NEBRASKA CITY - History Nebraska selected Jim Kuhn of Nebraska City for its Heritage Hero award for his work with the renovation and restoration of the Nebraska City Veteran’s Memorial Building.

Ben Gray and Jamesena Moore of History Nebraska presented the award at the community barbecue during the Arbor Day celebration.

Cultural organizations around the state submit nominations for the award.

Moore said Kuhn has made significant contributions to telling the Nebraska story.

Moore: “What I’ve learned about Jim is that he sees a building and re-imagines how it can be used for the betterment of his community instead of sitting empty and deteriorating.

“In 2014, Jim took on the project to restore the Old Stone Cabin, which he remodeled at his cost. No tax dollars were used.

He conceived the idea of recording the history of every building on Central Avenue from First to 16th street. Now each building has a plaque or poster detailing its history.

“Jim also did repairs on the Memorial Building which is dedicated to all US veterans. Jim arranged with a committee the donation of $660,000 for replacement of windows and doors. Thus far, the total amount of donations for this project is $2.5 million, which allowed for other needed improvements.

“I am proud to recognize Jim D. Kuhn as a Heritage Hero.”

Moore also thanked Tim Engle of the Civil War Veterans Museum for the nomination.