The Burt County Museum was established in 1967 in Tekamah, Neb. It was founded to collect, preserve and develop an appreciation of the history of Burt County and artifacts associated with that history, and to educate the public in connection therewith.
E.C. Houston House at Christmas
In 1984, the E.C. Houston house was acquired. Emsley C. Houston and his wife, Jennie, built the 14-room Neo-Classical house in 1904. E.C. was a prominent businessman and owner of Houston Lumber and Coal Company. The house was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.
There are four levels of displays. The basement features a “professional room” with items from many businesses, such as doctors, nurses, the old firehouse and a livery stable. There is a laundry room, agriculture room, and early 1900s kitchen.
The first floor includes a foyer and parlor, where a painting of the Last Supper dated from the late 1600s or early 1700s hangs. Lots of dishes are displayed in the dining room and butler’s pantry.
On the second floor, visitors will find a sitting room, son Richard Houston’s room, master bedroom, bathroom, library, and a room full of toys that will interest youngsters of all ages.
The third floor houses some musical instruments as well as special temporary displays.
The museum also has its own personal resident. A ghost hunter who visited recently said there are spirits present. Not to worry though, they are friendly.
Visitors will find interest in the 1908 Charles D. Houston House, which is next door to E.C.’s home (the “East House”) which features the Gallery of the Pioneers, two rooms devoted to military artifacts ranging from the War of 1812 to the war in Iraq, child’s room, den, wedding room, library, bathroom with a 1940s perm machine, and sewing room.
Next, walk over a bridge from the early days of Tekamah’s Folsom Park onto a sidewalk made with old main street bricks and visit the Dist. No. 57 (Nolana) one-room school. Tekamah-Herman’s second and fourth graders hold special classes there during the school year.
A few second graders during their visit to the Burt County Museum learning about the Dust Bowl.
It is our great pleasure to host these children who meet monthly at various locations at the museum. Regular classes include making butter in a fruit jar while learning about our old-fashioned kitchen cookstove and icebox; learning about the Dust Bowl days; flag etiquette; respect to servicemen/women and veterans; summer safety with a Tekamah police officer; and our area’s natives and pioneers. They also have class in the schoolhouse, where a slate and chalk are given to each student and they practice spelling words and arithmetic.
Older students also get involved at the museum; junior high and high school students do research for written history assignments. Also, art students take photos of interesting areas or artifacts to later use for drawing projects.
Assistant Curator Jane Elske had no idea Mr. Grinch was going to attend the Fantasy of Trees.
There are file drawers and shelves full of information on Burt County’s people, places, and events at The Burt County Museum, including obituary files, photo files, genealogy files and books, information on Burt County cemeteries, as well as many local history books and plat maps.
The largest annual event at the museum is “Fantasy of Trees.” It opens the Sunday night before Thanksgiving and runs through December. Staff, with the help of students, decorate the exterior. Rooms in every building feature trees decorated by volunteers. Third graders are invited to a tea party in March. THS Alumni and friends are invited to “Coffee on the Porch” on Memorial Day weekend. We offer yard games on July 4. There is a special display every summer.
Part-time employees are Bonnie Newell, curator; Jane Elske, assistant curator; Patty Wilson, clerical; Wendy Carlson, bookkeeper; Linda Bisanz, custodian, and groundskeepers Mike Camron and John Wilson. Our last annual report shows 415 volunteers devoted 1,342 hours.
The county’s newspapers are online for free, thanks to the support of each town:
tekamah.advantage-preservation.com
decaturne.advantage-preservation.com
oaklandne.advantage-preservation.com (includes Craig)
lyons.advantage-preservation.com
Visit the Burt County Museum at 319 North 13th Street and choose your favorite artifact. We are open year-round on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 1 to 5. Freewill donations are appreciated. Contact us: 402-374-1505; email [email protected]; website burtcountymuseum.org.
—Patty Wilson, October 2024
