Throwback Thursday Photo, Santa’s Helpers from Fort Robinson, Christmas 1946

Santa is on his way! In today’s #ThrowbackThursday photo, a team of nine huskies pull Santa’s “sleigh” during a 1946 Christmas parade in Crawford, Nebraska. The huskies were some of the nearly 5,000 dogs trained at the Fort Robinson War Dog Training Center during World War II. Almost half of the dogs used by the Army in WWII went through the 8-12 week training course at Fort Robinson. Canines were trained as guard, scout, messenger, and sled dogs. So with the help of these hero sled dogs, the History Nebraska Photograph Archives would like to wish you a Merry Christmas! #TBT

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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 Interim Director Cindy Drake. 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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