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Mosby in Nebraska: “These Fences Must Come Down!”

John S. Mosby (1833-1916), the "Gray Ghost," commanded a Confederate cavalry unit during the Civil War. After the war he served as U.S. consul to Hong Kong (1878-1885) ...

Lightning Rods

Enough damage has been caused by lightning to haystacks, barns, farm animals, and houses to make Nebraska farmers aware of the danger. During a thunderstorm overhanging ...

Leap Year Masquerade Ball

The old leap day (February 29) custom of women proposing marriage to men is reflected in early Nebraska accounts of dances and parties celebrating past leap days and ...

A Kearney Ghost Story

Perhaps in anticipation of goblins and ghoulies and long-legged beasties, the Kearney Weekly Hub offered this "Kearney Ghost Story" October 3, ...

Jury Duty

It's safe to say that jury duty isn't the most enjoyable thing in the world. But for one Omaha jury in February 1893, things got so bad that they actually went on ...

Irvine in Nebraska Territory in 1855

Clark Irvine arrived in Nebraska Territory in 1855 anxious to take advantage of whatever opportunities existed in a new land. His recollections of early Omaha, ...

Sarg Cole’s Sleepless Marathon Drive in Omaha

In May 1925, Sarg Cole had what modern scholars might call a Bad Idea. He was going to drive around Omaha for 5 days straight with no sleep and nothing to drink but ...

“It’s Going to be a Stunner”: Women’s Swimwear in 1887

Group of women bathing in a river, 1913 Whether it was bloomers and black stockings or a blouse and trousers with a skirt attached, the women's swimsuits of the 19th ...

Howard, Edgar

The varied career of Edgar Howard (1858-1951), one of Nebraska's most colorful public figures, spanned more than forty years and won him wide state and national ...

Gone to Horse Heaven

Dr. Enos Lowe was one of Omaha's pioneer settlers and its first mayor. He also owned a pair of horses, George and Jim, that were inseparable for 20 years. ...

Gibson, George Howard

The Populist movement attracted social thinkers of many kinds, including George Howard Gibson. Gibson, a Christian Socialist, edited Nebraska's official Populist ...

Dangerous Dollars

Nebraska-made movies starring local actors are of special interest to students of the state's film history. Contemporary newspaper accounts often provide details about ...

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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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