It’s been a busy autumn! In recent weeks the NSHS has recognized the generosity of a major donor, honored history makers at our annual banquet, and received a Nebraska Book Award.
When Dr. Don Gerlach retired from the history faculty of the University of Akron, he came home to Nebraska, moving into the 1919 home his grandparents owned in Harvard. An early American historian and education advocate, Dr. Gerlach is giving back to his home state, pledging $1.3 million to the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation. In recognition of the gift, the NSHS honored Gerlach on September 29 with the dedication of the Dr. Don R. Gerlach Capitol View Room at the Nebraska State Historical Society headquarters in Lincoln.
The NSHS held its annual awards banquet on October 12 at KANEKO in Omaha’s Old Market. Guests enjoyed the artistic setting (the giant flower petals on the lights opened and closed as the lights changed colors).
The gathering honored history makers from across the state. Former Omaha Planning Director Martin “Marty” Shukert (shown here) received the Placemaker-History Maker Award and delivered the keynote address.
The NSHS itself was honored at the 2017 Celebration of Nebraska Books on October 21. Last Days of Red Cloud Agency by late NSHS curator Tom Buecker won the Nonfiction: Photography category. The award was accepted by Tom’s widow, Kay Buecker, and David Bristow of the NSHS. The book was published by the NSHS with the support of the Ronald K. and Judith M. Parks Publishing Fund established at the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation. Learn more about NSHS Books.
