A piece of Colorado history you never knew and will never forget

What readers are saying

“A remarkable look into the life of a true American pioneer.”

“Poppy captured my heart from the beginning.”

“A fascinating, well written book about a colorful character who helped elevate Native American art into the prominence it deserves.”

The Story

Author, curator, renowned world authority on Native American Art, Eric Douglas was a museologist for the ages. Known as "Poppy" by his family, he revolutionized display methods at The Denver Art Museum, The Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Indian Court at the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition and many others. Widely known and respected among Hopi, Navajo, Cheyenne and other Native American artists, he rode horseback with his father in the early 20th century to get to know the land and people of the Great Southwest. He pioneered the Denver Art Museum's popular "Indian Style Shows" where live models presented authentic Native textiles. He was a tireless champion of Native creators in both traditional and new works. This historic novel tracks his colorful life which included commanding 110 nurses in New Hebrides during World War II.

About The Author

Jack Maher (pictured with his guardian angel Becky) is a proud fifth generation Colorado native and grandson of Eric Douglas. Poppy is his first novel. A four-time National Television Arts & Sciences Heartland Chapter Emmy winner, he worked at KUSA-TV in Denver as a 9NEWS Multimedia Journalist and Executive Producer.

Explore The World Of “Poppy”

Author Jack Maher profiles Eric Douglas, his family and the enduring legacy of Camp Neosho which is now The Hiwan Heritage Park & Museum in Evergreen, Colorado.

Photo Gallery

Enjoy this photo gallery of some of the people and places featured in “Poppy.”