NEBRASKA CITY - The Nebraska City Historical Society is launching a membership drive and new website on Arbor Day.

The society, which hosted its first annual historic preservation awards this spring, is encouraging residents to join in the effort to increase awareness of history and historic preservation throughout Otoe County.

Along with the membership drive, the society is launching the first phase of its new website on Arbor Day.

Tour guides for the Old Freighters Museum and Taylor-Wessel-Bickle-Nelson home are also being sought.

To become a member, send membership dues and contact information to the historical society.

 

Here is the society’s press release

Nebraska City Historical Society to Kick’s Off Membership Drive on Arbor Day

Nebraska City, NE – The Nebraska City Historical Society, the states preeminent historic preservation organization, originated in 1937 to preserve and protect the history and stories of Nebraska City’s founding members and early settlement. Throughout the decades, Society has helped revive interest in the study of local history, through education and historic preservation while also being the stewards of the Taylor-Wessel-Bickel-Nelson House and the Old Freighters Museum in Nebraska City.

The Society is excited to announce that they will be hosting a Membership Drive, kicking off on Arbor Day. After hosting the first Annual Historic Preservation Awards, the Society is encouraging community residents to join the organization to increase the awareness of history and historic preservation not only in Nebraska City but throughout Otoe County.

Board member and Treasurer, Gloria Glover shared, “This group is a great place to learn about the history of Nebraska City and share that history with our residents and nonresidents alike”

The Society recently paid for the entry fees for any student within Otoe County to participate in the 50th Anniversary of National History Day – District competition at Peru State College.

Board member Lucille Sharp added “Education is a crucial component of our society; it not only is part of what the Society represents but it is also a goal of ours to share all that we can about our local history and how it impacted the State’s development. As a former judge for the District History Day and State competition, I was so pleased that the organization was able to support these students and how exciting for us that two students from Syracuse are headed to the National Competition in Washington DC later this summer, we are proud to say that we had a hand in getting them there!”

In addition, the Society will be revealing the first phase of their new website on Arbor Day. This website will provide links and information to other Nebraska City Historic Sites and events plus educational information about the Westward Trail Movement and Nebraska City history.

Membership for the Society is $20.00/yr. Members are encouraged to participate in the organization’s volunteer activities such as maintaining the two-house museums landscape, submitting nominations for the annual awards program and even become a docent. Currently the organization is seeking two individuals to become a tour guide at the Old Freighters Museum and the Taylor – Wessel – Bickle- Nelson homes beginning on Arbor Day through September 30th, 2025. Docents are paid $13.50/hr. To apply send your information to [email protected].

To become a member of Nebraska’s oldest Historical Society, send your check and contact information to NCHS, PO BOX 175, Nebraska City NE 68410 – please provide your mailing information and email.

Visit a museum and remember, residents with a 68410-zip code are FREE! We would love to see you!