Historic Preservation
Nebraska Historical Marker Program
Historical Marker Program
To View Markers
There are multiple ways to view historical markers across the state.
- Go to https://www.mynehistory.com
- Download the Explore Nebraska History App on your Android or Apple device.
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:
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.
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Marker Information
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.
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!