The Howells Historical Society Museum collects memorabilia that helps to tell the story of the early days of Howells, Nebraska, and the surrounding area.
In 1974, community members began to make plans to convert the tiny Congregational Church into a museum. It was the first church built in Howells in 1887 and the perfect place to begin collecting and recording the town’s history. So it was on May 22, 1977, that the Congregational Church Historical Society Museum was created. By May of 1988, it was clear that this tiny museum could not accommodate the growing collection of artifacts. With a cash gift from the Centennial fund, the museum board purchased the current property located at 212 East Center Street. The renovation project was funded by memberships, memorials, and generous donations. On Memorial Day, May 29, 1989, the current museum opened. The excitement of welcoming visitors to the new museum was short-lived when the town of Howells experienced a devastating flood in June of 1991. With the determination of the museum members, the community of Howells, and countless hours of work, the west side of the building reopened in 1993, and the east side was ready in 1995.
Howells Historical Society Museum Wedding Dress Display
With the closing of the Baumert Furniture store, which dated back to 1916, a storage building that was the home of the former Karl’s Grocery store became available. In March of 2022, the museum had the opportunity to expand display space at 224 Center Street with this purchase. Through the efforts of volunteers and local businesses, “The Annex” was brought back to life. The drop ceiling was removed, revealing the original tin ceiling. The large balcony has become home to the Howells High School Bobcat memorabilia. The added space makes it possible to offer history programs about past residents and even a melodrama surrounding a mysterious death from long ago that was presented by the museum board.
The kickoff event to celebrate the renovation of the annex in May of 2023 was the Smithsonian traveling exhibit, Voices and Votes. It was exciting to have been selected as one of the sites for this Museum on Main Street program. The museum members were assisted by a Smithsonian staff member who helped with setup and educated those who would give tours of the exhibit for a six-week period. Students from area school districts and many visitors came to Howells to learn about Democracy in America.
The Howells Historical Society is a volunteer organization. There is a museum board that meets to make decisions, coordinate events, and care for the property. An important goal of the museum is to create displays that can help students who visit understand how times have changed—from crank telephones, a full-size riding buggy, and even the tools used at the ice house on the Maple Creek to supply block ice for homes, everything tells a story.
Throughout the year, the museum is open for special events. Each June, it opens on the day of the Alumni Reunion, displaying high school memorabilia and the class composite pictures that date back to 1933. Board members offer a trolley ride around town, giving the history of the town that these returning alumni still call home.
Howells Historical Society Museum Military Uniform Display
While every visitor has their own favorite piece of history, two of the most popular displays are the military uniforms of servicemen and women from Howells and the wedding dresses, all from a former era. Each uniform includes photos and information about the person who proudly served his or her country. The wedding dress display often includes the shoes, wedding invitations, and even the top of the cake. The photos may be of the entire wedding party, which offers a glimpse into the styles and extended family and friends of the couple. Most visitors are heard to say, “Oh, I didn’t know…” and another piece of history is discovered.
You never know where your next artifact may be found. Our latest donation was given to us by a local resident who was remodeling his house. In between the insulation, they found a lovely blue “flapper era” hat and an autograph book dated 1913, complete with a list of piano students in the back and notations if they paid the 25c for their lessons!
The Howells Historical Society Museum is located at 212 East Center Street in downtown Howells. Follow the museum on Facebook. You can contact members with questions or to schedule a private tour at 402-380-3630 or 402-380-0511. Inquiries or donations can be sent to PO Box 207, Howells, NE 68641.
– Howells Historical Society Museum, October 2025
