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Nebraska City Historical Society Receives Grant to Preserve Community Voices Through Digital Storytelling for America’s 250th Anniversary

Tue, 05 May 2026 15:07:21 GMT

The Nebraska City Historical Society, the states preeminent historic preservation organization recently received Nebraska Tourism Commission Grant funding support. The Society, which originated in 1937 to preserve and protect the history and stories of Nebraska City’s founding members and early settlement, was awarded more than $16,000 from the Steinhart Foundation The grant was awarded to assist the Society in the success of a modernizing oral histories of Nebraska City through Pod Cast and digital recordings, focusing on the nation’s 250th anniversary by incorporating history and stories that surround Otoe County.

This project will focus on collecting, preserving, and sharing the voices and lived experiences of Nebraska City residents through modern digital methods, including podcast production and online storytelling platforms. By combining traditional historical preservation with accessible digital formats, the Society aims to broaden community engagement and ensure these stories reach future generations.

“This grant allows us to amplify the voices of our community in meaningful and lasting ways,” said Society Board Member Lucille Sharp and a member of the Community’s 250th Celebration Committee. Sharp added, “As we approach the nation’s 250th Anniversary, it is especially important to reflect on local stories that contribute to our shared history.”

The initiative will include recorded interviews, narrative storytelling, and a series of podcasts highlighting diverse perspectives from across the community. All recordings and digital content will be housed on the Nebraska City Historical Society’s website, creating a permanent, publicly accessible archive.

Society President, Kathy McKillip stated, “This project will have the Society partnering with Precision Digital and will have added value for the newly remodeled research and archive center located in the lower level of Old Freighters Museum.” McKillip added “It will assist the Society by driving listeners to our website. The current website can host the following

as it relates to content creation, podcasting and social media connectivity, which we encourage everyone to check out at www.nebraskacityhistoricalsociety.com and follow us on our Facebook page, nebraskacityhistoricalsociety.

As part of this effort, the Nebraska City Historical Society is actively seeking input from the public. The organization welcomes recommendations for local historians, long-time residents, and individuals whose experiences and knowledge can help tell a fuller, more inclusive story of the community. Suggestions for interview subjects, themes, and historical topics are encouraged, as the Society aims to ensure a broad representation of voices, perspectives, and experiences.

Community members interested in participating, nominating individuals, or contributing ideas are invited to contact the Society directly. Opportunities may even become available for residents to share their own stories, family histories, and reflections on life in Nebraska City.

Work on the project will take place throughout the anniversary period, beginning June 1, 2026, with recordings and podcast episodes released on an ongoing basis.

The Nebraska City Historical Society extends its gratitude to the Steinhart Foundation for its generous support and commitment to preserving local history through innovative approaches. McKillip shared that “It is not lost on us how competitive the grant cycle is. We appreciate the level of confidence that has been shown towards the Society by funding at our requested level!”

McKillip added, “This project will provide us an advantage for a different perspective to enhance and educate the visitor’s experience about the history of Nebraska City and Nebraska. As we now engage and celebrate our country’s 250th Anniversary. We love promoting and recognizing all areas of history of Nebraska City and Otoe County which includes, documentation of oral history and storytelling.”

McKillip continued with, “it is important that the Society collaborates and diversifies with many organizations and projects to stay relevant. This is one of those opportunities. The Society works hard to be fiscally responsible by applying for a variety of grants to assist in carrying out the mission of the organization, and we are always looking to increase our membership – so won’t you join us!”

The Society’s website is nebraskacityhistoricalsociety.com and you can find them on Facebook just search and follow NebraskaCityHistoricalSociety

Visit a museum and remember, residents with a 68410-zip code are FREE! Our docents would love to see you!

Nebraska City Historical Society to Kick Off Summer Book Club on May 1 Focusing on Exploration, Westward Movement with a Local Author

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:09:48 GMT

The Nebraska City Historical Society, the states preeminent historic preservation organization, originated in 1937 to preserve and protect the history and stories of Nebraska City’s founding members and early settlement. Throughout the decades, Society has helped revive interest in the study of local history, through education and historic preservation while also being the stewards of the Taylor-Wessel-Bickel-Nelson House and the Old Freighters Museum in Nebraska City.

The Society is excited to announce that they will be hosting a Summer Book Club, officially kicking off on May 1, 2026. The book, “A Short History of the Lewis & Clark Expedition – 1803-1806” by Daryll D Heresemann, was selected as the summer read. Heresemann’s book is a pure delight to read, with sprinkling of journal entries, and firsthand accounts to feel the true spirit of the Lewis and Clark Journals, but not so much as to overwhelm the reader in minute details,” to Dr. Sara Crook retired Schottenhamel Honors Chair in Humanities at Peru State College.

Society President, Kathy McKillip, stated that the book, isn’t a sweeping, novelistic retelling of the expedition; instead, it’s a distilled narrative that moves with the same efficiency that Meriwether Lewis and William Clark might have appreciated when mapping unknown terrain

McKillip added that, “Hiresemann’s strength lies in clarity. He doesn’t bog the reader down in excessive detail, yet he avoids flattening the journey into a dry timeline. The book sketches the ambition behind the expedition—Thomas Jefferson’s vision of westward expansion—while still grounding the story in the day-to-day realities of mud, hunger, diplomacy, and sheer uncertainty. You get a sense of motion, of constant forward push, even when progress was painfully slow.” With a slight grin, McKillip stated,” this is something that resonated with the Society when making the selection, progress can be painfully slow at times!” The runner-up for the Summer Book Club was Virginia Ott’s Sterling Carrie which is also locally authored. “ McKillip concluded with “ Since I was in the 4th grade at 14th Street Elementary and participated in the Morton James Library Summer Reading program, I have been a fan of ,and advocate for, reading and book clubs” – recently finishing a 12 year service term on the Lincoln Public Libraries Board of Directors and Chair of the One-Book-One Lincoln Board Committee, Mckillip shared that the Society has the organization of a book club as a goal within their 2026 organizational strategic plan which is to promote, encourage and embrace local authors and historical reads.

Monthly questions and thoughts to ponder will be shared via the Society’s Facebook page with a group gathering and discussion at the annual meeting in June.

Board member and Treasurer, Gloria Glover shared, “This group is a great place to learn about the history of Nebraska City and share that history with our residents and nonresidents alike and initiating a book club we hope will stimulate more interest in the Society as well”

The book will be available for purchase at the Old Freighters Museum, or the Missouri River Basin-Lewis at Clark Center. Readers are encouraged to check Morton James Public Library. Cost to purchase the book at either location is $18.00.

Dr. Sara Crook added that, “it is a most pleasant read and should attract a great deal of interest with this being the year of our Nation’s 250th Anniversary! “

Membership for the Society is $20.00/yr. Members are encouraged to participate in the organization’s volunteer activities. To become a member of Nebraska’s oldest Historical Society, send a check and contact information to NCH, PO BOX 175, Nebraska City NE 68410 – please provide your mailing information and email. Or pay online at the Society website of www.nebraskacityhistoricalsociety.com

Books are available at both Society Museums for the cost of $18.00.

Visit a museum and remember, residents with a 68410-zip code are FREE! We would love to see you!

CELEBRATE HISTORY. SHARE STORIES. CONNECT WITH COMMUNITY.

Join us this summer as we explore local and national history through engaging discussion and community connection!

Nebraska City Historical Society Receives Wirth Foundation Funding Support to Medicinal Garden and Prairie Landscaping relating to the Westward Movement

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 14:54:14 GMT

The Nebraska City Historical Society, the states preeminent historic preservation organization recently received Wirth Foundation funding support. The Society, which originated in 1937 to preserve and protect the history and stories of Nebraska City's founding members and early settlement, was awarded more than $13,275.00 from the Wirth Foundation (Paul/Anton/Doris). The grant was awarded to assist with the Old Freighters Museum Medicinal Garden/Prairie Landscape Project.

Wirth Foundation Board member Duane Smith shared, “The Foundation is very interested in supporting Nebraska City and its history, and the Westward movement is part of a special chapter and place within Nebraska City’s development. We are so impressed with the amount of Nebraska City’s History that the Historical Society has acquired and its willingness to make it available to the public.

The mission of the Paul, John, Anton and Doris Wirth Foundation is to positively impact the community of Nebraska City, by supporting work in the areas of health, education, welfare of children, and other special interest community projects.

Society President, Kathy McKillip stated, “I can’t think of a more positive impact for the organization right now that what the Wirth Foundation’s grant is going to provide for us. We will be able to complete the Native American Medicinal Garden and Prairie Landscaping Project which sets the stage to exploration and education about the great Westward Wagon Train Movement.” McKillip added, “Wind-swept and resilient, the prairie landscapes of Nebraska offered more than a path west—they provided a living pharmacy for those who knew where to look. Long before wagon ruts carved their way across the plains, the Otoe-Missouria nation cultivated deep knowledge of native medicinal plants, using roots, leaves, and flowers to treat ailments, sustain health, and maintain balance with the land. As waves of settlers moved along westward trails, many came to rely—sometimes unknowingly—on this botanical wisdom for survival. “It is very exciting for us to incorporate the teachings of the Otoe-Missouria tribe with regards to the medicinal garden. For those who also are familiar with Bob Hendrickson of PlantNebraska, his teachings will be incorporated, regarding native plant life and foraging, which is legendary.

Anton and Walburga, themselves, raised 9 children and were known for charitable contributions of food and lodging to new immigrants in the area. Walburga provided baskets of meat to the poor families and baked wedding cakes for young couples. Making sure people had food was very important to them. This generosity and celebration of each other was also evident with the wagon trains and was embraced within the Westward movement, where immigrants and pioneers looked to improve their lives with new opportunities as the country expanded West.

McKillip shared “The Society shares several of the same approaches that the Wirth Foundation does such as striving to have a positive impact not only within Nebraska City and Otoe County but statewide, regionally and nationally with our history, exhibits, educational programming and special interest projects. McKillip added, “As we, the Society see things, we are all more like than different and this partnership demonstrates that. We are grateful to the Wirth Foundation for the funding, and support for this opportunity. We are excited the share the project results yet this Spring.

DeAnn Michel with Grimms stated, “We were fortunate to partner with the Historical Society last fall when they received a PlantNebraska Greener Towns Grant. That grant began this project, and we are proud to be the designated partner to bring the project closer to completion.”

Society President, Kathy McKillip stated, “This project will provide us an advantage for a different perspective to enhance and educate the visitor’s experience. We look forward to hosting educational sessions and podcasts to promote a more comprehensive approach to Nebraska’s history and the important role Nebraska City, and the Society has played in it – especially as we now engage and celebrate our country’s 250th Anniversary. We love promoting and recognizing all areas of history of Nebraska City, Otoe County and the Westward Movement.”

The Society’s website is nebraskacityhistoricalsociety.com and you can find them on Facebook just search and follow NebraskaCityHistoricalSociety

Visit a museum and remember, residents with a 68410-zip code are FREE! Our docents would love to see you!

Ribbon Cutting: Recent Renovations and Research Center

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 14:16:37 GMT

The Nebraska City Historical Society, the states preeminent historic preservation organization recently received Wirth Foundation funding support. The Society, which originated in 1937 to preserve and protect the history and stories of Nebraska City’s founding members and early settlement, will be hosting a reveal and ribbon cutting on April 23, at 5:00pm cst. Recently awarded more than $23,000 from the Wirth Foundation (Paul|John|Anton|Doris) grant funds were awarded to assist with the Old Freighters Museum Basement Renovation project. The Basement was severely damaged in February 2024 because of ruptured pipes.

Society President, Kathy McKillip stated, “I can’t think of a more positive impact for the organization right now that what the Wirth Foundation’s grant has provide to the Society and we look forward in sharing it with the public. The new educational exhibit space will assist us as a partner with statewide and national organizations to provide and promote research and distant learning as it relates to the Westward movement. Plus, it will utilize all the space Old Freighters has, including a very structurally sound, cool “old” basement!” McKillip added, “you know who true historic preservationist are when they get excited about the “bone” of a structure and Freighters has great bones!”

Anton and Walburga Wirth, themselves, raised 9 children and were known for charitable contributions of food and lodging to new immigrants in the area. Walburga provided baskets of meat to the poor families and baked wedding cakes for young couples. A generosity and celebration of each other was also evident with the wagon trains and was embraced within the Westward movement, where immigrants and pioneers looked to improve their lives with new opportunities as the country expanded West.

McKillip shared “The Society shares several of the same approaches that the Wirth Foundation does such as striving to have a positive impact not only within Nebraska City and Otoe County but statewide, regionally and nationally with our history, exhibits, educational programming and special interest projects. McKillip added, “As we, the Society see things, we are all more like than different and this partnership demonstrates that. We are grateful to the Wirth Foundation for this funding opportunity and look forward to unveiling the new basement remodel before the community. The goal was to finish the project before travel season started and we did it!.”

Society President, Kathy McKillip stated, “This project is also supported through the Nelson Family Foundation and will provide us an advantage for a different perspective to enhance and educate the visitor’s experience. Many long volunteer hours have been put in to bring this project to fruition. Total renovations at the Old Freighters Museum over the past 18 months have reached more than $94,000. We look forward to hosting educational sessions and podcasts to promote a more comprehensive approach to Nebraska’s history and the important role Nebraska City, and the Society has played in it – especially as we now engage and celebrate our country’s 250th Anniversary. We love promoting and recognizing all areas of history of Nebraska City, Otoe County and the Westward Movement. Plus, its Arbor Day weekend, a perfect way to celebrate an embrace all that Nebraska City has to offer!”

The Society’s website is nebraskacityhistoricalsociety.com and you can find them on Facebook just search and follow NebraskaCityHistoricalSociety

Visit a museum and remember, residents with a 68410-zip code are FREE! Our docents would love to see you!

2026 Nebraska City Historical Society Awards Event

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 14:42:45 GMT

Historic Preservation Award for New-Build Adaptive Use

From three-dollar lots, to handmade bricks, to rebuilding instead of replacing, to designing something new that honors what is old — St. Benedict Parish reminds us that historic preservation takes courage. Adaptive reuse takes humility. And building for the future takes vision. We celebrate not just a structure, but a community that understands something powerful: Buildings matter — But, because what happens inside of them matters even more.

Congratulations to ST. BENEDICT CHURCH HALL AND COMMUNITY CENTER — for proving, once again, that when faith lays the foundation, even 55,000 new bricks can feel like they’ve always been home.

Historic Preservation Award for Education

This project demonstrates something essential about historic preservation education: It is not about nostalgia. It is not about pretending. It is about connection. It connects students to place. It connects communities to story. It connects the past to the present in a way that feels immediate.

And when 500 students walk away animated, curious, and maybe even a little dusty — that is impact you don’t have to wait decades to measure. We honor a project that embraced risk, embraced uncertainty, and embraced the belief that history should not only be studied — it should be experienced.

The 2026 Historic Preservation Award for Education goes to the MISSOURI BASIN LEWIS & CLARK CENTER – CAMP DUBOIS/CAMP WOOD RIVER FORT REPLICA.

Historic Preservation Award as an Organization or Group

Historic preservation is not always glamorous. Sometimes it looks like mud on your boots and dirt under your fingernails. But what it produces is something far greater: continuity and community. As work continues and progress unfolds, there is no doubt that generations to come will climb those steps, rest a hand on that railing, and never fully realize how close it came to being lost.

To the volunteers, the partners, the donors, the historians — This project proved that even after more than a century, iron can rise again… and history can still surprise us.

The 2026 Historic Preservation Award as an Organization goes to RIVERVIEW NATURE PARK – for the restoration and preservation of the National Youth Association Staircase.

The Dr. Lawrence (Larry) L Falk Award for Friend of the Society

2020 witnessed growth in a new direction and within just five years, the center served more than 2,000 individuals from across the nation. The Center’s economic impact has grown from 14-40 + employees providing significant professional opportunities to the clientele.

By utilizing the footprint of the former “red brick mansion” our award winner has added an additional 3,400 square feet. While it is unfortunate that we have lost the “red brick mansion”, it is important that we all serve and work together to encourage adaptive re-use whenever possible.

Rather than a blighted lot left to linger along a major road next to a historic city park, our award winner has taken a site dedicated to public health and elevated the services to meet the most pressing needs of the 21st century without losing its spirit of service.

The 2026 Nebraska City Historic Preservation Award for Adaptive Re-Use is presented to Mission Field .

The Nebraska City Historic Society Adaptive Re-Use

We encourage you to explore stories — through the Society’s tour books and guidebooks (available tonight, conveniently located and very reasonably priced, I might add). But most importantly, we invite you to visit the Old Freighters Museum to see firsthand the remarkable craftsmanship made possible by tonight’s honoree. It is now my great pleasure to present the Dr. Larry Falk Award – Friend of the Society to for extraordinary dedication to preserving not just a building, but the history, craftsmanship, and spirit it represents.

The 2026 Larry Falk - Friend of the Society Award goes to BRENT JACOBSEN .

The Nebraska City Historical Society Presidents Award

She believes — and lives — this mantra: “The goal of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give your gift away.”

For 38 years at Peru State College, and decades beyond it, she has given her gift away — to students, to teachers, to communities, to this state, and most importantly, to her family. And nothing captures her heart quite like her five grandchildren. Her scholarship is remarkable. Her service is tireless. Her competitiveness is legendary. Her legacy is undeniable.

You have not only preserved Nebraska’s story — you have shaped it. You have not only taught history — you have made it. It is with deep admiration, gratitude, that we present the Nebraska City Historical Society’s Presidents Award to DR. SARA CROOK.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF OUR AWARD WINNERS AND WE ALSO WANT TO THANK THOSE WHO SUBMITTED NOMINATIONS. AS A SOCIETY, WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR FUNDING AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT. WE ENCOURAGE AND PROMOTE SUPPORTING HISTORIC PRESERVATION AND OF COURSE, NEBRASKA’S OLDEST HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

THANKS FOR ALL WHO ATTENDED THE CEREMONY - WE HOPE YOU LEARNED SOMETHING AND WILL LEAVE WITH A SHARED RESPECT AND APPRECIATION FOR WHAT THOSE CELEBRATED ARE DOING IN OUR COMMUNITY AND COUNTY AND WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT LOCAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION EFFORTS.

Nebraska City Historical Society Receives Nebraska Tourism Marketing Grant

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 14:57:28 GMT

The Nebraska City Historical Society, the states preeminent historic preservation organization recently received Nebraska Tourism Commission Grant funding support. The Society, which originated in 1937 to preserve and protect the history and stories of Nebraska City’s founding members and early settlement, was awarded more than $10,000 from the Nebraska Tourism Commission Marketing Grant Program. The grant was awarded to assist the Society in the success of a modernized, well-functioning marketing campaign focusing on the nation’s 250th anniversary by incorporating the Westward Movement.

Nebraska Tourism Director Jenn Gjerde stated, ““Through this year’s grant cycle, we are strategically reinvesting tourism dollars into communities across Nebraska, balancing statewide promotion with targeted local support to maximize economic impact. Visit Nebraska announced these grant awards totaling $828,131 in funding in the combined application cycle of the Community Impact and Visit Nebraska Marketing Grant programs. Visit Nebraska received a total of 84 applications for this grant cycle requesting just over $2,000,000 in funding. The application process is extremely competitive.”

Society President, Kathy McKillip stated, “This marketing project which we have called “Trails that Moved a Nation” – 250th Anniversary Edition is a proposal which has 3 key components: collaborating with a (1)social media influencer to bring the East and West borders of the state together through the work of William Henry Jackson, increasing educational outreach by targeting the westward movement via (2)Society driven podcast featuring guests from our own local history leaders, History Nebraska, National Parks Service, the Missouri River Basin Lewis and Clark Visitors Center, Chimney Rock Visitor Center, Scouts Bluff National Park and the Missouria-Otoe Nation, all while saturating the (3)metro region with a media blitz through on air interviews and .30’s commercial spots and special feature segments, by driving listeners to the Society website and local Nebraska City events. The current website can host the following as it relates to content creation, podcasting and social media connectivity, which we encourage everyone to follow us on our Facebook page, nebraskacityhistoricalsociety.

McKillip added, “The Society is grateful for the funding support from the Tourism Commission, and it is not lost on us how competitive the grant cycle is. We appreciate the level of confidence that has been shown towards the Society by funding at our requested level!”

The Society will be partnering with the Chimney Rock Visitor Center and Scottsbluff Monument, along with the Museum of Nebraska Art (MONA) to feature the westward movement and art of William Henry Jackson in celebration of the country’s 250th anniversary. William Henry Jackson’s time in Nebraska City was an important early chapter in his career, helping shape him into one of America’s greatest photographers of the West. In the late 1860s, while living and working in Nebraska City as a portrait photographer and traveling artist, Jackson honed his technical skills and gained experience documenting frontier life. Nebraska City—then a busy gateway to the West—exposed him to explorers, emigrants, and landscapes that fueled his desire to photograph beyond the studio. This period provided the foundation for the field photography that later made him famous, including his landmark images of Yellowstone and the American West.

Through his work, Jackson captured sweeping landscapes, frontier towns, Native American life, and the “wagon-trail” era, preserving scenes that might otherwise have vanished from record. His art combines documentary realism with artistic composition — giving viewers not just a historical document, but also emotional and aesthetic insight into a vanished world.

McKillip shared “The Society shares several of the same approaches that the Tourism Commission places high value on such as statewide connectivity to build stronger partnerships, as a way to have a positive impact not only within Nebraska City and Otoe County but statewide, regionally and nationally with our history, exhibits, educational programming and special interest projects.” McKillip added, “As we, the Society see things, we are all more alike than different and this partnership demonstrates that. We are grateful and excited to bring and host social media influencers to Nebraska City and provide the guidance for the “trails that moved a nation” and explore in depth the Westward Movement. The grants’ targeted timeline is for the second quarter of 2026, so we have lots to do to prepare for it and launch it by April and in time for Arbor Day while kicking off peak travel season! “

Society President, Kathy McKillip stated, “This project will provide us an advantage for a different perspective to enhance and educate the visitor’s experience about the history of Nebraska City and Nebraska. As we now engage and celebrate our country’s 250th Anniversary. We love promoting and recognizing all areas of history of Nebraska City and Otoe County which includes, the Westward Movement.”

The Society’s website is nebraskacityhistoricalsociety.com and you can find them on Facebook just search and follow NebraskaCityHistoricalSociety

Visit a museum and remember, residents with a 68410-zip code are FREE! Our docents would love to see you!

Nebraska City Historical Society Receives Wirth Foundation Funding Support

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 14:59:02 GMT

The Nebraska City Historical Society, the states preeminent historic preservation organization recently received Wirth Foundation funding support. The Society, which originated in 1937 to preserve and protect the history and stories of Nebraska City’s founding members and early settlement, was awarded more than $23,000 from the Wirth Foundation (Paul|John|Anton|Doris) The grant was awarded to assist with the Old Freighters Museum Basement Renovation project. The Basement was severely damaged in February 2024 because of ruptured pipes.

Society President, Kathy McKillip stated, “I can’t think of a more positive impact for the organization right now that what the Wirth Foundation’s grant is going to provide for us. We will be able to open new educational exhibit space, partner with statewide and national organizations to provide and promote distant learning as it relates to the Westward movement, and utilize all the space Old Freighters has, including a very structurally sound, cool “old” basement!” McKillip added, “you know who true historic preservationist are when they get excited about the “bone” of a structure and Freighters has great bones!”

embraced within the Westward movement, where immigrants and pioneers looked to improve their lives with new opportunities as the country expanded West.

McKillip shared “The Society shares several of the same approaches that the Wirth Foundation does such as striving to have a positive impact not only within Nebraska City and Otoe County but statewide, regionally and nationally with our history, exhibits, educational programming and special interest projects. McKillip added, “As we, the Society see things, we are all more like than different and this partnership demonstrates that. We are grateful to the Wirth Foundation for this funding opportunity and look forward to unveiling the new basement remodel before the community. The goal is to finish the project before peak travel season is here.”

The Society’s website is nebraskacityhistoricalsociety.com and you can find them on Facebook just search and follow NebraskaCityHistoricalSociety

Visit a museum and remember, residents with a 68410-zip code are FREE! Our docents would love to see you!

Nebraska City Historical Society Reveals New Website Celebrating 88 Years of Preserving Nebraska’s History

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 15:03:34 GMT

The Nebraska City Historical Society, the states preeminent historic preservation organization, which originated in 1937 to preserve and protect the history and stories of Nebraska City’s founding members and early settlement, was recently awarded more than $2,000 from a Greener Towns grant from the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum (NSA). The grant was part of $49, 750 in grant funds awarded to NSA in 2025 by the Nebraska Environmental Trust.

The goal of the grant program is to help Nebraska communities improve and protect their green spaces. Green spaces (also called green infrastructure) are the living complement to the built environment (roads, buildings and utilities) in our cities and towns. Through green infrastructure, we utilize plants to keep a community healthy and vibrant. Green infrastructure improves property values, increases tourism spending, creates recreation opportunities, reduces irrigation demand, relieves burden on stormwater infrastructure, and improves air quality.

The Nebraska City Historical Society will use the grant funds to development a Native American medicinal garden focused on promoting the different uses of plants and native food source orchard. This educational project will enhance visitor experience by connecting the native sources of the great plains, specifically the Nebraska region, that assisted in early settlers as wagon trains departed from Nebraska City.

“We are so pleased to be able to partner with the Nebraska City Historical Society on this impactful green infrastructure project,” said Nebraska Statewide Arboretum Executive Director Hanna Pinneo. “Public landscapes benefit everyone—including people, pollinators, plants and wildlife—so the more we can do to make them more resilient, the better. We are grateful that the Society has taken the initiative to support a healthier, greener, more vibrant future.”

Society President, Kathy McKillip stated, “This project will provide a different perspective to enhance and educate the visitor’s experience. We look forward to hosting educational sessions and podcasts to promote a more comprehensive approach to Nebraska’s history and the important role Nebraska City and the Society has played in it – especially as we approach our country’s 250th Anniversary. We love promoting and recognizing all areas of history of Nebraska City, Otoe County and the Westward Movement.

For more information about NSA’s grant opportunities, including eligibility requirements and information about the grant application process, visit plantnebraska.org/funding.

The Society’s website is nebraskacityhistoricalsociety.com and you can find them on Facebook just search and follow NebraskaCityHistoricalSociety

Visit a museum and remember, residents with a 68410-zip code are FREE! Our docents would love to see you!

Nebraska City Historical Society seeking Historic Preservation Nominations for Awards Event

Mon, 19 May 2025 20:09:35 GMT

Honoring Preservation: Call for 2025 Award Nominations

Nebraska City, NE - The Nebraska City Historical Society, is the state’s preeminent historic preservation organization, originated in 1937 to preserve and protect the history and stories of Nebraska City’s founding members and early settlement. Throughout the decades, The Society has helped revive interest in the study of local history, through education and historic preservation while also being the stewards of the Taylor-Wessel-Bickel-Nelson House and the Old Freighters Museum in Nebraska City.

The Society is excited to announce that they will be hosting an annual awards ceremony beginning in 2025 to recognize historic preservation efforts in Nebraska City, The Society is calling for nominations in several categories: Adaptive Reuse, Compatible New Construction, Future Landmark, Historic Landscape, Mid-Century Stewardship, Historic Preservation, Restoration, Stewardship Award and “Still Working on It" award. The Society is also interested in receiving nominations for recipients to be considered for the President’s Award which is to acknowledge decades of support to protecting, preserving and promoting Nebraska City’s History.

A nominations form can be accessed by requesting a one at mckillip30@gmail.com.

All nominations for the President’s award should be a minimum 750 words for the nominee.

The deadline for all nominations is February 7, 2025. They can be emailed to mckillip30@gmail.com or USPS mailed to NCHS PO Box 175, Nebraska City NE 68410.

Nebraska City Historical Society President Kathy McKillip shared that, “protecting and preserving the rich history of Nebraska City falls upon all of us. Celebrating those who are committed and passionate about historic preservation is for us to enjoy and recognize their fruits of labor. We are thrilled to bring awareness and attention to those deservingly so who have made it their mission to prioritize historic preservation in Nebraska City. “

The Society will be recognizing awardees at an after-hours reception on February 28th in Nebraska City. This is an outreach and education component within the Society’s Strategic Plan approved by the Board in 2024. McKillip stated, “we are working hard to increase our membership base and outreach while building new partnerships and collaborations. The Awards celebration is just icing on the cake for us – historic preservation isn’t for the faint of heart, it’s a lot of work and takes passionate souls to support projects that stand the test of time. We look forward to celebrating that and we encourage everyone to consider submitting a nomination.”

" A Generation which Ignores History, has no Past and no Future"

- Robert A. Heinlein

Polish Christmas Tree – A Story Shared During the Nebraska Tourism Winter Passport Program

Mon, 19 May 2025 20:09:35 GMT

The Gift of Tradition: Our Family's Polish Christmas Tree, Then and Now

When I was a child growing up in the 1950s, we lived next door to an elderly woman we called Grandma Hendricks. She was not really our grandma, but she had some remarkably interesting things including a buffalo robe she had draped over her couch. She ate some foods which were unusual to us such as Dark Keesh-ka, also known as blood sausage. The recipe that I have lists the ingredients as 4 pig's feet, 2 pounds of pig's snouts, and 1 pint of fresh pig's blood among other things. Being a preschool kid at the time, I was not expected to eat all her delicacies, but my parents were.

Grandma Hendricks was from Poland and about twothirds of the words that came out of her mouth took a side trip though Poland before they got to my ears. I did not have a clue what she said, but my mother, whose mother was Polish, could understand her.

In addition to the buffalo robe and food made of pig's feet, she had a Polish Christmas tree. Grandma Hendricks, who must have been the widow of a German or Dutch man, based on her last name, told Mom how a Polish Christmas tree came into being.

It started at a wedding as a broom which was given to the bride by her godmother. At the wedding festivities, the bride would dance with the broom. Guests would take away the broom, dance with it, and leave money. After the wedding, the money helped the newlyweds get started. The broomstick became the center of the family’s Christmas tree. Wooden slats were added, and it was set up in the house and decorated with handmade ornaments.

I don’t know if Polish Christmas trees were found all over Poland, or if it was just a tradition done in Grandma Hendricks’ family. I do know one thing; it has been an important part of our family’s Christmas festivities for many years.

The tree here at the Nelson House is one that my dad made for my wife and me and our children. We made a few of the ornaments but bought most of them in stores. Some my parents gave to us. My mother lived with us for the last 6 ½ years of her life. She brought her original tree that Dad made for us when I was young and willed it to us when she died. It is set up in our living room every Christmas.

Nebraska City Historical Society to Kick Off Membership Drive on Arbor Day

Mon, 19 May 2025 20:09:35 GMT

From Local Roots to National Recognition

Nebraska City, NE – The Nebraska City Historical Society, the states preeminent historic preservation organization, originated in 1937 to preserve and protect the history and stories of Nebraska City’s founding members and early settlement. Throughout the decades, Society has helped revive interest in the study of local history, through education and historic preservation while also being the stewards of the Taylor-Wessel-Bickel-Nelson House and the Old Freighters Museum in Nebraska City.

The Society is excited to announce that they will be hosting a Membership Drive, kicking off on Arbor Day. After hosting the first Annual Historic Preservation Awards, the Society is encouraging community residents to join the organization to increase the awareness of history and historic preservation not only in Nebraska City but throughout Otoe County.

Board member and Treasurer, Gloria Glover shared, “This group is a great place to learn about the history of Nebraska City and share that history with our residents and nonresidents alike”

The Society recently paid for the entry fees for any student within Otoe County to participate in the 50th Anniversary of National History Day – District competition at Peru State College.

Board member Lucille Sharp added “Education is a crucial component of our society; it not only is part of what the Society represents but it is also a goal of ours to share all that we can about our local history and how it impacted the State’s development. As a former judge for the District History Day and State competition, I was so pleased that the organization was able to support these students and how exciting for us that two students from Syracuse are headed to the National Competition in Washington DC later this summer, we are proud to say that we had a hand in getting them there!”

In addition, the Society will be revealing the first phase of their new website on Arbor Day. This website will provide links and information to other Nebraska City Historic Sites and events plus educational information about the Westward Trail Movement and Nebraska City history.

Membership for the Society is $20.00/yr. Members are encouraged to participate in the organization’s volunteer activities such as maintaining the two-house museums landscape, submitting nominations for the annual awards program and even become a docent. Currently the organization is seeking two individuals to become a tour guide at the Old Freighters Museum and the Taylor – Wessel – Binkle- Nelson homes beginning on Arbor Day through September 30th, 2025. Docents are paid $13.50/hr. To apply send your information to mckillip30@gmail.com. To become a member of Nebraska’s oldest Historical Society, send our check and contact information to NCH, PO BOX 175, Nebraska City NE 68410 – please provide your mailing information and email.

Visit a museum and remember, residents with a 68410-zip code are FREE! We would love to see you!

"A Generation which Ignores History, has no Past and no Future"

- Robert A. Heinlein

Nebraska City Historical Society to Pay for District History Day Competition Entry Fees for Otoe County Students

Mon, 19 May 2025 20:09:35 GMT

Investing in the Future: NCHS Sponsors Student Participation

Nebraska City, NE – The Nebraska City Historical Society, the states preeminent historic preservation organization, originated in 1937 to preserve and protect the history and stories of Nebraska City’s founding members and early settlement. Throughout the decades, The Society has helped revive interest in the study of local history, through education and historic preservation while also being the stewards of the Taylor-Wessel-Bickel-Nelson House and the Old Freighters Museum in Nebraska City.

The Society is excited to announce that they will be paying the entry fees for all student’s Junior (Middle School) and Senior (High School) levels who enter the 2025 Peru District History Day, as part of the 50th Anniversary of the National History Day Contest!

Students, working with their teachers and schools can select from 5 categories: Exhibit, Performance, Documentary, Website and Paper. The 50th Anniversary theme is “Rights & Responsibilities in History”. Historically, more than 100 students participate from 6-7 schools or technically 22 school districts. The Society will be paying the entry fees for all students registered within Otoe County.

In addition to category awards, all students who place 1st and 2nd advance to compete at the State competition held April 12, 2025, at Nebraska Wesleyan University. Students will also be competing for a variety of Special Awards and Scholarships.

This will be the 41st History Day contest held at Peru State College, Dr. Jason Phillips stated. Phillips added that, “the competition annually attracts between 100-200 students from schools in Otoe, Nemaha, Cass, Johnson, Pawnee, and Richardson Counties.

We are very pleased and excited to have the Nebraska City Historical Society provide this generous opportunity to encourage students and teachers to utilize this within Otoe County. Sometimes, a simple entry fee can detract participants and schools from participating and by removing this barrier, we hope the number of participants soar from Otoe County”, Dr. Phillips stated.

Nebraska City Historical Society President Kathy McKillip added,” it is exciting for the Society to cover the entry fee. It is a strategic goal of the organization to increase youth participation and develop a stronger connection to history through learning, and this just made sense to the Board to do. We encourage all students to connect with their parents and teachers, review the categories and put an entry together over the winter break” Deadline for entries is January 31, 2025. Each entry needs a teach sponsor. The district competition will be held on March 7th at Peru State College.

For more information contact Peru District History Day Coordinator Dr. Jason C . Phillips: jphillips@peru.edu or

(402) 872-2213

Visit a museum and remember, residents with a 68410-zip code are FREE! We would love to see you!

"A Generation which Ignores History, has no Past and no Future"

-Robert A. Heinlein

Nebraska City Historical Society Property Selected as a 2024 Nebraska Holiday Passport Tourism Stop

Mon, 19 May 2025 20:09:35 GMT

Don't Miss Us! NCHS Property Featured in Nebraska Holiday Passport

Nebraska City, NE – The Nebraska City Historical Society, originated in 1937 to preserve and protect the history and stories of Nebraska City’s founding members and early settlement. Throughout the decades, The Society has helped revive interest in the study of local history, through education and historic preservation while also being the stewards of the Taylor-Wessel-Bickel-Nelson House and the Old Freighters Museum in Nebraska City.

The Society is excited to announce that the Taylor-Wessel-Bickel-Nelson house as been selected as one of twenty statewide Nebraska Tourism 2024 Winter Passport Stops.

More than seventy applications were received statewide to be considered as a potential stop. This holiday-themed, miniature-sized version of the popular summer Passport will again showcase some of the best shopping, dining, activities and holiday-ing in the state.

The 2024 Passport will again showcase 20 attractions from across the state, each with a holiday emphasis. Passporters will have from November 15, 2024 through January 7, 2025 to visit the attractions and collect their stamps.

Passports will be available at participating stops beginning in November or can be pre-ordered at NebraskaPassport.com/holiday. Various holiday events are scheduled at several of the stops as well, and a calendar of events will be available on the website.

“This is a very competitive process, and we are thrilled to have the Taylor-Wessel-Bickel-Nelson House chosen as a Winter Holiday start and are busy getting the property into Holiday celebration mode once our October tourism season concludes. The Society will be featuring a heritage holiday celebration showcasing a traditional wooden Polish Christmas tree, a Pioneer Country Christmas tree, and a German Twig Tree to share just a sampling of what the holiday season celebration will embrace, Historical Society President Kathy McKillip shared.”

Historically, the house has been closed during the holiday season, considered off -season within the tourism industry. However, the Society took a chance and applied in hopes of generating more visitors to Nebraska City and specifically to one of the properties that the Society is a steward of.

Visit a museum and remember, residents with a 68410-zip code are FREE! We would love to see you!

"A Generation which Ignores History, has no Past and no Future"

-Robert A. Heinlein

Nebraska City Historical Society Begins Renovation Projects

Mon, 19 May 2025 20:09:35 GMT

Building for the Future: NCHS Begins Renovation Projects

Recent developments have occurred within the organization including progress at the Old Freighters Museum in an act of amelioration. Located at 407 North 14th St, observers will find a new roof being put into place on the 3-point pitch which in part was funded through a Wirth Foundation grant. The Museum was at risk of archival damage without the immediate replacement with bid cost of more than $40,000. A great deal of history relating to the life of freighting through the eyes of William Henry Jackson were in danger of being destroyed. Many of the special exhibits in the Museum are paper exhibits and photographs, artifacts and history relating to the western overland trail migration. Unique to Nebraska City and the State of Nebraska.

The Historical Society plans to reveal additional projects, and renovation work in the Fall of 2024. Board members recently elected included Kathy McKillip, President, Dr. Jason Phillips VP, Gloria Glover Treasurer and Margo Blobaum Secretary -additional Board Members serving are Kevin Boos, Sharon Hersemann and Lucille Sharp. For more information regarding the Historical Society, becoming a member or serving on a committee contact Kathy McKillip. The next scheduled board meeting will include a visioning session for the properties in which The Society are the stewards for. Discussions will include future educational events, community activities, and membership drive for the 2024-25 year.

Funding support was provided in part through the Paul, John, Anton & Doris Wirth Foundation, and the estate of Dr. Laurence L Falk.

Visit a museum and remember, residents with a 68410-zip code are FREE! We would love to see you!

"A Generation which Ignores History, has no Past and no Future"

-Robert A. Heinlein

2025 Nebraska City Historical Society Awards Event

Thu, 08 May 2025 18:59:39 GMT

1. Historic Preservation Award for Building/Structure

This building was originally built in 1929 through the actions and donations of the residents of Nebraska City. The building operated as a home for the Nebraska National Guard, school events, plays, dances, and many other community activities. Operations continued through 2007 when the building was closed by the City of Nebraska City, due to operating costs. In 2016, a project was formed to fund and complete renovation of the building to again be a landmark in the community and an activity center that continues as a memorial to veterans of all branches of US military service. US military service. The restoration included complete replacement of windows and doors, installation of HVAC system, reconfiguration of floor plans to include ADA bathrooms, replacement and/or repair of flooring, creation of offices, installation of updated lighting and sound for the auditorium and reinstallation of community kitchen. The 2025 Historic Preservation Award for a Building or Structure goes to....

THE NEBRASKA CITY VETERANS MEMORIAL BUILDING

2. Historic Preservation Award for Education:

Education and outreach are a critical component in preserving and promoting history. It also can reveal itself in many ways. National Historic Landmark designations are vital to preserving our history. These designations are not only incredibly time consuming to research prepare and present for consideration, but they also provide the ability to elevate a landmark to national status which in turn gives access to the research and history. On December 16, 2024, this Landmark became one of the other 21 National Historic Landmarks in not only Nebraska City, but Nebraska. Operated as a commercial enterprise in the same building in Nebraska City from 1903 – 1991, the firm was established in Nebraska City on August 19th, 1879. Seeing a plethora of changes and evolution within the business industry of Nebraska City, this business remained, relevant. The company remained an active commercial entity in Nebraska City until 1991. In 1993, heirs of the estate donated the factory and its contents to a local nonprofit to establish a historic museum. The 2025 Historic Preservation Award for Education goes to.....

The KREGEL WINDMILL FACTORY MUSEUM.

3. Historic Preservation Award for Preservation Collaboration:

Our next award recipient clearly knows the definition of the word COLLABORATION. More than 7 partners were involved on several levels to bring this project to fruition through historic preservation. Restoration projects are never what they seem, or all encompass from the naked eye. Those who have tackled restoration projects can fully attest to the “surprises” that are revealed to move the needle to completion. There was no exception for this project. As a matter of fact, the more that was revealed during the restoration process the more the collaborative efforts grew! Referred to as the “one great big jigsaw puzzle” special attention was required to embrace the historical restoration and representation of 16 historic leaders. Several years of vandalism compounded the pieces of the puzzle which required additional collaborative efforts from an artist in Colorado. This project highlighted the cooperation and involvement with local community members and businesses and could not have been completed without the support of the community, as it is stated on our State’s Capitol, “the Salvation of the State is Watchfulness in the Citizen” this monument, now has a community of watchful eyes upon it in honoring the 16 chiefs. The 2025 Historic Preservation Award for Preservation through Collaboration is...

THE NEBRASKA CITY ROTARY CLUB – for the restoration and preservation of the Pawnee Indian Treaty Monument. (and we are also pleased to hear that Randy and Don avoided jail time to complete the project – you will have to ask them (wink wink)

4. The Dr. Lawrence (Larry) L. Falk Award for Westward Trail Movement:

Larry was a faithful and dedicated board member for the Society for many years. He was a pastor, professor and passionate about preservation and bluebirds. The Old Freighters Museum was a project that was near and dear to Larry. Seeking ways to educate, promote and preserve the history of the westward trail movement. This award is to recognize effort in the forefront of history connected with our westward movement, trails, 19th Century history, freighting and its relationship to Nebraska City and Nebraska.

This year’s recipient authored An Eye for History: The Paintings of William Henry Jackson. Jackson was a soldier in the Civil War, a painter and early photographer. He has been credited with inventing post cards, sketching camp scenes during the Civil War giving them to soldiers to send home. After the war he came to Nebraska City where he was a bullwhacker on a freight wagon bound for Salt Lake City. Jackson later worked for the U.S. Geological Survey as a photographer.

As a historian, curator at Scotts Bluff National Monument for more than 11 years, a curator at the National Park Service’s Gettysburg’s National Military Park for 6 years rounding out a career with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at DeSoto Wildlife refuge for 12 years clearly demonstrates the importance and impact our national parks have in relationship to historic preservation. This individual’s dedication in sharing his knowledge of history personally impacted the Old Freighters Museum through his research, and book while also assisting other writers conducting research regarding the American West and Nebraska Trail’s in particular. The 2025 LARRY FALK AWARD FOR WESTWARD TRAIL MOVEMENT IS PRESENTED TO …

Dean Knudsen – accepting on Dean’s behalf tonight is the Author of Isaac: A Journey to Oregon (available for sale here tonight) Kevin Boos.

5. The Nebraska City Historical Society Presidents Award

The President’s Award is to recognize outstanding achievement in the field of historic preservation. A project or individual must have demonstrated a significant contribution to preservation and interpretation of Nebraska City – related history, including: outstanding restoration efforts on historic Nebraska City sites, innovative educational programs focused on Nebraska City’s life and legacy, community engagement initiatives to promote Nebraska City’s heritage, and exemplary stewardship of Nebraska City’s era artifacts or documents: essentially showcasing a dedicated commitment to preserving Nebraska City’s history legacy in the community.

This recipient organized docents at local museums when no one else was available on a weekly basis and even staffed them when no one else could to ensure that they would be open to the public. An educator and collector of Nebraska City memorabilia, it was a natural direction to showcase pieces from the collections during numerous programs to local community groups and school programs to ensure that the history of Nebraska City is not to be forgotten. Spending countless hours hosting meetings and sharing information to ensure history is preserved. As a middle school teach for 40-years, with a passion for History and Social Studies, you can be guaranteed that Nebraska City’s history was always incorporated into a required assignment or as motivation for some extra credit. This recipient has also served as President for more than 13 years to Nebraska’s oldest historic preservation society, the Nebraska City Historical Society. I sure hope that is an exception to the rule versus expectation! It is my great pleasure to share, that the 2025 NEBRASKA CITY HISTORICAL SOCIETY PRESIDENTS AWARD IS PRESENTED TO……

SUSAN QUINN.

nhs

Nebraska City Historical Society Receives Grant to Preserve Community Voices Through Digital Storytelling for America’s 250th Anniversary

Nebraska City Historical Society to Kick Off Summer Book Club on May 1 Focusing on Exploration, Westward Movement with a Local Author

CELEBRATE HISTORY. SHARE STORIES. CONNECT WITH COMMUNITY.

Nebraska City Historical Society Receives Wirth Foundation Funding Support to Medicinal Garden and Prairie Landscaping relating to the Westward Movement

Ribbon Cutting: Recent Renovations and Research Center

2026 Nebraska City Historical Society Awards Event

Historic Preservation Award for New-Build Adaptive Use

Historic Preservation Award for Education

Historic Preservation Award as an Organization or Group

The Dr. Lawrence (Larry) L Falk Award for Friend of the Society

The Nebraska City Historic Society Adaptive Re-Use

The Nebraska City Historical Society Presidents Award

Nebraska City Historical Society Receives Nebraska Tourism Marketing Grant

Nebraska City Historical Society Receives Wirth Foundation Funding Support

Nebraska City Historical Society Reveals New Website Celebrating 88 Years of Preserving Nebraska’s History

Nebraska City Historical Society seeking Historic Preservation Nominations for Awards Event

Honoring Preservation: Call for 2025 Award Nominations

Polish Christmas Tree – A Story Shared During the Nebraska Tourism Winter Passport Program

The Gift of Tradition: Our Family's Polish Christmas Tree, Then and Now

Nebraska City Historical Society to Kick Off Membership Drive on Arbor Day

From Local Roots to National Recognition

Nebraska City Historical Society to Pay for District History Day Competition Entry Fees for Otoe County Students

Investing in the Future: NCHS Sponsors Student Participation

Nebraska City Historical Society Property Selected as a 2024 Nebraska Holiday Passport Tourism Stop

Don't Miss Us! NCHS Property Featured in Nebraska Holiday Passport

Nebraska City Historical Society Begins Renovation Projects

Building for the Future: NCHS Begins Renovation Projects

2025 Nebraska City Historical Society Awards Event

1. Historic Preservation Award for Building/Structure

2. Historic Preservation Award for Education:

3. Historic Preservation Award for Preservation Collaboration:

4. The Dr. Lawrence (Larry) L. Falk Award for Westward Trail Movement:

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5. The Nebraska City Historical Society Presidents Award