Well-traveled collections objects

These items were already heirlooms when they came to Nebraska in a covered wagon.

manure fork

This head of a manure fork was forged by Vermont blacksmith in 1820, and the handwoven, double weave coverlet below was made in Pennsylvania between 1810 and 1825. Both items were later carried to Minnesota, and in 1865 were carried on a six-week journey by oxen and wagon to a homestead in Nemaha County, Nebraska.

What would you carry if you had to pack up all your belongings in a covered wagon or a steamer trunk?

These items were already a generation old before they arrived on the Nebraska frontier. Clearly, they have a practical use, but it’s not hard to imagine they meant more than that.

The couple who brought these items, Benton and Martha Jane Aldrich, carried only one piece of furniture with them: their bookcase. Eventually, they hosted a well-stocked lending library in their sod dugout. Look for “A Farmer’s Passion for Knowledge: Benton Aldrich and the Clifton Library Association,” by John Irwin, in the Summer 2018 issue of Nebraska History.

History Nebraska members receive quarterly issues of Nebraska History as part of their membership; single issues are available for $7 from the Nebraska History Museum (402-471-3447).

—David L. Bristow, Editor

coverlet

 

 

Become a Member!

Our members make history happen.

Join Now

You May Also Enjoy

The Story of Omaha Police Fingerprint Expert Emily Byram

The Story of Omaha Police Fingerprint Expert Emily Byram

Marker Monday: Cather Childhood Home

Marker Monday: Cather Childhood Home

Yutan Tornado – March 23, 1913

Yutan Tornado – March 23, 1913

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.

Upcoming Events

View our new and upcoming events to see how you can get involved.

Become a Member

The work we do to discover, preserve, and share Nebraska's history wouldn't be possible without the support of History Nebraska members.

Latest Hall of Fame Inductee

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

Listen to our Podcast

Listen to the articles and authors published in the Nebraska History Magazine with our new Nebraska History Podcast.

Nebraska Collections

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

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.