The National Guard is an important reserve military force for the United States. It was created in 1903 to protect the country that was expanding its influence in the world. In the first few years of its existence, the composition of the National Guard underwent major changes in order to become a professional militia that could realistically serve alongside the Regular Army. The purpose of the National Guard was also to assist the states in times of conflict. In the decade following statehood, Oklahoma experienced a period of civil unrest characterized by rampant lawlessness, socialist-related rebellion, and the most violent race war in U.S. history. Martial law was declared several times throughout the state from 1911-1921, and the governors frequently used the guardsmen as a police-like force to restore order. The purpose of this study is to provide the history of the professionalization of the National Guard and the use of the guardsmen by the Office of the Governor in Oklahoma's early history. This thesis also contains a detailed, conceptual exhibit plan that reflects the history examined in this study and provides a history of American museums. The exhibit design is versatile and can be installed as a permanent or traveling show.