History in the making

The Nebraska State Historical Society Blog

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Helen Keller Shocked at Nebraska’s Poor Financial Assistance for the Blind

  It’s 1947, and the Nebraska legislature has not passed funding for educating and rehabilitating people with vision loss for twenty-five years. Who are ...

E. H. Barbour Recalls Mari and “Old Jules” Sandoz

Mari Sandoz (1896-1966), internationally known as a chronicler of the West and as an expert on Native American history, first gained fame as the author of Old Jules ...

Didn’t like his wife’s cooking – a 1934 Omaha divorce sensation

  By David L. Bristow, Editor Frank wanted attention and he got it. Syndicated by the Associated Press, the above photo and caption appeared in newspapers ...

Marker Monday: Logan Fontenelle

  Marker Text Logan Fontenelle, an interpreter and Omaha chief, was born at Bellevue in May, 1825. His father was Lucien Fontenelle, a noted fur trader both ...

Courthouse and Jail Rocks

By David L. Bristow, Editor   How were Courthouse and Jail Rocks formed? Imagine the North Platte Valley filled to the brim with land, as it once was. ...

Marker Monday: The Neligh Mills

Marker Text The Neligh Mills, built from locally fired brick in 1873 by John D. Neligh, was the first business and industry in the then newly platted town. Later owners ...

Arbor Day 1982

Here's a look back at 1982 when a man helps a group of children plant a tree in honor of Arbor Day. Arbor Day originated in Nebraska in 1872, when the State Board of ...

Journey to Freedom – Celia and Eliza Grayson’s escape from Nebraska slavery

Editor's note: Below is the first part of "Journey to Freedom from Nebraska Territory," from the Summer 2022 issue of Nebraska History Magazine. Read the complete ...

Arbor Day Ceremonies Plant New Trees at Schools

  Arbor Day originated in Nebraska in 1872 through the efforts of J. Sterling Morton and the State Board of Agriculture. The day became a legal holiday in ...

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About NSHS

The Nebraska State Historical Society was founded in 1878 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 NSHS from a state institution to a state agency. The division is headed by Director Daryl Bohac. They are assisted by an administrative staff responsible for financial and personnel functions, museum store services, security, and facilities maintenance for NSHS.

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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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