It was another great year for the Nebraska History Spotlight, showing off the great work that local historical organizations are doing across the state of Nebraska. Below you can see the list of all the local historical organizations we highlighted this past year.
Thayer County Historical Society and Museum (Belvidere)
The Thayer County Historical Society started with one building in 1970. Since then, the museum complex has grown to ten buildings across eight acres. Buildings include a church from Hubbell, the old school, and many more. Click here to learn more about the Thayer County Historical Society.
Orchard Historical Society (Orchard)
The Orchard Historical Society was formed in 1989. The original board acquired a one-room schoolhouse, which was moved to Orchard. Since its founding, it has also acquired the Rex Theater, which helps the society host many events. Click here to learn more about the Orchard Historical Society.
Sheridan County Historical Society (Rushville)
The Sheridan County Historical Society (SCHS) was first organized in 1933 and reorganized in 1957 as a non-profit organization to preserve the history and historic objects of Sheridan County. The towns of Rushville, Hay Springs, and Gordon each have museums, and in 2019, a Sheridan County History Center was established. Click here to learn more about the Sheridan County Historical Society.
Sandhills Heritage Museum (Dunning)
The Sandhills Heritage Museum was founded to help preserve and share the stories and history of Blaine County. The museum first opened in 2017 and has been very active since. The museum’s Hereford Crossroads exhibit is believed to be the largest collection of Hereford cattle history in Nebraska. Click here to learn more about the Sandhills Heritage Museum.
Nebraska City Historical Society (Nebraska City)
The Nebraska City Historical Society (NCHS) was established in 1937 to preserve the history of Otoe County, including the story of its founding, settlement, and the habits of its settlers. Today, NCHS operates two museums in Nebraska City. Keep reading to learn more about NCHS.
Historical Society of Ravenna (Ravenna)
The Historical Society of Ravenna was founded in 1984 to promote the history and genealogy of the area around Ravenna, NE. The Historical Society promotes this history through the collection of historic photos, family files, and family histories it keeps along with other special items related to Ravenna, NE, in the collection. Keep reading to learn more about the Historical Society of Ravenna.
The Plainsman Museum (Aurora)
The Plainsman Museum traces its history back to 1935 when the Hamilton County Historical Society was officially formed. Since then, the museum has changed location multiple times to end where it is today, with the main building on a six-acre site with an agricultural museum, a one-room schoolhouse, the Bates House, and a blacksmith shop. Keep reading to learn more about the Plainsman Museum.
Museum of Nebraska Major League Baseball (St. Paul)
The Nebraska Museum of Major League Baseball was founded in 1991 in St. Paul, Neb., originally to honor the local baseball hero and the first Nebraskan to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, Grover Cleveland Alexander. Today, the museum is dedicated to identifying and recognizing all Nebraskans who have played at least one inning of Major League Baseball. Click here to learn more about the Nebraska Museum of Major League Baseball.
Howells Historical Society (Howells)
The Howells Historical Society was founded in 1974 in Howells, NE. The Howells Historical Society Museum is dedicated to telling the history of the city of Howells, NE, and the surrounding area. Keep reading to learn more about the Howells Historical Soceity.
Robert Henri Museum and Art Gallery (Cozad)
The Robert Henri Museum and Art Gallery was founded in 1985 to promote the legacy of artist Robert Henri of Cozad. The museum just opened a new 5,000 square foot gallery that has allowed a great expansion of programs. Keep reading to learn more about the Robert Henri Museum and Art Gallery.
