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 Cindy Drake. They are assisted by an administrative staff responsible for financial and personnel functions, museum store services, security, and facilities maintenance for History Nebraska.
Explore Nebraska
History Nebraska Education
Learn more about the educational programs provided at our museums, sites, and online.
Find games, lists, and more to enhance your history education curriculum.
History Nebraska Programs
Learn more about the programs associated with History Nebraska.
Listen to the articles and authors published in the Nebraska History Magazine with our new Nebraska History Podcast!
History Nebraska's mission is to collect, preserve, and open our shared history to all Nebraskans.
Explore Nebraska Collections
Get a closer look at Nebraska's history through your own eyes, with our extensive video collections.
History Nebraska Research and Reference Services help connect you to the material we collect and preserve.
Find all of our digital resources, files, videos, and more, all in one easy-to-search page!
Volunteers are the heroes of History Nebraska. So much history, so little time! Your work helps us share access to Nebraska’s stories at our museums and sites, the reference room, and online.