Collections

Collections Donations Form

Thank you for your interest in donating to the collections of the Nebraska State Historical Society (NSHS)!

 

What does NSHS Collect?

Would you like to see stories like yours documented in the Nebraska State Historical Society collections? We would! NSHS is currently looking to fill gaps in its collections, so curators are particularly interested in these topics:

  • Agriculture, post-1950 in Nebraska
  • Contemporary Native Americans living in Nebraska
  • Current events as they impact the lives of Nebraskans
  • Pop culture as it impacts the lives of Nebraskans
  • Sports and recreation in Nebraska

Because the collections are vast, NSHS accepts only a small proportion of materials offered. Space constraints and our commitment to long-term preservation of material in our collections play a central role in our collecting criteria. Donations are accepted only when the materials complement the collections and support the mission of NSHS.

For more information about what we will collect, see our Collecting Plan (PDF).

 

What Happens Next?

Please fill out the following form so that we might consider your offer. Please complete the form with as much information as possible, and do not send materials without prior approval of an NSHS curator. NSHS only accepts materials as unrestricted gifts. Loans or donation offers requiring restrictions or conditions will be declined.

Curators review each offer and decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. Usually we respond within four weeks, though some offers may take longer to review. Thank you for your interest in preserving your history with the Nebraska State Historical Society!

 

Become a Member!

Our members make history happen.

Help Shape History

Become a Member

Being a member is the easiest way to be involved in our mission to preserve and share our state's rich history. Find out how!

Volunteer

Volunteers work with NSHS staff members to support our mission

Start Your Career

Interested in joining the NSHS team? Keep an eye on job listings!

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.

Explore Nebraska

Discover the real places and people of our past at these NSHS 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 NSHS members.

NSHS Education

Learn more about the educational programs provided at our museums, sites, and online.

Education Digital Learning Resources

Find games, lists, and more to enhance your history education curriculum.

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

NSHS'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

NSHS's Research and Reference Services help connect you to the material we collect and preserve.

NSHS Services

Digital Resources

Find all of our digital resources, files, videos, and more, all in one easy-to-search page!

Support The Historical Society

Make a cash donation to help us acquire, preserve, and interpret Nebraska’s history. Gifts to the Nebraska State Historical Society help leave a legacy and may help your taxes, too! Support the work of NSHS.

Volunteers are the heroes of NSHS. 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.