James Whitewater killed two men. While in prison from 1872-1889, he embraced Christianity. In 1889, the Nebraska legislature passed an act allowing the governor to pardon 2 inmates who had “been in jail more than 10 years or whose conduct while incarcerated merited such mercy.” When released, Whitewater walked through the prison gates and “rolled in the grass from joy.”
Our members make history happen.
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 Interim Director Cindy Drake. They are assisted by an administrative staff responsible for financial and personnel functions, museum store services, security, and facilities maintenance for NSHS.
Discover the real places and people of our past at these NSHS sites.
Explore Nebraska
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.
Find games, lists, and more to enhance your history education curriculum.
NSHS Programs
Learn more about the programs associated with NSHS.
Listen to the articles and authors published in the Nebraska History Magazine with our new Nebraska History Podcast!
NSHS's mission is to collect, preserve, and open our shared history to all Nebraskans.
Explore Nebraska Collections
Get a closer look at Nebraska's history through your own eyes, with our extensive video collections.
NSHS's Research and Reference Services help connect you to the material we collect and preserve.
NSHS Services
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.
