November 2010

In December of 1913, coal miner William E. Lewis and his family purchased the home. from Oscar Padfield (Padfield's father had owned the Gladstone Mine). The Lewis Home served as a meeting place for miners during a lengthy strike which lasted until 1915. During that turbulent period, frequent gun fire would often force the Lewis family to sleep in a nearby cellar for safety.

The museum contains a wealth of information concerning Lafayette history, from the early days of its pioneer heritage, through the coal mining years and into the present. Visitors will view a broad collection of artifacts which includes a kitchen full of unusual household items used by Lafayette's founding families, plus a tremendous collection of mining tools and related equipment.

The historical society was formed as a non-profit corporation in 1963 by 31 charter members interested in promoting the county's history. The society was first housed in the Howard Hanson Home which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places but is now on 5 acres which were donated by Joe and Nettie Bowers with additional space donated by the Burlington Railroad. The society is served by a Board of Directors and employees a curator. Volunteers donate many hours to staff the facility.

Visit the Saunders County Museum and take a glimpse into days gone by. Many exhibits await that document the life and times of those hardy settlers who came to find a better life on the plains.

The E.C. Houston House is the home of the Burt County Museum. Listed on the National and State Registry of Historic places, this 1904 fourteen room home incorporates Neo-Classical Revival details in its porches, door and window openings, leaded glass windows and cornices. Adding to the beautiful woodwork and grand stature are artifacts that have been gathered from the Burt County area. Among the many relics you will find are an early 1700's painting of the Last Supper, Civil War memorabilia, and a sodbusting plow.

The lower level displays many of the professional tools and farming equipment used in the area long ago. The third floor ballroom allows the visitors a first hand view of the social atmosphere of the early 1900's time period.

The Durham Museum provides countless opportunities to discover Omaha's history. After stepping back in time with the sculptures and restored architecture of the Main Waiting Room, visitors can explore the permanent galleries which captures the remarkable history of the region. Particular attention is paid to the influence of the Transcontinental Railroad, which transformed the town into a major contender in a global market.

The Jewish Federation of Omaha celebrated its Centennial in 2003 and for more than 100 years has served as an umbrella for many of the Jewish organizations in Omaha. It supports various Centers of Excellence, missions and educational programs working toward a single purpose: to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. It supports the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society in chronicling and maintaining their heritage.

The society maintains a library and archive of local history, thus fulfilling its designation as the official county archive by the Douglas County Board of Commissioners. The purpose is to collect, preserve, house and present the written, audio and visual records pertaining to the history of Douglas County, Nebraska.

Its responsibilities also include the restoration of the historic 1879 home of General George Crook, Civil War cavalryman and National Indian Wars hero who was Commander of the Department of the Platte, headquartered at Fort Omaha. General Crook spoke on behalf of Ponca Chief Standing Bear during the landmark trial of 1879, that resulted in the Indian being recognized, for the first time, as a person with rights in the eyes of the law.

The Elkhorn Valley Historical Society was founded in 1958. The members of the society believe in the value of preserving the past, the memory and legacy of the lives of the people of the Elkhorn Valley, for future generations. Thanks to the generosity of area citizens, businesses, organizations and grants, the society was able to complete the construction of a museum building in 1997

The museum contains many historical exhibits that pertain to the Elkhorn Valley and the City of Norfolk. It hosts the Johnny Carson Gallery, which exhibits the history of his television years. A research center, containing people files, books, and photos of the Norfolk and Elkhorn Valley area is available at the museum for anyone wishing to do genealogy research and research of the Norfolk Area. A Bird Library, was endowed by the estate of the late John and Willeta Lueshen. A Children's Discovery Zone, containing a hands-on activity area, is geared for ages 2-11 and their families.

A gift shop is available which hosts an array of gift items including some antiques and history books, as well as Johnny Carson DVDs, VHS tapes, books and ties from his collection.

The Pioneer Village complex comprises 28 buildings on 20 acres housing over 50,000 items of historical value. Attractions include a Frontier Fort, a Pony Express Station, an Iron Horse, and a home made from sod. There's a general store and a toy store, chock full of all the goods from yesteryear. An original art collection includes 25 Currier and Ives prints, 23 Jackson paintings, and the largest single collection of Rogers statues. Visitors can ride an authentic steam carousel, and see 17 historic flying machines and antique tractors. A 1902 Cadillac, a 1903 Ford, and other antique cars are all displayed in chronological order.

The Great Plains Art Museum opened in 1981 after a generous donation from Dr. John and Elizabeth Christlieb of Bellevue, Nebraska. The Christliebs donated to the Center for the Great Plains Studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln their valued collection of western art, library of western Americana, and provided an endowment for the care and maintenance of the Collection.

For most of its history, a fifteen- or sixteen-member board, including twelve persons elected by the membership along with the governor, chief justice of the Supreme Court, president of the Nebraska Press Association, and chancellor of the University of Nebraska as board members ex-officio, governed the Society. After 1916 the Society constitution provided that the board appoint a superintendent (later called director), who also served as board secretary.

The Nebraska State Historical Society was officially recognized as a state agency by legislation approved in 1994. The legislation incorporated the Society's existing governing body, renamed as a board of trustees. The Board of Trustees retains the authority to hire the Society director, who serves as chief executive officer and secretary to the board.