Historic Preservation

Nebraska Historical Marker Program

Historical Marker Program

To View Markers

There are multiple ways to view historical markers across the state.

Markers Interpret

  • Events: broad patterns of history
  • People: significant contributions and where they were made
  • Prehistory and Archeology: what sites reveal about past peoples
  • Cultural Heritage: groups that make Nebraska distinctive
  • State History: significant contribution to Nebraska’s state story

To Apply:

  • Identify a marker topic and research it. The NSHS Reference Department can help.
  • Email us to receive a preliminary form.
  • Send to the Nebraska State Historical Society for staff review and to determine further steps.
  • Once the marker text has been agreed upon and a site approved, payment for the marker must be received prior to order. Markers are delivered roughly 8-12 weeks from the time of order. Note: Due to a back log with our vendor, delivery times have been affected. Please contact us for more information.

 

Report Maintenance Needs:

If a marker is in need of repair or maintenance, please report it to us by using this form.

Contact by Mail:

Historical Markers Program
1500 R Street
Lincoln, NE 68508

Contact by Email:

[email protected]

Local sponsors are responsible for financing the marker.

State Historical Markers are not available to commemorate individuals, organizations or structures primarily for their longevity, public service or philanthropy. Subjects must meet the criteria for historical significance above.

Historic markers should be located on public property. When possible, the marker should be located at or near the historic site the marker interprets. NSHS and the Nebraska Department of Transportation will help find a suitable site.

You can find markers across the state in our Explore Nebraska History App or the Historic Marker website.

Highway Historical Markers; erection or maintenance:

Written consent of the Nebraska State Historical Society required (Nebraska Revised Statute 82-123)
It shall be unlawful for any person, public or private corporation, association, or organization to post, erect, or maintain any historical marker, monument, sign or notice, on public property or any place in the state, upon any public street, road, or highway in the state bearing any legend, inscription, or notice which purports to record any historical event, incident, or fact or to maintain any such historical marker, monument, notice, or sign posted or erected after September 20, 1957, unless a written certificate of approval has first been secured from the Historical Land Mark Council or, after December 25, 1969, from the Nebraska State Historical Society.

Become a Member!

Our members make history happen.

Join Now

Marker Information

Marker Designs and Prices
Fixing Markers
Marker App

All Markers are cast aluminum, silver letters against a blue background, with a state seal.

Two posts:
5′ wide by 6′ tall, 180 words
$7,000 including posts and shipping

Single-post:
42″ wide by 30″ tall, 80 words
$2,700 including post and shipping

Tablet-Style:
6′ wide by 3′ tall, 170 words
$4,000 including shipping
Requires wall mounting or a masonry base at local cost

Support your local marker! Repainting a historic marker can be fun for your group or community. Use these marker painting specs. Your local auto body shop may be able to repaint the marker for you or you can gather a group to paint.

Our Explore Nebraska History app is the easiest way to find Nebraska Historical Markers in your area or access marker information from afar. You can download it on the App Store or Google Play. There is also a desktop version.

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 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.

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.