Nebraska History Museum

10/07/2026

Homeschool Parents and Students, don't forget to register for next week's program at the Nebraska History Museum. We'll be learning about fall harvest traditions and holidays with our friends at the International Quilt Museum and Big Gumdrop Outdoors.

Please pre-register at https://history.nebraska.gov/event/homeschool-day-fall-traditions/

10/07/2026

Learn about the impact Great Plains tribes made before Nebraska’s statehood and their continued role in our state today during Saturday's Hands-On History.

The museum will be open from 9am to 4pm!

10/06/2026

With generational knowledge 💡 and pure muscle 💪, the Cecil Car and its inspiring story are now on display for all those curious to learn more about the first car built in Nebraska!

Donated back in 2022 by Kent Wilson and family, we always knew it would be on display when the opportunity arose. That day has finally arrived thanks to Kent and his son, Darren. With the knowledge passed down about the car's construction and unique features, they helped disassemble and reassemble it for installation.

Kent's grandfather, Reuben Cecil, built the car at just eighteen years old in 1901, going on to work for Cushman Motor Works in Lincoln for many years to come.

Come on by every Tuesday-Saturday from 9am to 4pm; it'll be there to greet you in the museum's lobby!

09/24/2026

📢Calling all educators—join us for a day of learning and exploration focused on George Washington, Nebraska history, and education resources at the Nebraska History Museum on October 5, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

To pre-register and learn more, visit https://history.nebraska.gov/event/teacher-professional-development-workshop-america-250-george-washington-agriculture-and-nebraska/.

09/23/2026

In celebration of "Our World: Worldwide Day of Play" on Sept. 26, we'll be exploring how Nebraskans of all ages had fun in the past.

Try your hand at games played by Indigenous peoples, such as cup and ball, bison chip toss, Haηpapecuη (Hand game), and Kaηsu Kute (Plum Pit Game).

Regular admission rates apply. Admission is free with an NSHS membership.

09/22/2026

In 2023, Lt. Gabriel Field was laid to final rest at Fort Atkinson after his remains were discovered during archeological investigations completed by the Nebraska State Archeology Office in 1956-58, in cooperation with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

Field was serving with the Sixth U.S. Infantry at the Fort when he died from an accidental knife wound on April 16, 1823, and was buried in the post cemetery.

The structures of Fort Atkinson and the cemetery disappeared to time until the 1950s, when the first large-scale excavations at the fort began.

This facial reconstruction, completed by Betty Pat Gatliff, provides the only likeness of Gabriel Field. Field's story and his likeness are currently on display in the "Piecing Together the Past" exhibit.

09/17/2026

In case you missed it, we were excited to welcome 10/11 to the museum to see what we have going on!

The Nebraska State historical society preserves thousands of artifacts, images and archeological finds that tell the stories of Nebraskans. At the Nebraska History Museum, curators arrange them into exhibits.

09/17/2026

Currently on display in the "Our Nebraska" exhibit is this beaded vest once belonging to T.R. Hughes, a lifelong Nebraska resident, businessman, community leader, philanthropist, and rancher.

As a rancher, he established a large herd of genetically pure bison (not bred with cattle) and later helped the Northern Cheyenne establish their own herd.

Through this, he developed a strong relationship with the Northern Cheyenne and became adopted as an honorary member of the tribe. He was given this vest, beaded with the recognizable Hughes Brothers transmission structures.

Explore more stories of Nebraskans like Hughes and their contributions to Nebraska and beyond.