Grand Island Independent

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What We Found

Sugar Palace

Grand Island | Grand Island Independent | John M. Thayer | Sugar Palace | The New West

The Grand Island Sugar Palace was erected in 1890 to commemorate the birth of the state's sugar beet industry. Patterned after the Sioux City Corn Palace, the building ...

Water Shortage

agriculture | Grand Island Independent | Koehler Hotel | ordinance | water

The economically devastating years of the early 1890s created hardship for many Nebraska residents. In 1893, for example, crops in Nebraska were almost totally destroyed ...

Cigar Manufacturing in Grand Island

A. H. Baker | cigar making | Grand Island | Grand Island Independent | Women's History

Cigarmaking, although never a leading Nebraska industry, was present in the state from early days. By 1869 there were 28 cigar makers in the state; by 1900 there were ...

Census Takers Wanted

census | Grand Island Independent | Lincoln | Nebraska State Journal | Tom Cooke

Census figures for the year 2010 will give an updated view of the population of Nebraska and of its agriculture and industries. The state has been included in all ...

Help Perserve and Share History

Become a Member

Being a member is the easiest way to be involved in our mission to preserve and share our state's rich history. Find out how!

Volunteer

Volunteers work with NSHS staff members to support our mission

Start Your Career

Interested in joining the NSHS team? Keep an eye on job listings!

About NSHS

The Nebraska State Historical Society was founded in 1878 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 NSHS from a state institution to a state agency. The division is headed by Director Daryl Bohac. They are assisted by an administrative staff responsible for financial and personnel functions, museum store services, security, and facilities maintenance for NSHS.

About Us

Our Board

Careers

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Explore Nebraska

Discover the real places and people of our past at these NSHS sites.

View All Nebraska Sites

Nebraska History Museum

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Explore Nebraska

Senator Norris House

Thomas Kennard House

Historical Markers

Upcoming Events

View our new and upcoming events to see how you can get involved.

Become a Member

The work we do to discover, preserve, and share Nebraska's history wouldn't be possible without the support of NSHS members.

NSHS Education

Learn more about the educational programs provided at our museums, sites, and online.

Education Digital Learning Resources

Find games, lists, and more to enhance your history education curriculum.

Museum Field Trips

Virtual Field Trips

Summer Workshops

Scout Merit Badge Workshops

NSHS Programs

Learn more about the programs associated with NSHS.

Historical Marker Program

National Register of Historic Places

Nebraska Hall of Fame

Semiquincentennial Commission

Nebraska Statewide Cemetery Registry

Willa Cather National Statuary Hall

Heritage Hero Award Recipients

Latest Hall of Fame Inductee

The Nebraska Hall of Fame was established in 1961 to officially recognize prominent Nebraskans.

Listen to our Podcast

Listen to the articles and authors published in the Nebraska History Magazine with our new Nebraska History Podcast!

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Nebraska Collections

NSHS's mission is to collect, preserve, and open our shared history to all Nebraskans.

Research, Reference, & Genealogy

About Collections

Digital Collections Portal

Government Records

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Explore Nebraska Collections

Manuscript Finding Aids

Moving Images Inventories

Photo Collection List

Sound Recordings Inventories

Our YouTube Video Collection

Get a closer look at Nebraska's history through your own eyes, with our extensive video collections.

Additional Research Resources

NSHS's Research and Reference Services help connect you to the material we collect and preserve.

NSHS Services

Digital Resources

Find all of our digital resources, files, videos, and more, all in one easy-to-search page!

Conservation Center

Digital Curation

Historic Preservation

Support The Historical Society

Make a cash donation to help us acquire, preserve, and interpret Nebraska’s history. Gifts to the Nebraska State Historical Society help leave a legacy and may help your taxes, too! Support the work of NSHS.

Volunteers are the heroes of NSHS. 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.

Volunteer