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The History Nebraska Blog

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The Mysteries of a Spanish-American War Uniform

One of the Nebraska History Museum’s wonderful volunteers is re-cataloging and researching the museum’s Spanish-American War uniforms.  This particular private’s uniform ...

A Census Taker’s Lament

In 1880 Omaha's notorious third ward included the heart of the city's gambling and prostitution. The character of the district created unique problems for federal census ...

1924 Airmail Pilot J. James Duffy

  This jacket (above) was worn by J. James Duffy, who worked as a U.S. Airmail pilot in 1924. Duffy had the insignia on the back repainted, as the original wings had ...

Beer and Blood: The Butchers’ Picnic

The South Omaha butchers conceived the idea that it would be fun to stay away and play a practical joke on their Council Bluffs brethren, . . . They sent a defiant ...

Smurfs, Transformers, and Trolls–Oh My!

These are the toys we played with and bonded with friends over. These are the toys that allow us to have collective memories with our peers. (more…)

Beating the Heat in 1906

John Nelson’s photograph of two couples seated in front of their tents was taken sometime between 1907 and 1917. NSHS RG3542-98-4 In the days before air conditioning, ...

Why Not Buy a Novelty Tie?

As you may have gleaned from perusing previous blogs, History Nebraska houses a fairly large collection of artwork and other items from the late Nebraska artist ...

Hickman Gets the Fair

Lancaster County's agricultural exhibit at the Nebraska State Fair in the 1880s. NSHS RG3356-2-33 August and September are traditional months for county fairs in ...

Nebraska Town Gets Bombed

“Unknown Planes Drop Six Bombs on Tarnov.”  This was the headline from the Columbus Daily Telegram on August 16, 1943.  The article states that, “Two unidentified planes ...

Klowns of the Koo Koo Krust

It is well known that the first Nebraska Klavern of the Ku Klux Klan was formed in Omaha in 1921.  It is also known that the Klan was claiming as many as 45,000 members ...

Making Rain

During the 1890s some theorized that smoke particles blown into the clouds would precipitate rain. These men appear to be trying that process. NSHS RG2545-9 Modern ...

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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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The work we do to discover, preserve, and share Nebraska's history wouldn't be possible without the support of History Nebraska members.
Nebraska Collections
History Nebraska's mission is to collect, preserve, and open our shared history to all Nebraskans.
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Discover the real places and people of our past at these History Nebraska sites.

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.