Our new book: A Brief History of Nebraska

At last, Nebraska has a short treatment of its long history. We’ve published A Brief History of Nebraska by Ronald C. Naugle. It tells the story from prehistoric times up to the present, all in a small 143-page paperback.

cover of A Brief History featuring photo of four women in front of sod houseAt last, Nebraska has a short treatment of its long history. We’ve published A Brief History of Nebraska by Ronald C. Naugle. It tells the story from prehistoric times up to the present, all in a small 143-page paperback. It’s $14.95 at our sites, via Amazon, or by phone at 402-471-3447. You can read an excerpt here (PDF).

Naugle, a leading Nebraska historian, sums up a complex story in an easy-to-read narrative divided into short chapters. It’s a great gift to introduce people to our history, and a way for history buffs to see the “big picture.”

Nebraska has been inundated by ancient seas, carved by glaciers, and settled by ancient cultures who learned to survive in a land prone to extremes of climate.

As a state, Nebraska was born out of the Civil War, shaped by railroads, and built by immigrants. Settlers were drawn by promises of free land and abundant rain. They endured droughts and economic depressions. They fought for political reforms, fought world wars, and sometimes fought each other.

Along the way Nebraskans chose a unique form of government and re-invented their communities under new conditions. A Brief History of Nebraska is a story of continual change, the back story of the place and people we know today.

The $14.95 book is available at bookstores and online booksellers, or directly from History Nebraska at its sites (in Lincoln at the Nebraska History Museum and the State Capitol, also at Chimney Rock and Fort Robinson), and by phone at 402-471-3447. Publication of this book was supported by the Colonial Dames Fund through the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation.

Ronald C. Naugle is a professor emeritus of history at Nebraska Wesleyan University and chair of the Nebraska Hall of Fame Commission. He is the co-author, with John J. Montag and James C. Olson, of History of Nebraska, Fourth Edition (University of Nebraska Press), winner of the Nebraska Book Award; co-author, with Patricia Cox Crews, of Nebraska Quilts and Quiltmakers (Nebraska), winner of the Smithsonian’s Frost Prize for Distinguished Scholarship in American Crafts; and editor of other books including Ham, Eggs, and Corncake: A Nebraska Territorial Diary (Nebraska).

Find more History Nebraska books here.

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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.
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