Throwback Thursday Photograph, Edward and Maggie Gehrke

Nebraskans Maggie and Edward Gehrke traveled extensively around the United States and Canada in the early 1900s. Things could and frequently did get pretty messy.

Maggie Gehrke digging car out of mud, 1930

In Nebraska, April showers may bring May flowers, but it also brings lots and lots of mud! In today’s Throwback Thursday photograph, Maggie Gehrke is all smiles while her husband Edward snapped her picture in 1930. Edward and Maggie were adventurers, traveling extensively throughout the United States and Canada by car during a time when it truly was an adventure. Edward photographed their travels and Maggie kept engaging and descriptive travel journals. Together their photo albums and journals provide a fascinating glimpse into the challenges and rewards of these adventures.

Edward and Maggie’s travels were featured in Ken Burn’s documentary The National Parks: America’s Best Idea.

You can read Maggie’s travel journals here.

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History Nebraska was founded in 1878 as the Nebraska State Historical Society by citizens who recognized Nebraska was going through great changes and they sought to record the stories of both indigenous and immigrant peoples. It was designated a state institution and began receiving funds from the legislature in 1883. Legislation in 1994 changed History Nebraska from a state institution to a state agency. The division is headed by Interim Director and CEO Jill Dolberg. They are assisted by an administrative staff responsible for financial and personnel functions, museum store services, security, and facilities maintenance for History Nebraska.
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