The Plainsman Museum
The Museum's collections includes artifacts from an earlier museum near Hordville, Nebraska. The acclaimed murals and mosaics of the rotunda area, in conjunction with the exhibits, begin the journey through history. Continuing through the Plainsman Building, visitors will find an original log cabin from 1895, the only authentic indoor sod house in Nebraska, and a prairie chapel. Some of the building’s most unique exhibits are the Turn-of-the-Century and Victorian Period Rooms leading to the Main Street Aurora exhibit. Visitors are encouraged to enter the shops and browse the goods of 19th Century life. Also in these shops and businesses are 2 working player pianos. For a quarter, visitors can get a better sense of 19th Century entertainment. Other exhibits in this building include the Dick Saathoff Civil War Collection, the William Townsley Wildlife Collection and, a 1946 working Wurlitzer Jukebox. A second building is dedicated to agriculture. There is also a relocated but authentic 18th century school house and the home of Civil War hero General Delevan Bates. There visitors will find equally impressive collections and exhibits. Additionally, archival collections include cemetery records; obituaries; newspapers beginning in the 1870’s; annuals; telephone books; military, school and church records; various genealogy collections; and the archives of various local groups such as the Royal Highlanders, Women’s club, Masons, Knights of Pythias, and others. The entire complex is available for guided school tours (complete with activities and reenactors) and is conveniently located next door to a youth science center of equal stature.

Website: www.plainsmanmuseum.org
Email: plainsman@hamilton.net

Location:
210 16th St.
Aurora NE 68816
402-694-6531

Hours:
April 1 – Octover 31
     Monday – Saturday 9am-5pm
     Sunday 1pm-5pm
November 1 – March 31
     Monday – Sunday 1-5
Closed on Holidays

Scope of archives:
Hamilton County Newspapers; Telephone books; Sun directories; Cemetery indexes; obituaries; military, school and church records; the archives of various local groups such as the Royal Highlanders, Women’s club, masons, Knights of Pythias, and others; and other miscellaneous documents such as county extension agent materials, political documents and ethnic resource and documents.

Primary materials available:
Accessibility of artifacts and displays: hands on displays throughout the facility. Flash photography is also permitted. Student explorers will enjoy full access to the museum’s wealth.


Alice M. Farr Library
This facility is a community library, complete with five public access internet-ready computers. The library also boasts microfilm copies of local newspapers beginning in 1878, local histories, records of county obituaries. Perhaps it most unique collection is that of historical county maps.

Location:
1603 L St.
Aurora NE 68818
402-694-2272

Hours:
Monday, Wed., Thurs., noon-9pm
Tuesday, 9am – 9pm
Friday, noon – 6pm
Saturday, 9am – 2 pm


Hamilton County Historical Society
Email: plainsman@hamilton.net

Location:
Plainsman Museum
210 16th St.
Aurora NE 68816
402-694-6531


Mid-States Rural Health Museum
Location:
1221 M St.
Aurora NE 68818
402-694-2456


Aurora Library
Location:
1603 L St.
Aurora NE 68818
402-694-2272