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Was J. Sterling Morton a racist? Here’s what the Arbor Day founder said and did.

Morton tried to keep slavery legal in Nebraska before the Civil War, showed questionable loyalty to the US during the war, and tried to keep black men from voting afterward. But is it fair to pass judgment on people of the past? Here's what we can learn from one of Nebraska’s leading statesmen.

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A Proposed Arboreal Bureau

Arbor Day founder and longtime History Nebraska member J. Sterling Morton proposed the creation of an "arboreal bureau" to be managed by us in 1886.

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J. Sterling Morton's diary (RG1013.AM, SG1, S4.F37, B24)

Earth Day is held on which famous Nebraskan's birthday?

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Morton's diary entry of April 8, 1874 -- Arbor Day (SFN 103430)

J. Sterling Morton creates Arbor Day

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Arbor Day, 1982 [RG2991-11-5]

Throwback Thursday Photo, Arbor Day 1982

Arbor Day, 1982 [RG2991-11-5]

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J Sterling Morton founder of Arbor Day

Timeline Tuesday: Arbor Day Origins

Arbor Day began inauspiciously as one of a number of efforts to encourage the planting of trees in barren Nebraska. The State Board of Agriculture had offered a prize of $50 for the best and largest grove of timber planted in 1870, and $25 for the second best and largest.

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Celebrating Nebraska’s Semicentennial, 1867-1917

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Arbor Day Ceremonies Plant New Trees at Schools

Cass School students in Omaha plant trees as part of an Arbor Day program in 1901. NSHS RG2991-11-2

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Nebraska’s Semicentennial Arbor Day (2013)

 

Arbor Day parade float at Nebraska City in 1917. The bust at the front of the float depicts J. Sterling Morton, founder of Arbor Day. NSHS RG2991-2-3.

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Touring Nebraska Orchards in 1872

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Become a History Nebraska Member Today

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Location Info

History Nebraska Headquarters

Hours
Monday – Friday: 8 am – 5 pm

Phone Number
(402) 471-3270

Address
1500 "R" Street
Lincoln, Nebraska 68508-1651
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Reference Room

Hours

Friday 9 am – 4 pm

Phone Number
(402) 471-4751

Address
1500 "R" Street
Lincoln, Nebraska 68508-1651
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Chimney Rock

Hours
Friday - Saturday: 9 am - 4 pm

Phone Number
(308) 586-2581

Address
PO Box F
Bayard, NE 69334
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Fort Robinson

Hours

Closed for the season

Phone Number
(308) 665-2919

Address
3200 West Highway 20
Crawford, NE 69339
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Nebraska History Museum

Tuesday - Friday: 10 am - 4 pm

Phone Number
(402) 471-4782

Address
131 Centennial Mall North
Lincoln, Nebraska 68508
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John G. Neihardt

Hours

Tuesday - Saturday: 10 am - 4 pm

Phone Number
(402) 648-3388

Address
306 E Elm St
Bancroft, NE 68004
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Neligh Mill

Hours
Closed for the season

Phone Number
(402) 887-4303

Address
N Street at Wylie Dr
Neligh, NE 68756
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Senator George Norris

Hours
Closed for the season

Phone Number
(308) 345-8484

Address
706 Norris Ave
McCook, NE 69001
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Thomas P. Kennard

Hours
By Appointment Only Monday - Friday

Phone Number
(402) 471-4764

Address
1627 H Street
Lincoln, NE
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