About Us

Who We Are

Administration

History Nebraska was founded in 1878 as the Nebraska State Historical Society by citizens who recognized Nebraska was going through great changes and they sought to record the stories of both indigenous and immigrant peoples. It was designated a state institution and began receiving funds from the legislature in 1883. Legislation in 1994 changed History Nebraska from a state institution to a state agency. The organization is headed by Director and CEO Jill Dolberg.

Our Mission

History Nebraska collects, preserves, and opens to all, the histories we share.

Origins

History Nebraska was founded in 1878 to “encourage historical research and inquiry, spread historical information . . . and to embrace alike aboriginal and modern history.” In 1883 it was designated a state institution and began receiving financial support from the legislature. Legislation in 1994 changed History Nebraska from a state institution to a state agency.

Governance

History Nebraska is governed by a fifteen-member board of trustees, twelve elected by History Nebraska members, and three appointed by the governor.

Institutional Values

  • We Do It Better Every Time. We are always looking to improve. When we fail, we know why and learn from it.
  • We Have Each Other’s Back. We work in groups. We candidly support one another for the betterment of the organization.
  • We Own It. If we say we are going to do something, we do our best to get it done.
  • We Are Curious. We never stop learning, and we encourage curiosity in others.
  • We Are Inclusive. We seek multiple perspectives and value the uniqueness of each individual.

Executive Leadership Team

  • Jill Dolberg, Interim Director & CEO
  • Michelle Furby, Accounting and Finance Manager
  • Chris Goforth, Marketing and Communications Director
  • Sondra Reierson, Director of Collections
  • Dave Williams, Interim Historic Resources Manager
  • David Bristow, Director of Interpretation
  • Lezlee Williams, Executive Assistant

Location and Hours

Headquarters:
1500 R Street, Lincoln, NE, 68508
Open: Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm

Closed: Federal and State Holidays, including New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Arbor Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Become a Member!

Our members make history happen.

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What We Do

Archeology
Collections
Conservation
Historic Preservation
Interpretation and Education
Publications
Library/Archives
Hours and Location

Archeology

Archeology is the Nebraska clearinghouse for prehistoric and historic sites, including those threatened by highway and other construction. Archeological resources are investigated under provisions of the National Historic Preservation Act.

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Collections

The History Nebraska Collections team collects, preserves, and provides access to materials that document the human history of Nebraska.

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Conservation

The Gerald R. Ford Conservation Center, adjacent to the Ford Birthsite and Gardens, Omaha, provides modern laboratories for the conservation of historical documents, textiles, and museum objects.

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Historic Preservation

History Nebraska, whose director is the state historic preservation officer, implements Nebraska’s compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. Related responsibilities include the Nebraska Historic Buildings Survey, the National Register of Historic Places program, archeological survey, review and compliance for federal undertakings, review of projects seeking preservation tax incentives, and local participation in historic preservation.

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Interpretation and Education

Learn more through firsthand experiences with Nebraska objects, people, and places! Engaging programs for all ages, innovative exhibits, and docent-led tours help our shared history unfold.

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Publications

History Nebraska publishes a quarterly magazine, Nebraska History, and books and documents on Nebraska and Great Plains history.

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Library/Archives

This division collects, manages, and preserves a wide spectrum of published and unpublished documentary materials, and provides access to them.

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Hours and Location

History Nebraska Headquarters (Map)
1500 R Street, Lincoln, NE 68508
8:00 am – 5:00 pm Monday – Friday
See above for state holiday closures.
Office number: 402-471-3270

Library / Reference Room Hours:
1500 R Street, Lincoln, NE, 68508
Friday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Tuesdays and Wednesdays by Appointment
Phone: 402-471-4751

Help Shape History

Become a Member

Being a member is the easiest way to be involved in our mission to preserve and share our state's rich history. Find out how!

Volunteer

Volunteers work with History Nebraska staff members to support our mission

Start Your Career

Interested in joining the History Nebraska team? Keep an eye on job listings!
About History Nebraska
History Nebraska was founded in 1878 as the Nebraska State Historical Society by citizens who recognized Nebraska was going through great changes and they sought to record the stories of both indigenous and immigrant peoples. It was designated a state institution and began receiving funds from the legislature in 1883. Legislation in 1994 changed History Nebraska from a state institution to a state agency. The division is headed by Interim Director and CEO Jill Dolberg. They are assisted by an administrative staff responsible for financial and personnel functions, museum store services, security, and facilities maintenance for History Nebraska.
Explore Nebraska
Discover the real places and people of our past at these History Nebraska sites.

Upcoming Events

View our new and upcoming events to see how you can get involved.

Become a Member

The work we do to discover, preserve, and share Nebraska's history wouldn't be possible without the support of History Nebraska members.

Latest Hall of Fame Inductee

The Nebraska Hall of Fame was established in 1961 to officially recognize prominent Nebraskans.

Listen to our Podcast

Listen to the articles and authors published in the Nebraska History Magazine with our new Nebraska History Podcast.

Nebraska Collections

History Nebraska's mission is to collect, preserve, and open our shared history to all Nebraskans.

Our YouTube Video Collection

Get a closer look at Nebraska's history through your own eyes, with our extensive video collections.

Additional Research Resources

History Nebraska Research and Reference Services help connect you to the material we collect and preserve.

Support History Nebraska
Make a cash donation to help us acquire, preserve, and interpret Nebraska’s history. Gifts to History Nebraska help leave a legacy and may help your taxes, too! Support the work of History Nebraska by donating to the History Nebraska Foundation today.

Volunteers are the heroes of History Nebraska. So much history, so little time! Your work helps us share access to Nebraska’s stories at our museums and sites, the reference room, and online.