker.
Cynthia Ann Parker and Quanah Parker are two important names in U.S. frontier history. Much can be learned from the dramatic story of these two courageous individuals. In 1836, a Comanche raiding party took Cynthia Ann from her family. Over the following years, she became wife to a Comanche chief and mother to children, including Quanah. After Cynthia Ann was taken back by Texas Rangers, Quanah became one of the most important Comanche leaders both in war and peace.
The photo exhibit tells this story of the lives of these two persons caught between two different worlds. The Lakes Trail Region views this traveling exhibit as a way to educate visitors about their lives.
“We are honored to be able to provide folks throughout DFW and this entire region a rare look into the lives of these two tremendous figures in American history,” says museum Co-Founder Jim Austin.
Several individuals and organizations are involved in this effort. Douglas Harman, board member of the Lakes Trail Region and Clara Ruddell, Historic Photograph Research and Consulting, worked with the Lakes Trail Program to put this exhibit together. Clara Ruddell is the principal researcher assembling the photo materials. The Redstone Visual Impression Company, through its graphic designer Paula Abney, created the exhibit materials for display. Many organizations and individuals have assisted in making available photos and information which have gone into the creation of the exhibit.
Special recognition must be given to the Comanche Nation and the many members of the Parker family for keeping this story alive and sharing materials and information. Ben Tahmahkera, great-great grandson of Quanah, provided special inspiration for the project. This exhibit is the beginning of an effort to bring more attention to the important Native American heritage in our region.
A series of special programs will be held during the exhibit including:
SYLVIA MAHONY PRESENTATION
DATE: Saturday, December 7, 2019
TIME: 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
LOCATION: National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum, 2029 North Main Street, Fort Worth, TX 76164 . (817) 534-8801.
ADMISSION: Free Admission. RSVP REQUESTED. Eventbrite.com | Cowboysofcolor.org | Info@cowboysofcolor.org | (817) 534-8801.
ABOUT THE SYLVIA MAHONEY PRESENTATION:
Sylvia Mahoney is a Literary Agent, that offers services for manuscripts, publishing, publicist, and marketing. She is the author of two non-fiction books: College Rodeo: From Show to Sport, Texas A&M Press, 2004 and Finding the Great Western Trail, Texas Tech Press. Sylvia’s presentation will include a PowerPoint & Talk – “Great Western Trail: Quanah Parker’s Friendship with the Doan’s Family.”, followed by Q&A.
EXHIBIT LOCATION: National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum | 2029 North Main Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76164
Quanah Parker: One Man, Two Worlds is sponsored by Texas Lakes Trail Region, Texas Trail of Fame-Fort Worth Stockyards, Austin Company Commercial Real Estate and National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum.
For more information about the exhibit contact National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum executive director Gloria Austin, gaustin@cowboysofcolor.org; (817) 534-8801; or visit www.cowboysofcolor.org. Museum hours are Wednesday – Friday; 12-4 PM | Saturday; 12-5 PM. Tickets are also available online at Eventbrite.org | Cowboysofcolor.org | (817) 534-8801. Parking is free, and there is a museum gift shop.