Christian Gauer Immigration Trunk. Mr. Gauer came to Cass County from Switzerland via the German port of Bremen and farmed southeast of Cedar Creek. Donated by Gerald Ault.
The Cass County Historical Society Museum at 646 Main in Plattsmouth, tells the county’s history since 1854, the year it was opened for settlement. Permanent displays depict various stages in the county’s history and are supplemented by temporary exhibits that are changed periodically throughout the year. Visitors learn about the golden age of steamboating on the Missouri River, the pioneer experience, the arrival of the railroad, and the importance of farm production. A second part of the permanent display covers the age of the automobile, the telephone and radio, churches and religious life, schools, and entertainment. There is a Pioneer room, a Victorian Parlor, and a General Store.
“The Heights”. Egg tempera painting by John Falter
One of the most interesting items in the collection is a painting by John Falter, who was born in Plattsmouth and became a well-known artist who illustrated covers for The Saturday Evening Post. In 1969, he donated an egg tempera painting of “The Heights,” the home of his grandfather, George E. Dovey.
The Society also maintains the Joseph and Mary Cook log cabin (built in 1868), a Burlington Northern caboose, and a replica of Lewis and Clark’s white pirogue, which sits at Second and Main in Plattsmouth. Located southeast of town is Rock Bluffs School, a one-room brick schoolhouse which was built in 1870 as the “Naomi Institute.” It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Rendering of proposed new building addition.
The museum is operated by the Cass County Historical Society, founded in 1936. The present facility was built in 1960, with additions made to the building in 1972, 1980, and 1986. The Davis Conference Room, added in 1986, is used for research, meetings, exhibits, and storage. The Museum has outgrown its building, both in terms of exhibition space and storage space. In 2023, the Board of Directors started a fundraising drive for a new addition. Two buildings in the courtyard that are in poor condition will be demolished, and a new 10,000-square-foot building will include exhibition space and climate-controlled storage. The Board is planning to break ground in 2026, which will also be the 90th anniversary of the Historical Society.
Young boy looking through a stereoscope in the Victorian Room.
The museum is open year-round, 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm Tuesday through Saturday, and is closed on Sundays, Mondays, and major holidays. Admission is $2.50 for adults. There is no charge for museum members or children. The log cabin, caboose, pirogue, and Rock Bluffs school are open for special events or by appointment. The Museum has two staff members: Margo Prentiss, Curator, and Linda Duncan, Registrar. Many volunteers help throughout the year with maintenance projects, tours, fundraising, and as front desk receptionists. In 2024, the museum had visitors from 23 states and 3 foreign countries (England, Japan and Germany).
Contact the museum at 402-296-4770, or through e-mail ccohsm@windstream.net. Visit their website for updates: www.casscountynemuseum.org.
-Cass County Historical Society, February 2026
