Revealing History

Using Digital Technology to Learn More about Our Past



Digital technology is shedding new light on previously hidden information. Nebraska photographer Solomon D. Butcher produced, over the course of nearly forty years, a record of the European settlement of the Great Plains that is both unique and remarkable. These photographs have been used for more than fifty years to study the homesteading experience. Advanced digital imaging technology is now offering a way to see these photographs like they’ve never been seen before.



Examining the Details in Historic Photographs



There are many advantages to high resolution digital imaging. One of the most interesting is the ability to take a very close look at small details within the original object. Digital imaging technology also allows for incredible selective control over light and dark within the images. High resolution digital images, allow us to through doorways and see details not seen since the negative was exposed.  With image manipulation software it is possible to change the tonal values inside the doorway, revealing previously hidden information.



Look at the photographs below to see examples of how History Nebraska is using digital imaging technology to learn more about the photograph collections.

 

Unidentified family, West Union, Nebraska, 1886 [RG2608.PH1100]

Unidentified Family near West Union, Nebraska, 1886 [RG2608.PH1100]

Reveal Details

 

John Curry homestead near West Union, Custer County, Nebraska, 1886 [RG2608.PH1048]

John Curry homestead near West Union, Custer County, Nebraska, 1886 [RG2608.PH1048]

Reveal Details

 

Sylvester Rawding sod house, north of Sargent, Custer County, Nebraska, 1886 [RG2608.PH1784]

Sylvester Rawding sod house, north of Sargent, Custer County, Nebraska, 1886

Reveal Details

 

Harvey M. Pickens, Ortello Valley, Custer County, Nebraska, 1889 [RG2608.PH1523.]

Reveal Details

 

The Chrisman sisters near Goheen settlement on Lieban Creek, Custer County, Nebraska, 1886, Solomon D. Butcher, photographer [RG2608.PH1053]

The Chrisman sisters near Goheen settlement on Lieban Creek, Custer County, Nebraska, 1886 [RG2608.PH1053]

Reveal Details

 

Grocery store in Overton, Dawson County, Nebraska, 1904, Solomon D. Butcher, photographer. RG2608. PH-2556.

Grocery store in Overton, Dawson County, Nebraska, 1904 [RG2608.PH2556]

Reveal Details

 

“Grand Pa” Dailey, possibly in Milburn, Nebraska, 1886 or 1887 [RG2608.PH-1036]

Reveal Details

 

Anton Smock and his farm near Oconto, Custer County, Nebraska, 1904 [RG2608.PH1764]

Anton Smock and his farm near Oconto, Custer County, Nebraska, 1904 [RG2608.PH-1764]

Reveal Details

 

Frank Moore, Sargent, north Custer County, Nebraska, 1887.  [RG2608.PH1244]

Frank Moore, Sargent, north Custer County, Nebraska, 1887 [RG2608.PH-1244]

Reveal Details

 

Become a Member!

Our members make history happen.

Join Now

You May Also Enjoy

Marker Monday: Kearney Cotton Mill

Marker Monday: Kearney Cotton Mill

No Irish Babies Born in Nebraska in 1912

No Irish Babies Born in Nebraska in 1912

Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte, First Native American Woman Physician

Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte, First Native American Woman Physician

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.