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The History Nebraska Blog

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Maj. Helen Sagl, a Nebraskan in World War II

The Nebraska History Museum’s collection includes thousands of objects from World War II. Among them are uniforms worn by Helen Sagl while serving in the WAAC/WAC. ...

The Irish in Lincoln

St. Patrick’s Day is a good time to remember the role the Irish played in the history of Nebraska, particularly in the history of Lincoln. Well before 1890 the ...

Dust and Snow

During the 1930s, Nebraska suffered one of the most serious droughts in its history. In all parts of the state, rainfall was far below normal. The dry powdered soil ...

How Nebraska’s Bess Streeter Aldrich became a bestselling author

By David L. Bristow, Editor Bess Streeter Aldrich became a bestselling author with novels such as A Lantern in Her Hand (1928), Spring Came on Forever (1935), and ...

When author Bess Streeter Aldrich brought Hollywood to Nebraska

By David L. Bristow, Editor Many Nebraskans remember when Terms of Endearment held its world premiere in Lincoln on November 22, 1983. The movie was partly filmed ...

“Cocaine fiends” in Omaha, 1907

Advertisement for medicinal drops to relieve toothache, Lloyd Manufacturing Co., 1885. Courtesy National Library of Medicine Cocaine was once touted for its ...

Marker Monday: Mari Sandoz in Lincoln

Marker Text Mari Sandoz (1896-1966), Nebraska historian and novelist, lived at this site, 1226 J Street, from 1925 to 1937. Here in 1928, she began writing Old Jules, ...

Nebraska’s Lake Monster- Giganticus Brutervious

Swimmers in Nebraska ponds, lakes, and waterways face typical summer hazards such as sunburns, snapping turtles, and thunderstorms, but at least they don’t have to ...

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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.
Explore Nebraska
Discover the real places and people of our past at these History Nebraska sites.

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Latest Hall of Fame Inductee

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

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Nebraska Collections

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

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

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

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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.