NEBRASKA CITY – The Nebraska City Museum Association reported increased visitation at museums in 2022 despite a shortage of paid docents.

There were 11,722 visitors from Arbor Day to Halloween, an increase of 177 over 2021.

Association Director Dean Shissler said a shortage in museum docents impacted open hours for the Old Freighter’s Museum, River County Nature Center and Nelson House, as well as the Nebraska City Museum of Firefighting.

Shissler said attendance at the Museum of Firefighting was spared from a sharp decline. He credited that to the museum's inclusion as part of the Nebraska Passport program for the season.

The GAR Hall Civil War Museum will be part of the Nebraska Passport program this year.

Shissler told the city council that the number of museums and attractions had declined. Mayhew Cabin has been closed since 2019 and the River Country Nature Center recently announced it will not open next year.

2022 visitor numbers

  • MRB Lewis and Clark 7,147
  • Kregel Windmill 1,331
  • NC Museum of Firefighting 1,191
  • Wildwood Historic Center 933
  • Civil War Museum 885
  • Old Freighters Museum 82
  • Nelson House 80