The Sandhills Heritage Museum (SHM) started 18 years ago because people in Blaine County wanted to preserve the stories and history of those who had come before them. Since its opening, the museum has strengthened connections between the county’s four communities. Blaine is one of Nebraska’s smallest counties by population, with a little over 400 residents.
The Home State Bank
The museum was housed at two temporary locations before settling in the Historic Home State Bank building. The building needed many repairs, so the community got busy raising money and coordinating volunteers. Finally, in July 2017, the museum officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by then-Governor Pete Ricketts and other honored guests. Since then, the seven-person board has worked hard to maintain and develop the museum with support from volunteers.
A Hereford Statue in the Sandhills Heritage Museum.
The Hereford Crossroads, an organization to preserve Nebraska’s Hereford Heritage for future generations, was invited in 2017 to have an exhibit in the Sandhills Heritage Museum. The Hereford Crossroads exhibit is believed to be the largest collection of Hereford cattle history in Nebraska. The exhibit educates visitors about Hereford cattle through memorabilia and other content. Every year, an awards ceremony is held where outstanding Nebraska herd bulls and Hereford breeders are honored with induction into the Hereford Crossroads “Hall of Fame.”.
SHM is currently developing new outdoor displays that can be enjoyed year-round outside the museum. They are also hard at work changing and refreshing the displays inside the museum for the busy summer season.
A tour in the Sandhills Heritage Museum
The Sandhills Heritage Museum is located at 416 Jewett Ave, Dunning, NE. The museum is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 4 pm, and Sunday from 1 pm to 4 pm or by appointment. You can find them on Facebook. Or call 308-880-0787 or 308-430-0786.
