History Nebraska

History

The Nebraska State Historical Society was founded in 1878, a scant decade after Nebraska was admitted to the Union. Its many years have been marked by five distinct eras: Emergence (1878-1900), Growth (1901-1916), Outreach (1917-1943), Modernization and Expansion (1943-1985), and Reorganization and Focus (1985 to Present).

Emergence

The period of Emergence defined the Society. It was organized by a group of people who, in 1878, saw that they were living in a singularly historic time. The founders consciously constructed a public institution. That momentum resulted in public membership and the establishment of the Society as a state institution in 1883.

Growth

Between the turn of the century and the onset of World War I, the Society entered an age of assertive Growth. This era is hallmarked by two features: fieldwork and extension. Fieldwork involved archeological excavation, documentation of historic sites, photography, sound recording, and active collection. Extension embraced lectures, traveling exhibits, historical markers, and the establishment of a permanent museum and state archives in the library of the University of Nebraska.

Outreach

The period of Outreach, driven by a forceful superintendent, sought to bring history to common people. To that end, the Society opened an enlarged museum in the State Capitol building, initiated a quarterly journal, Nebraska History, and began a publications series. The journal and publications series continue to this day.

Modernization and Expansion

Following World War II, the Society garnered state support for a new, modern headquarters and museum building, and thus entered an age of Modernization and Expansion. New programs were introduced, including an historic preservation office and an education department. Creation of a highway salvage archeology program, addition of an historical marker program, expansion of the museum into a separate, renovated structure in 1983, and the development of facilities at six historic sites were additional high points of this era.

Reorganization and Focus

In 1985 the Society entered into serious self-appraisal, which marked the beginning of the era of Reorganization and Focus. A systematic process of evaluation, based upon a redefined mission, sharpened the Society's collections. The introduction of aggressive long-range planning has worked to create a focused institutional vision. Computerization dramatically improved control of the institution's holdings, and the development of a Research and Publications Division and the Gerald R. Ford Conservation Center marked an expanded commitment to conservation, scholarship, and education.

In its recent past, the Society has developed increasingly more effective ways of listening to its various publics. One outgrowth of this increased public input has been formation of many fruitful coalitions and partnerships with Native American tribes, businesses, educational institutions, and other public and private sector organizations. With expanding technology and digitization, a clear vision, and a commitment to cooperation and partnership, the Nebraska State Historical Society (now known as History Nebraska) is well-positioned to continue to provide strong leadership for the preservation of Nebraska's history in the 21st century and beyond.

10,000 years of history!

Many people and cultures have made Nebraska their home. Come see fascinating artifacts and hear amazing stories from our rich past.