One of the additional roles I currently have is serving as the chair of the Nebraska Semiquincentennial Commission, which was established by the Nebraska Legislature in 2021. As the commission formed, it focused on being the point of contact for state and national organizations and events related to the Semiquincentennial celebration of the United States. In embracing that role, the Commission works to connect Nebraskans to resources and events celebrating America’s 250th birthday in 2026 and has established a website at america250.nebraska.gov. The website features educational programs, resources, community celebrations, volunteer opportunities, and national initiatives, and serves as a hub for finding, sharing, and participating in events during this once-in-a-generation celebration across the state and nationwide. Together, we’re working to make sure every Nebraskan has a chance to be part of this historic milestone. There are now over 130 events listed on the website, with 34 of 93 counties represented. We continue to reach out to the counties, chambers of commerce, visitor centers, and tribal contacts, asking them to submit their event information through the website at https://america250.nebraska.gov/submit-an-event/.
Vise-Grip Pliers in the NSHS Collection, RG11462-6. This set was not donated for the time capsule.
In addition to the website, the Commission took on the task of selecting items from Nebraska to be placed in America’s Time Capsule, which will be buried in Philadelphia at the Independence Mall on July 4th, 2026, and is to remain sealed for 250 years until 2276 as a record of the nation at its 250th anniversary. We had the option of a single sheet of paper or selecting items that would fit into a 5”x 6”x 2” archival box. We opted to use the box and provided 22 prints and narratives of our state, including Chimney Rock, images of our second and third State Capitol Buildings, the Crazy Horse Monument at Fort Robinson, the Omaha Stockyards, Lake McConaughy, and others. We sent a 4” set of Vise-Grip locking pliers representing the ingenuity and innovation that was required to be successful in our state. The Coinery in Lincoln, Nebraska, generously donated a set of the 2006 Commemorative Nebraska Quarter featuring Chimney Rock and an America the Beautiful Quarters Three Coin Set featuring the Homestead National Monument. Finally, a copy of Jewel Rodgers poem, Nebraska’s State Poet, titled, A Home of Our Hands was also included. Jewel’s recitation of the poem can be viewed courtesy of the Nebraska Arts Council’s America 250 and I-80 Sculpture Project kick-off video at https://tinyurl.com/34j8zzdh at around the 6-minute mark.
While there will be many events on or around the 4th of July across Nebraska, the featured events will be at Seward, Nebraska’s 4th of July City, https://www.julyfourthseward.com/, where many of their activities will be focused on America’s Semiquincentennial celebration. Among those will be a Chautauqua event featuring the Faces of Rushmore with re-enactors representing George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln on July 3rd at 10 AM, followed by a First Ladies Tea at 2 PM at the Nebraska National Guard Museum.
But you don’t have to wait until the 4th of July to participate in what is meant to be a year-long celebration. The Nebraska Sports Council and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission have a 250 Challenge to get us all out exploring Nebraska and engaging in activities to keep us healthy and moving. The Semiquincentennial Commission sponsored the Signers of the Declaration of Independence Exhibit at the State Capitol, which is free and available during public access hours until the end of August. The Nebraska Arts Council will have a series of events across Nebraska celebrating 50 years of Nebraska’s 500-mile Sculpture Garden, an enduring set of sculptures at rest areas across the state and likely the only remaining public art project in America from the 1976 Bicentennial Celebration. The Nebraska History Museum will open to the public for an America 250 exhibit titled “Our Nebraska” on June 30th celebrating Nebraska’s contributions to our nation’s history and those who made it happen. From Albion to Aurora, Ralston to Rising City, Norfolk to Nebraska City, Chadron to Columbus, and from Ogallala to Omaha, there will be activities for all ages and walks of life to experience in 2026. As our friends at Visit Nebraska put it, “Let’s Party Like it’s 1776” – we have a lot to celebrate.
-Daryl Bohac, Chair, Nebraska Semiquincentennial Commission, and Director, Nebraska State Historical Society
