History Nebraska

Government Records

Government Records

Government records are created or received at all levels, from the smallest village to the largest federal agency. History Nebraska holds about 20,000 cubic feet of paper records and close to 100,000 rolls of microfilm. The records date from 1854 to the present and are open to the public unless restricted by law.

Government Records Collections

 

Information for Government Agencies

Nebraska Revised Statute 82-104 expressly indicates that History Nebraska shall be the custodian of all public records, documents, relics, and other materials deemed to be of historic value and found in any government offices that receive appropriations from the Legislature, or in any of the county courthouses, city halls, or other public buildings within the State of Nebraska.

The primary method by which Government Records are collected is through transfer by local, county, and state entities per records management retention schedules. To check if your records are scheduled to come to the State Archives, please refer to the records retention schedules found on the Secretary of State’s website:

For instructions regarding the process of transferring archival records to the State Archives, please see the first page of the Transfer of Public Records to the State Archives form. You will use this form to transfer records to the State Archives.

For guidance regarding transferring electronic records to the State Archives, please review the file, Preparing Electronic Records for Transfer.

If you are unsure whether something is archival, or you have any questions about the transfer process, please contact the State Archivist at [email protected] or 402-471-4783.

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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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Nebraska Collections

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

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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.