See the greatest permanent exhibits . . .

The First Nebraskans - Spanning 10,000 years of American Indian culture and history in Nebraska, this exhibit features the tools, clothing, and pottery of American Indian tribes and cultures who once lived in Nebraska. Special features include a reproduction of a Pawnee earthlodge and hands-on stations exploring the bison, pottery-making, and the fur trade. ( (Pre- and post-visit activities for 4-6th graders.)

Nebraska Joins the Union (1803-1867) - Trace the history of Nebraska from the Louisiana Purchase to the overland trails and from territory to statehood. See objects from Fort Atkinson, pony express riders, the Civil War, early Nebraska towns, and an 1865 Victorian parlor from Brownville, Nebraska. ( (Pre- and post-visit activities available for 4-6th graders.)

See the latest special exhibits . . .

What Did You Do in the War? - Nebraskans played an important role at home and abroad during World War II. Listen to the music, see the photos and advertisements, explore the objects used by Nebraskans as they "made do" and served their country. ( (Pre- post-visit activities for 7-9th graders.)

Keeping the Faith: William Jennings Bryan's Campaigns for the Presidency - Find out about the campaign strategies Bryan introduced, the parties he shaped, and the legislation he sparked. The hands-on features of this exhibit include a Chautauqua tent setting, recordings of Bryan's speeches, and voting booths for a 1996 presidential straw poll. Special objects from various stages of Bryans life and campaign memorabilia, including banners, buttons, postcards, and cartoons, will bring this famous Nebraskan to life. ( (Pre-post-visit for 6-9th.) Open through Dec 1996.

Nebraska Holidays Past - Discover the creative decorations of holidays past in the decorated 1865 Victorian parlor and 1880s sod home and a variety of trees. Open Dec 1996 through Feb 1997.

Buffalo Soldiers West - Buffalo Soldiers were African-American soldiers in post-Civil War regiments taking on military careers in the time of segretation and social transition. In a diverse role, these soldiers kept American Indians on their lands, homesteaders in line, helped to build a national infrastructure, and maintained law and order. Explore the frontier army life, military opportunities for African-Americans, and the great accomplishments of these soldiers.

Guided and self-guided tours (45-60 minutes long) are available for any of these exhibits. Please call 402/471-4757 or 1-800-833-4767 for more information. MuseumPlan, a MacIntosh computer application, provides teachers an introduction to the Museum and details on tailoring your tour. Call to order yours today!

Visit a Nebraska State Historical Society historic site near you . . .
Chimney Rock N ational Historic Site Bayard, (308) 586-2581	Thomas P. Kennard House Lincoln,(402) 471-4764
Senator George Norris State Historic Site McCook, (308) 345-8484	Neligh Mill State Historic Site Neligh, (402) 887-4303
Fort Robinson Museum Crawford (308) 665-2919	Willa Cather State Historic Site, Red Cloud, (402) 746-2653
John G. Neihardt State Historic Site Bancroft,(402) 648-3388	Nebraska State Historical Society Box 82554, Lincoln, NE 68501-2554 Phone 800-833-6747 or 402-471-4757

If you would like more information on the Social Sciences Home Page, please contact Larry Starr at lstarr@nde.state.ne.us