October 29, 2022 | Last updated Jun 28, 2023

Recent Awards and Honors

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.

Dr. Don Gerlach

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.

 

NSHS Annual Meeting at Kaneko in Omaha

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).

 

Marty Shukert

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.

 

Nebraska Book Award for "Last Days of Red Cloud Agency"

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.

Become a Member!

Our members make history happen.

Join Now

You May Also Enjoy

Marker Monday: Phelps County

Marker Monday: Phelps County

Why John G. Neihardt was named Nebraska Poet Laureate in 1921

Why John G. Neihardt was named Nebraska Poet Laureate in 1921

Emigrants along the Trails at Chimney Rock

Emigrants along the Trails at Chimney Rock

About History Nebraska
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.
Explore Nebraska
Discover the real places and people of our past at these History Nebraska sites.

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 History Nebraska members.

History Nebraska Education

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

History Nebraska Programs

Learn more about the programs associated with History Nebraska.

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!

Nebraska Collections

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

Our YouTube Video Collection

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

Additional Research Resources

History Nebraska Research and Reference Services help connect you to the material we collect and preserve.

Support History Nebraska
Make a cash donation to help us acquire, preserve, and interpret Nebraska’s history. Gifts to History Nebraska help leave a legacy and may help your taxes, too! Support the work of History Nebraska by donating to the History Nebraska Foundation today.

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.