About the Nebraska State Historical Society
The Nebraska State Historical Society, founded in 1878, is the statewide organization charged with collecting, preserving, and sharing the history of Nebraska and its people. As one of the oldest institutions of its kind in the region, it serves as the state's official steward of historical records, artifacts, and sites. The society is headquartered in Lincoln, where its collections and research resources are available to historians, students, genealogists, and the general public.
Over its long history the society has grown from a small group of citizens dedicated to recording pioneer recollections into a multi-faceted institution that operates museums and historic sites across the state. Its mission centers on documenting the full sweep of Nebraska's past, from the Native nations of the Great Plains to the era of homesteading, ranching, and the state's role in the westward expansion of the United States.
Collections and Programs
The society's holdings and activities support a wide range of historical work in Nebraska, including:
- Archival collections of manuscripts, government records, photographs, and newspapers documenting the state's history.
- Museum exhibits interpreting Native cultures, pioneer settlement, and Nebraska's ranching and agricultural heritage.
- Historic sites operated across the state that preserve significant places in Nebraska's past.
- Research and educational services for genealogists, scholars, and community members.
Planning Your Visit
The society's main facility is located on R Street in Lincoln, Nebraska. Because hours, admission policies, and research-room access can change, and the organization operates additional sites throughout the state, confirm current details and plan your visit through the official website at history.nebraska.gov.
Explore Nebraska's Historical Landscape
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