November 2010

Organized in 1980, the museum's purpose is to gather, preserve and make available records and other material relating to the history of Gothenburg and the surrounding area; to stimulate an interest in and knowledge of, the locality’s past, to discover and collect any material which may help to establish or illustrate the history of Gothenburg and the surrounding area and the exploration, settlement, and the development of it.

The Merrick County Historical Museum conducts bi-monthly meetings, conducts tours and hosts the Teddy Bear Picnic and Parade, as well as an annual Christmas Open House. Members of the society have been responsible for compiling and publishing two volumes of Merrick County History; the first in 1981 and the second in 1988. The Historical Museum purchased the old Traver mansion on old Front Street in 1968, and in addition to restoring the home, exhibits many artifacts and records in the house.

The old city fire bell, nearly buried in the Union Pacific right-of-way has been restored and mounted in a decorative tower on the lawn of the Traver home.

Gage County Historical Society and Museum is located in Beatrice on the corner of 2nd and Court streets. It is housed in the Burlington Railroad Depot built in 1906. the depot was presented to the Gage County Historical Society by the Burlington Northern Railroad in 1973. The Museum's displays show the history of the industries, businesses, medicine, communities and the people of Gage County. The Museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Homestead Act of 1862 has been called one the most important pieces of Legislation in the history of the United States. Signed into law in 1862 by Abraham Lincoln after the secession of southern states, this Act turned over vast amounts of the public domain to private citizens. 270 millions acres, or 10% of the area of the United States was claimed and settled under this act.

The uniquely designed Heritage Center which has received several awards was dedicated on May 20, 2007. The vista from the main balcony provides visitors with a view of the tallgrass prairie much like early pioneers would have seen from the hilltop.

The Plainsman Museum was dedicated July 4, 1976, as part of Hamilton County’s participation in the Nation’s Bicentennial. The Museum was designed and built for donations of area and regional history. The acclaimed murals and mosaics in the Museum’s rotunda area begin the journey through history.