History Nebraska

Buffalo Soldiers of the American West (Read More)

sepia photo of a group of about a dozen horses ridden by soldiers with a military flag visible above the group
The Fort Robinson Mare Barn Equestrian Center will features a special program honoring the history of Fort Robinson during its sesquicentennial anniversary. As an event organized by both Nebraska Game and Parks and History Nebraska (Nebraska State Historical Society), the Buffalo Soldiers of the American West specifically highlights the history of the 9th and 10th Cavalry at the Fort through a series of historical mounted cavalry drills, Manual of Arms, and saber drills dating back to the mid-nineteenth century. The non-profit organization coming to the Fort is based out of Colorado and has been putting together these traveling exhibitions for more than 20 years. Their goal is to raise awareness about the two all African-American regiments and the impact these servicemen had in American history. In addition to many of their presentations, the Buffalo Soldiers of the American West features artifacts authentic to the era with role playing, displays, and photographs for audience members. Admission is free, but a Nebraska State Park entry permit is required and can be bought at the Fort. Seating is available around the Mare Barn Equestrian Center, but guests are also encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs.

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Righting a Wrong/Preserving a Legacy Exhibition (Read More)

Righting a Wrong: Japanese Americans and World War II, a traveling exhibition from the Smithsonian, examines the complicated history and impact of Executive Order 9066 which led to the incarceration of 75,000 Americans of Japanese ancestry and 45,000 Japanese nationals following the attack on Pearl Harbor. Young and old lived crowded together in hastily built camps, endured poor living conditions, and were under the constant watch of military guards for two and a half years. Meanwhile, brave Japanese American men risked their lives fighting for the United States. Some 40 years later, members of the Japanese American community led the nation to confront the wrong it had done—and urged Congress to make it right. In partnership with Legacy of the Plains Museum in Gering, the exhibition “Preserving a Legacy: Japanese in Nebraska” expands on the story told by the traveling Smithsonian exhibition “Righting a Wrong.” The story of Japanese Americans in Nebraska is filled with hope and support in the state. This exhibit strives to tell these stories. Japanese Nebraskans lived mostly in western farming communities. They worked on farms and in stockyards, in hospitality and domestic service, in professions, and as entrepreneurs. Omaha’s small Japanese community included Harry Watanabe, who founded the Oriental Trading Company in 1932. Unlike the West Coast, Nebraska Japanese were not incarcerated during World War II, but some lost jobs and community leaders were arrested and questioned. Japanese immigrants were designated “enemy aliens.” Newspapers across the state reprinted warnings that they and their U.S.-born children might act as spies and saboteurs. Some Nebraskans responded with anti-Japanese hostility. Others spoke against mass incarceration and even hastened the release of those incarcerated by opening jobs to workers and enrollment to students. Nebraskans of Japanese ancestry have led the way in righting the wrongs of the 1940s, honoring the rights and dignity of all Americans today. Exhibit open during normal museum hours Tuesday through Saturday: Tuesday and Wednesday: 9:00AM – 4:00PM Thursday: 9:00AM – 8:00PM Friday and Saturday: 9:00AM – 4:00PM Sunday and Monday : Closed Closed during state observed holidays. Regular museum admission applies.

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Not Too Far Distant Student Matinee (Read More)

A new play by Becky Boesen, commissioned by History Nebraska, inspired by the life of Clarence Williams “It’s almost unbelievable that anyone could be hardened to the point of doing the brutal things they did…” A young man from the midwest is sent to war, carrying with him the hopes of the free world. What Staff Sergeant Clarence Williams encounters there challenges and changes humanity forever. History touches the present when a new generation takes a journey through time to experience World War II alongside Clarence himself. Centered around his personal letters home, we learn that sometimes what seems so far away is much closer than we think. Filled with hope and heart, Not Too Far Distant honors the experience of the American soldier and reminds us that we all have the power - and the responsibility - to help create a brighter future. The performance will be followed by a scholar-led conversation on Nebraska and holocaust history. This matinee for students is free, but registration is required. Email [email protected] to register.

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Not Too Far Distant (Read More)

A new play by Becky Boesen, commissioned by History Nebraska, inspired by the life of Clarence Williams “It’s almost unbelievable that anyone could be hardened to the point of doing the brutal things they did…” A young man from the midwest is sent to war, carrying with him the hopes of the free world. What Staff Sergeant Clarence Williams encounters there challenges and changes humanity forever. History touches the present when a new generation takes a journey through time to experience World War II alongside Clarence himself. Centered around his personal letters home, we learn that sometimes what seems so far away is much closer than we think. Filled with hope and heart, Not Too Far Distant honors the experience of the American soldier and reminds us that we all have the power - and the responsibility - to help create a brighter future. The performance will be followed by a scholar-led conversation on Nebraska and holocaust history. Tickets are required - $12/adult, $7/youth, free admission for veterans and auxiliary members - and may be purchased here.

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Not Too Far Distant (Read More)

A new play by Becky Boesen, commissioned by History Nebraska, inspired by the life of Clarence Williams “It’s almost unbelievable that anyone could be hardened to the point of doing the brutal things they did…” A young man from the midwest is sent to war, carrying with him the hopes of the free world. What Staff Sergeant Clarence Williams encounters there challenges and changes humanity forever. History touches the present when a new generation takes a journey through time to experience World War II alongside Clarence himself. Centered around his personal letters home, we learn that sometimes what seems so far away is much closer than we think. Filled with hope and heart, Not Too Far Distant honors the experience of the American soldier and reminds us that we all have the power - and the responsibility - to help create a brighter future. The performance will be followed by a scholar-led conversation on Nebraska and holocaust history. Free, but registration is required. Register here.

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Not Too Far Distant (Read More)

A new play by Becky Boesen, commissioned by History Nebraska, inspired by the life of Clarence Williams “It’s almost unbelievable that anyone could be hardened to the point of doing the brutal things they did…” A young man from the midwest is sent to war, carrying with him the hopes of the free world. What Staff Sergeant Clarence Williams encounters there challenges and changes humanity forever. History touches the present when a new generation takes a journey through time to experience World War II alongside Clarence himself. Centered around his personal letters home, we learn that sometimes what seems so far away is much closer than we think. Filled with hope and heart, Not Too Far Distant honors the experience of the American soldier and reminds us that we all have the power - and the responsibility - to help create a brighter future. The performance will be followed by a scholar-led conversation on Nebraska and holocaust history. Tickets for this performance are $10 and may be purchased here.

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