Founded in 1968, the Cuming County Historical Society (CCHS) manages a museum complex and collection of local artifacts that includes the history of farming, merchants, butchers, and even candlestick makers. CCHS is run today by a dedicated group of thirty volunteers.
The museum complex began in 1975 when the West Point railroad depot was moved to the county fairgrounds. The museum itself opened for the first time on July 4, 1976, and was open again in August for the county fair.
Since then a seven-building museum complex has developed, including the depot, a one room schoolhouse, a train caboose, a country church, a tractor museum, and a big red barn. It is the largest museum complex in northeast Nebraska. The CCHS works with the Fair Board to help keep buildings maintained.
Each of the seven buildings house fun and interesting collections. The depot has many items including a 1904 phonograph and military uniforms from the Civil War to the Iraq War. The Tractor Museum has eight fully restored tractors and a farm steam engine. The Machinery Building has a 1924 Ford Model T, a visitor favorite that people take pictures in. The caboose houses railroad memorabilia, and a large garden train even goes all the way through it. The county school holds memorabilia from all of the county’s schools. The church is open during the fair and showcases the history of religion in the county, and even holds a service during the fair. Finally, the Big Red Barn houses various displays during the county fair.
CCHS has also finished restoring an 1880s bandwagon to its original paint details, which is pictured right. It is being displayed under the east canopy of the depot.
The museum site is located on the Cuming County Fairgrounds, 300 West Washington St. West Point, NE 68788. The museum is open during the county fair (August 8-11) from 9 am to 9 pm and by special request. You can see the museum and its sites on the county fair website. To contact CCHS, call at (402) 372-3401 or send mail to 227 N. Main St, West Point, NE 68788.
-Christian Newth, Membership Coordinator, August 2024
