December 11, 2018

Paper Lab

Our Paper Lab has helped both individuals and organizations preserve their histories by caring for, preserving, and treating their precious artifacts.



Our past work includes everything from fantastic works of art, pieces of historical importance, and beloved personal objects.



We have treated:



  • Watercolors

  • Drawings

  • Prints

  • Maps

  • Birth certificates and family records

  • Albumen and silver gelatin photographs

  • Books and family Bibles



In addition to the History Nebraska collections, we have worked with many museums, university libraries, and private clients. Anyone wanting to discuss a project or get some artifact preservation advice is encouraged to contact us.



Contact Us



Hilary LeFevere

Paper Conservator

402-595-1142

[email protected]


Paper Lab Success Stories




Century-Old Swedish Murals Restored



It was a challenge, but we helped the Wikel family preserve their grandfather’s 116-year-old oil landscape paintings.


Ledger drawing illustrations from the diary.


Native American Ledger Art Restoration (Part One) (Part Two)



142 years can put a lot of wear and tear on a leather-bound diary. We fixed it up and preserved both the original diary entries and the Native American art within.


Before Treatment Photo showing losses, tears and soot damage.



Pre-treatment photo showing losses, tears and soot damage.


“The Artist” Rises From the Ashes



When a fire damaged Omahan Lila Vamosi’s drawing “The Artist,” she came to us to restore it. Although it still shows some scars, they now serve to tell a new story.


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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.
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.

History Nebraska Education

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

History Nebraska Programs

Learn more about the programs associated with History Nebraska.

Latest Hall of Fame Inductee

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

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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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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.