Lincoln City Libraries
Lincoln City Libraries consists of a main branch and several community branches (see a complete list of the branches below). They serve to provide literature and other forms of learning enrichment programs for children and adults of all ages.
| Bennett Martin Public Library 136 South 14th Street Lincoln, NE 68508 (402) 441-8500 Website: http://www.lcl.lib.ne.us/ |
Monday-Thursday (10:00am-9:00pm) Friday-Saturday (10:00am-6:00pm) Sunday (1:30pm-5:30pm) |
Hours for the Heritage Room
Tuesday-Friday (12:00pm-3:00pm)
Sunday (2:00pm-5:00pm)
(Some hours may be additionally cut due to staff unavailability. Please contact the Heritage Room (402-441-8516) to plan ahead for your visit!)
 |
The Lincoln City Library catalogues its materials using an online database. This is available at the library locations or online. The books are divided into sections according to the level of reading and the subject material. (For example, Children Literature and Juvenile Literature are sections separated from that of Adult Nonfiction.) The call numbers retrieved by the database search will direct you toward the appropriate section.
Scope of Archive Collections
Topics of interest for American History - Printed materials include magazines, fiction and nonfiction books, and reference materials on all topics of American History. Media materials (or non-printed materials) are available on CD-ROM, books on compact disc or tape, and videotapes.
The Jane Pope Geske Heritage Room of Nebraska Authors is located on the third floor of the Bennett Martin Main Library. It is a “Special Collections and Archives” unit of the Lincoln City Libraries that serves as a permanent storage space dedicated to the works of and related to Nebraska authors. These collections offer the subjects of philosophy, political issues, and popular culture in America. (Note: the Heritage Room does not hold the same hours as the Bennett Martin Public Library.)
Primary Materials Available
In addition to newspapers and maps throughout the library, the Heritage Room offer themselves as primary materials. More specifically, the Heritage Room materials consist of videotapes of Nebraska authors reading their works, files of information on Nebraska authors (over 3,000 entries), photographs, audio cassettes, artworks, news clippings, and magazine articles that relate directly to Nebraska’s literary contributions throughout history.
Accessibility of Facility
Hours - Hours are listed under their appropriate location.
Traveling Kits - Loan Bags consist of books that are available for a teacher’s classroom. The bags should be reserved ahead of time (402-441-8566). Books range in availability from picture books, to young adult readers, to books in the Spanish Language.
Accessibility of Artifacts and Displays
The artifacts found within the Lincoln City Libraries System will be found in the Heritage Room. These are available for research and observation but are non-circulating materials.
Facility Events
Tours/Activities - For information on any of the following activities, please contact the Lincoln Public Library closest to you or the Bennett Martin Main Library:
Any school classroom may schedule a tour of any branch of the Lincoln Public Libraries. Tours will help students understand the basic guidelines of using the library.
If the class is unable to attend a library tour, the library can come to the school!
Schools may schedule an appointment to have a librarian visit their classroom.
Summer Reading Programs are available for children and adults of all ages.
The “John H. Ames Reading Series” is a program that showcases Nebraska Authors. They are held once a month at the Bennett Martin Main Library. The authors usually read or discuss their works.
Heritage Room Tours are available for school students to learn other facets of research outside of basic library collections.
Contact Information for Community Branches
| Victor E. Anderson Branch 3635 Touzalin Avenue Lincoln, NE 68507 (402) 441-8540 |
Monday-Thursday (10:00am-9:00pm) Friday-Saturday (10:00am-6:00pm) Sunday (1:30pm-5:30pm) |
| Arnold Heights Branch 3815 NW 54th Street Lincoln, NE, 68524 (402) 441-8580 |
Monday-Friday (2:00pm-6:00pm) (7:00pm-9:00pm on Mondays and Thursdays) Saturday (10:00am-2:00pm) Sunday (Closed) |
| Bethany Branch 1810 North Cotner Boulevard Lincoln, NE 68505 (402) 441-8550 |
Monday-Thursday (1:00pm-9:00pm) Friday-Saturday (10:00am-6:00pm) Sunday (Closed) |
| Loren Corey Eiseley Branch 1530 Superior Street Lincoln, NE 68521 (402) 441-4250 |
Monday-Thursday (10:00am-9:00pm) Friday-Saturday (10:00am-6:00pm) Sunday (1:30pm-5:30pm) |
| Charles H. Gere Branch 2400 South 56th Street Lincoln, NE 68506 (402) 441-8560 |
Monday-Thursday (10:00am-9:00pm) Friday-Saturday (10:00am-6:00pm) Sunday (1:30pm-5:30pm) |
| South Branch 2675 South Street Lincoln, NE 68502 (402) 441-8570 |
Monday-Thursday (10:00am-9:00pm) Friday-Saturday (10:00am-6:00pm) Sunday (1:30pm-5:30pm) |
| Bess Dodson Walt Branch 6701 South 14th Street Lincoln, NE 68512 (402) 441-4460 |
Monday-Thursday (10:00am-9:00pm) Friday-Saturday (10:00am-6:00pm) Sunday (1:30pm-5:30pm) |
University of Nebraska Libraries
The University of Nebraska’s Love Library is well-known as a major research center for the state of Nebraska and the Great Plains region. It holds over 2 million volumes and has a very thoroughly organized online database to ease your research.
13th and R Streets
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Lincoln, NE 68588-0410
(402) 472-9568
Email: http://www.unl.edu/libr/tech/e-mail.html
Website: http://iris.unl.edu/
 |
The sources of the University of Nebraska Libraries are catalogued through the University’s Online Reference system called “IRIS” (Innovative Research Information System). Although the majority of the archives may be located through this search engine, some materials (such as maps and book sources printed before 1800) are not indexed on it. If any questions are needed for these resources, ask a Reference Librarian to assist you in person, through the telephone (402-472-2848), or through an electronic form found at the following website http://www.unl.edu/libr/tech/ask.html Most of the collections through the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries will be located at the University’s Main Library, Love Library. However, IRIS also has other University Libraries and Off-Campus Facilities catalogued. The other libraries include: Architecture Library, Biological Sciences Library, Chemistry Library, CY Thompson Library, Engineering Library, Geology, Library, Music Library, Math Library, Physics Library, Schmid Library of Law, University Special Collections Library, the Nebraska State Historical Society Reference Library, and the Great Plains Art Collection (Christlieb Library).
Scope of Archive Collections
Topics of interest for American History - This library holds a broad range of materials that may be used for basic and in-depth academic research. In particular, Love Library’s collection in the humanities and social sciences is exceptionally rich for all levels.
Primary Materials Available
Numerous primary materials are available within the University of Nebraska Libraries. Love Library contains an entire room devoted to hundreds of nationwide and international newspapers (available on microfilm) and its “stacks” levels allow access to periodicals, government documents, and research materials for all subjects.
Inside of Love Library is also the “University of Nebraska Special Collections Department” where documents unique to the state of Nebraska, the Great Plains, and particularly the University of Nebraska may be found. (See “University of Nebraska Special Collections” entry for more information.)
Accessibility of Facility
Monday-Thursday (8:00am-12:00am)
Friday (8:00am-8:00pm)
Saturday (9:00am-5:00pm)
Saturday (12:00pm-12:00am)
(Summer hours are subject to change.)
Accessibility of Artifacts and Displays
The artifacts and displays that are exhibited throughout the library come from the Library’s “Special Collections” Department.
Facility Events
Tours/Activities - School and group tours of Love Library are available upon request.
Please contact the library to schedule a tour.
Teachers and community members who are not enrolled at the University of Nebraska may apply for a “Community Card” to check items out of Love Library. These are available at the front Circulation Desk.
High School students are eligible for temporary library cards that are available annually from September 1-May 1.
University Archives and Special Collections Department
The University Archives and Special Collections Department is located in Room 29 on the lower level of the University of Nebraska Love Library. Its primary goal is to preserve and promote the usage of rare and unique collections that pertain to the Great Plains Region and more specifically to Nebraska and its first State University. It also serves to store resources properly that are ailing in physical condition. Holding them in a separate collection will ensure that their conditions endure.
Archives and Special Collections
29 Love Library
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Lincoln, NE 68588-4100
(402) 472-2531
Email: http://www.unl.edu/libr/libs/spec/geninfo.html
Website: http://www.unl.edu/libr/libs/spec/specar1.html
 |
The majority of the University Archives collections consist of books, documents, manuscripts, maps, photographs, and other original items that are held in closed stacks. The collections are catalogued and may be searched topically or alphabetically through the department’s website. The majority of the collections are accompanied by a “finding aid.” Most of the finding aids are included on the University Archives website, but some have not yet been added. These may be accessed through the staff’s assistance at the University Archives. The “finding aids” list the collection’s size and content, restrictions (if there are any), date of materials, arrangement of materials, and historical and biographical information.
Scope of Archive Collections
Topics of interest for American History -
Agriculture - Collections range from files from the University School of Agriculture, Agriculture Experiment Stations, Cooperative Extension, and the School of Home Economics and papers from Virginia Smith (former House of Representatives member), Women in Farm Economics, and the Nebraska Ethanol Board.
Ethnic American Collections - Collections include personal papers and libraries, newspapers, and manuscript materials of major American ethnicities. There is a particularly large collection of Czech Heritage materials.
Folklore and Folk Arts - Papers of the American Quilt Study Group founder, the collection of the Botkin Collection of Applied American Folklore, and the personal library of folklorist Harold W. Felton. The Nebraska Quilt Project Records are included as well.
Great Plains History and Literature - Materials of the history and/or literature of the Great Plains region, including a large collection of materials related to Willa Cather. Collected materials of Loren Eiseley, Wright Morris, John Neihardt, and Mari Sandoz are also included. These collections are of particular interests to state and local researchers.
History of U.S. Wartime or Military History - Materials from military veterans from the Civil War, World War I, World War II, and the Vietnam War, the International Military Tribunal Collection, the Rainbow Division Veterans Association, and a particularly large collection of wartime posters from World Wars I & II.
Natural History and the Sciences - Materials from Botany and Biology researchers in the Great Plains regions. Nebraskan Charles Bessey’s papers are included.
Social Sciences - Materials and papers from UNL faculty members in the field of Social Sciences, including Grace and Edith Abbott, Robert Chambers, Dale R. Henning, and Alvin T. Johnson.
Primary Sources Available - The Archives and Special Collections have numerous primary materials. Many of them are available in their original form or are located on microfilm.
Accessibility of Facility
Although the University Special Collections Department is in the building of Love Library, it does not hold the same hours as Love Library.
Monday-Friday (8:00AM-5:00PM)
Closed Weekends and Holidays
Accessibility of Artifacts and Displays
Displays from the Special Archives Department may be viewed in the case on the second floor of Love Library, in the case in the basement of Love Library, or inside the department, Room 29. The artifacts in the displays are rotated and changed on no particular schedule.
People with specific questions regarding collections or research problems should fill out a question form, which may be found online at the following link. http://www.unl.edu/libr/libs/spec/form3.html
General rules and regulations
All researchers are required to register with a staff member before handling any collections. Proper ID may be necessary.
The collections are held in closed stacks and may only be obtained by the researcher’s request to a department staff member.
The materials in the collections do not circulate.
The collections room is equipped with a computer station, a microfilm machine reader and printer, and a copy machine. Photocopies of materials are permitted except when copyright laws do not apply, or in the case that materials may be exposed to damages.
Photocopies are $.10-$.15, made by staff members only and are finished usually within 48 hours of researcher’s request. (Microfilm materials may be printed off of the microfilm reader by the researcher.)
Facility Events
Tours/Activities - The department offers special instruction in archival theory and administration, and will permit touring the collection holdings as a part of the class. Please call or email the University Archives to schedule a class or informational session.
Nebraska State Historical Society
The Nebraska State Historical Society (NSHS) serves to collect, preserve and promote the history of the people and events that have shaped Nebraska.
1500 R Street
P.O. Box 82554
Lincoln, NE 68501
(402) 471-4751
Website: http://www.nebraskahistory.org/
 |
While the NSHS is organized in the storage of its collections, your research will always be made with more ease if you ask for assistance from a reference librarian. They are extremely knowledgeable in the collections of the NSHS and may even have suggestions of other services and outlets to help your research needs.
The NSHS is in the process of storing their collections and materials in an online database.
The NSHS holds all issues of statewide newspapers that have been printed since the settlement of Nebraska. These are stored in microfilm format in the Reference Library. Please ask a Reference Librarian to assist you in locating a particular newspaper or issue.
Scope of Archive Collections
Topics of interest for American History - Newspapers, court records, military records, Government documents, maps, photographs, audio recordings, and manuscripts are all available at this research facility.
Primary Materials Available
Most of the collections consist of primary sources, in that they are - personal memoirs, diaries, photographs, personal papers, videotapes, interviews, manuscripts, and materials that have been donated by families and institutions. Such donations have been made in order to preserve the history of loved ones and peoples who have made a historical contribution to the state of Nebraska and the United States.
The NSHS also contains the most thorough collection of statewide newspapers.
Accessibility of Facility
Hours - The hours for the Reference Library/Archives Division are variable due to seasonal schedules and staff availability. Please call the NSHS to affirm their current hours before planning a visit!
Tuesday (1:00pm-4:00pm, November-February)
Tuesday (9:00am-12:00pm & 1:00pm-4:00pm, March-October)
Wednesday-Friday (9:00am-12:00pm & 1:00pm-4:00pm, Year-Round)
Saturday (8:00am-5:00pm)
Traveling Kits - Traveling kits of the NSHS are available through the Museum of Nebraska History, which is a close and direct affiliate of the NSHS.
Facility Events
Tours/Activities - Tours of the reference library/archives room are available during the week between Tuesdays and Fridays. The tour size is limited to 20 visitors but open to all who are interested, particularly teachers and students at the secondary level. Please call ahead to schedule a tour: (402-471-4784).
Traveling Exhibits/Materials - NebData is a CD-ROM Database that is available from the Nebraska State Historical Society. For $15.00 this database provides 18,000 pages containing an index of the magazine Nebraska History, a section on statewide Historical Markers and influential Nebraskans, a time line of Nebraska History, and more. Print out this available order form if interested:
http://www.nebraskahistory.org/oversite/store/mailform.htm
Some materials may be available on a loan system through the NSHS.
Nebraska National Guard Historical Society
The Nebraska National Guard Historical Society was formed in 1980 and the museum portion of it is located at the “17th Street Entrance” to the State Fairgrounds in Lincoln, Nebraska. This museum is also known as the “State Arsenal Museum,” for its artifacts and displays are held in the old State Arsenal Building. The other portion of the historical society is the collection of documents related to members of the Nebraska National Guard. These papers are held by the Public Affairs office.
NNG Historical Society
1300 Military Road
Lincoln, NE 68508-1090
(402) 309-7302 or (402) 309-7545
Website: http://www.museumsusa.org/data/museums/NE/113142.htm
 |
The museum is organized chronologically, beginning on the first floor in 1854 with a display of uniforms and weapons that are replicas of what would have been used by the first members of the National Guard in Nebraska. It then displays badges, medals, patches, uniforms, newspaper headlines, equipment, and weapons from World War I, World War II, and the Desert Storm War. Each war is accompanied by a display that best depicts the war’s setting. (For example, a trench and barbed wire is shown on the set of World War I.)
The second floor is dedicated mostly to World War II. It includes numerous photographs, uniform displays (for both men and women), examples of the food that is distributed, a replica of war housing, war headlines, and personal donations. Originally from Nebraska, Butler B. Miltonberger went forth to serve as the Chief of the National Guard Bureau in 1946 and 1947. A large display area is set aside to tell the history of his years in service.
Most of the displays in the museum come from members of the Nebraska National Guard or their families.
With Nebraska’s large involvement in the Iraq War the museum hopes to create a display dedicated to it in the near future. They also hope to clear a larger area for their display on Women in the Service.
One section on the first floor also shows badges and information about the Air National Guard.
The library collection (consisting of information, papers, and photographs) in the Public Affairs Office has been formatted onto microfilm. Anyone who wants to perform research regarding the history of the Nebraska National Guard, its events and members, should contact this office at: (402) 309-7302. These materials have been compiled and published as a sort of “scrapbook.” Currently they are being compiled into an actual book of history about the Nebraska National Guard. These publications are also available through the Public Affairs Office.
Scope of Archive Collection
Topics of Interest for American History:
The World War II displays at this museum are very thorough and impressive. They portray all aspects of life in the service — including leisure time, night life, diet, photographs, uniforms, awards, and first-hand accounts of the joys and concerns that accompanied the men in the service.
All of the displays offer valuable insight to the Nebraska men who served…However, the World War II display is overflowing with artifacts!
Primary Sources Available
The Public Affairs Office holds the documents of National Guard members.
Accessibility of Facility
Museum - Open everyday during the Nebraska State Fair. Open year-round for individual and group tours by appointment. (Call the numbers provided below.)
Library - The library is most accessible by an appointment through the Public Affairs Office.
Accessibility of Artifacts and Displays
The artifacts and displays for both the museum and the library are highly accessible, and the volunteers who operate these facilities are more than willing to answer any questions or be of assistance to one’s interest or research questions.
Tours / Activities
Group tours are available year-round by appointment, and are encouraged either prior to or following the State Fair “rush.”
Traveling Exhibits / Materials
The Miltonberger Exhibit has been shown at other state museums and is available for travel. Other displays are available for traveling, though it is not common for them to do so.
Schmid Law Library
The Marvin and Virginia Schmid Law Library is in McCollum Hall and the College of Law. McCollum Hall sits on the East Campus of the University of Nebraska. All students, faculty and members of the general public are welcome to use the library’s materials for reference and research.
Ross McCollum Hall
University of Nebraska
P.O. Box 830902
Lincoln, NE 68583-0902
(402) 472-3547
Email: splaczek@unlserve.unl.edu
Website: http://www.unl.edu/lawcoll/schmid/index.html
 |
The library consists of three floors. The basement holds most of the library’s space for collections storage, but it also has a microfilm room and stack for dated materials. The first floor provides the most space for the shelved materials, and the second floor consists of reading and study rooms. The library’s sources include law-related and historical books, legal documents (state, regional, federal, and foreign materials, including statutes, reports, records, briefs, and historical sources.) A large amount of reference materials are also available. Schmid Library’s catalogue is available through the University of Nebraska Libraries Online system called IRIS.
Scope of Archive Collections
Topics of interest for American History - Several documents related to the history of the United States legal system are available at this library. Federal statutes, sources that pertain to nationally-known and studied court cases (for example, Brown v. Board of Education), Government documents, and topics related to US Constitutional History. All resources relevant to the history of Nebraska’s legal system, constitution, statutes, and court cases may also serve interest to local educators.
Primary Materials Available
Most of these legal documents and materials are primary sources are available in their original format or have been placed on microfilm. The exceptions are the reference materials, as well as some printed books, journals and magazines.
Accessibility of Facility
Monday-Thursday (7:30am-12:30am)
Friday (7:30am-10:00am)
Saturday (9:00am-10:00pm)
Sunday (11:00am-2:30am)
Facility Events
Tours/Activities - This facility is used for research and studying purposes only and tours are not available. However, the staff members at the Reference and Circulation desk are available to provide a basic understanding of the library’s “floor plan” (where different books and reference materials are located, where the study rooms are, etc.)
Cochrane Woods Library
The Cochrane Woods Library is located on the campus of Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln, Nebraska.
5000 St. Paul Ave.
Lincoln, NE 68504
(402) 465-2400
Email: library@nebrwesleyan.edu
Website: http://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/offices/library/index.html
 |
The library catalogue may be accessed through its online search engine. The Cochrane Woods Library is in a partnership with the Nebraska Independent College Libraries Consortium and shares a database with other Nebraska Colleges, including Doane College, Union College, Bellevue University, College of St. Mary, Dana College, Concordia College, Hastings College, Grace University, and Midland College. This library offers a broad collection of general subject and popular titles of both fiction and non-fiction printed books, electronic books, periodicals, media-related resources, reference materials, and textbook materials. The library also holds two departments of Special Collections…one is the Nebraska Wesleyan Special Collections Department and the other is the United Methodist Church Archives.
Scope of Archive Collections
Topics of interest for American History - This library holds basic resources and has a broad collection of history and literature specifically related to the Great Plains region and the state of Nebraska.
Primary Materials Available
The most unique primary materials available at the Cochrane Woods Library will be found in the Archives and Special Collections Department. They include: Nebraska Wesleyan’s official records, documents, memorabilia, photographs, documents, correspondences, maps, architectural prints, newspapers, and similar resources are located in this area of the library. The United Methodist Church Archives holds documents on the history of the development of the Methodist religion in the state of Nebraska.
Accessibility of Facility
Monday-Thursday (7:45am-12:00am)
Friday (7:45am-5:00pm)
Saturday (12:00pm-6:00pm)
Sunday (2:00pm-12:00am)
Accessibility of Artifacts and Displays
The artifacts that are held in the library’s Archives and Special Collections (such as old photographs, pieces of art, and furnishings from the college) may be accessed through the department. Questions and requests may be made directly to the Special Collections staff.
Facility Events
Tours/Activities - Instruction classes for use of the library are available to Nebraska Wesleyan college students and faculty members. Members of the general public may ask the staff at the reference or circulation desk for information on the general layout of the library. Otherwise, maps of the library are available online.
Union College Library
Also known as the “Ella Johnson Crandall” Library, the Union College Library is located on the Union College Campus in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Union College Library
3800 South 48th Street
Lincoln, NE 68506
(402) 486-2514
(Located on the upper level inside of the Don Love Building on the Union College Campus)
Website: http://www.ucollege.edu/ucscripts/public/template/default.asp?DivID=1&pgID=40
 |
The library catalogue may be accessed through its online search engine. The Union College Library is in a partnership with the Nebraska Independent College Libraries Consortium and shares a database with other Nebraska Colleges, including Doane College, Nebraska Wesleyan College, Bellevue University, College of St. Mary, Dana College, Concordia College, Hastings College, Grace University, and Midland College.
The Union College Library offers a broad collection (approx. 100,000) of general subject and popular titles of both fiction and non-fiction printed books, electronic books, periodicals, media-related resources, reference materials, and textbook materials that may be effectively used by educators and education majors.
According to subject and context, they are organized into general subject, periodicals, or reference areas. There is also a “Heritage Room” for unique and special collections held by the college.
Scope of Archive Collections
Topics of interest for American History - The Heritage Room holds materials that are the most unique to the Union College Library. These materials are available for research purposes and are not able to be used outside of the room or the library. They include, books, newspaper articles, maps, documents, and photographs on the history of Union College and its campus, and the history of Seventh-Day Adventist Church and related religious studies, as well as books by and about the Seventh-Day Adventist prophet-figure Ellen G. White. Also available in the library are textbook materials that are useful for those in the training or career of education.
Primary Materials Available
Thorough research that is directed in the particular areas of genealogy, religious studies, and the history of Seventh-day Adventists may be performed effectively at the Union College Library. Most of the library’s unique primary source materials will be found in the Heritage Room.
Accessibility of Facility
Monday-Thursday (8:30am-10:30pm)
Friday (8:30am-1:00pm)
Saturday (Closed)
Sunday (1:00pm-10:30pm)
(Please call library for holiday and summer hours)
Accessibility of Artifacts and Displays
There are paintings and sculptures that have been reproduced for the purposes of circulation. These may be accessed through the assistance of a reference librarian. The old bell from the Union College campus is in the Heritage Room.
Facility Events
Tours/Activities - Training for library research is available through various library events and workshops. These activities will allow one to develop effective skills for research and provide a better understanding of library resources. If a scheduled training workshop does not meet the needs of a library user, one may schedule a class with a librarian. Call the library to make an appointment.
Southeast Community College Learning Resource Center
The Main Library of Southeast Community College (SCC) is also called the “Learning Resource Center” (LRC). It contains a collection of textual and computerized resources to support the basic research needs of SCC’s students and instructors. LRC holds its collection in conjunction with the same database as the Nebraska Library Commission.
8800 O Street
Lincoln, NE 68520-1299
(402) 437-2585
Email: amohrman@southeast.edu
Website: http://lrc.southeast.edu:10086/
 |
The LRC is organized with the typical “Library of Congress” call number system. It may be searched online at the Main Library facility or through the library’s website.
Scope of Archive Collections
The range of the library’s collection is meant for basic research uses. Reference materials such as dictionaries and encyclopedias are also available.
Primary Materials Available
Basic primary materials such as documents and newspapers are available at the LRC.
Accessibility of Facility
Monday-Thursday (7:45AM-9:00PM)
Friday (7:45AM-5:00PM)
Saturday (8:00AM-Noon)
Sunday (Closed)
Facility Events
Tours/Activities - Library staff members at the reference desk are always willing to assist patrons in understanding the layout of the library.
Nebraska State Library (Supreme Court Law Library)
The Nebraska State Library is in the State Capitol Building on the third floor, room #325. It is exclusively a “law” library and is used primarily for research done by the general public, graduate/law students, attorneys, and members of the State Legislature.
P.O. Box 98931
State Capital Building
15th and K Streets
Lincoln, NE 68509
(402) 471-3189
Email: library@nsc.state.ne.us
Website: http://court.nol.org/library/lawlibindex.htm
 |
The law library currently holds about 120,000 volumes. These volumes do not circulate and members of the general public may only use them during the library’s hours. However, photocopies may be made within the library at the cost of $.10 per page. If one is unable to travel to the state library, requests for photocopies may be made through email, phone, or fax (Fax # (402) 471-1011).
Scope of Archive Collections
Topics of interest for American History - Law-related magazines and newspapers, and volumes of State Statutes (from Nebraska and the rest of the United States) and Federal Statutes both current and dated to colonial times.
Materials relevant to the history of Nebraska: Court Cases, Nebraska Blue Books, Legislative Bills, State Supreme Court Cases, and the written events of the Nebraska Constitutional Conventions.
Accessibility of Facility
Monday-Friday (8:00am-5:00pm)
Saturday-Sunday (Closed)
Closed for various holidays. Please call for details.
Accessibility of Artifacts and Displays
Inside the State Library is a large mural that was completed in 1930. The originally planned state seal of Nebraska is also carved inside the library.
Facility Events
Tours/Activities - The library may be viewed in conjunction with a tour of the State Capitol. Questions about the library may be directed to staff members at the reference desk.
University of Nebraska State Museum (Morrill Hall)
The University of Nebraska State Museum collects, preserves, and interprets materials that promote interest and research about the Natural World, with a specific focus on Nebraska and the Northern Great Plains. It contains 13,000 objects.
307 Morrill Hall
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Lincoln, NE 68588-0338
(402) 472-3779 or (402) 472-2637
Email: elephant@unl.edu
Website: http://www-museum.unl.edu/
 |
The University of Nebraska State Museum is organized onto three floors and three coinciding sections. The first floor is centered on “Biodiversity,” the second floor is centered on “Paleontology,” and the third floor is centered on “Cultural Diversity.”
Scope of Archive Collections
Topics of interest for American History - The third floor on “Cultural Diversity” would serve as the most useful floor to teachers and students of American History. It includes exhibits on Plains Indians, African American Culture, and Southwestern Culture and Art. These exhibits include photographs, regalia, clothing, pottery, art, and metalwork collected during the Spanish-American War.
Accessibility of Facility
Monday-Saturday (9:30am-4:30pm)
Sunday (1:30pm-4:30pm)
Traveling Kits - The “Encounter Kit” is a large kit that contains activities and a teacher’s guide. The Encounter Kits that are most applicable to American History include materials about Nebraska Indian Tribes (Omaha, Ponca, Santee Sioux, and Winnebago). One kit is provided for each tribe. The fee to rent the kit is $15.00/week.
Accessibility of Artifacts and Displays
Although most of the museums artifacts relate to the field of Natural Sciences, the Division of Anthropology contributes a significant number of artifacts and displays that relate to the many cultures of the Global World, America and, more specifically, Nebraska.
Facility Events
Tours/Activities - Group Programs and Tours must register by phone or email (402) 472-6302, Monday-Friday, between 8:00 AM-12:00 Noon. Email: elephant@unl.edu with your request. (The best time to call for reservations is during the fall season.)
Additional Program to Reserve
The following program about natural science also appropriately relates to American History. Be sure to ask about the following gallery program. It is an “age-appropriate” hands-one learning activity that coincides with Nebraska state standards.
"People of the Buffalo" Program II: Grades 7-9
Museum of Nebraska History
This museum collects, preserves, and tells the stories of all the people who have contributed to the history of the lands that make up the state of Nebraska.
15th and P Streets
P.O. Box 82554
Lincoln, NE 68501-2554
(402) 471-4754
Email: educate@nshs.state.ne.us
Website: http://www.nebraskahistory.org/sites/mnh/index.htm
 |
This museum collects, preserves, and tells the stories of all the people who have contributed to the history of the lands that make up the state of Nebraska.
The organization of the museum’s exhibits is primarily chronological.
The first floor is currently showing information on the restoration of historical sites (with a large display on the capitol and its statue). The second floor begins the official tour of the museum with “The First Nebraskans.” This section thoroughly presents aspects of the lives and cultures of all Indians who have lived in Nebraska. It dedicates space to the history of the tribes, their cultures, their locations in Nebraska, their warfare/peace tactics, their relationships with other tribes and non-Native peoples, and their roles in the state of Nebraska up through the present- day.
The next section of the museum is called “Nebraska Joins the Union.” This shows the different explorers and first settlers of Nebraska, as well as the ethnic history of the state (Czech, German-Russian, Danish, Scandinavian, etc.) It is also organized chronologically and demonstrates how technology, politics, economy, and the environment shaped the people and the state of Nebraska.
Most of the third floor is devoted to the theme of “World War II” in Nebraska. It shows how involved Nebraska was in this global event and the ways that it changed Nebraskans (and Americans) forever. This is a temporary exhibit. The other half of the third floor is dedicated to the inventions that have been “Made in Nebraska,” such as windmills, transportation, ammunition, foods and drinks.
Scope of Collections
Topics of interest for American History - The collections held by the museum are great in number and rich in effect. Everything from ancient buffalo bones to Native American regalia and World War II souvenirs are included in the museum’s displays.
Primary Sources Available
It is hard to determine which of the displays have been made specifically for the museum’s collection. For example, much of the Native American clothing is not “original,” but is instead a duplicate of what would have been worn. Items such as the fossils that have been found, the arrowheads, newspapers, and World War II materials have been collected from donations made both statewide and nationwide.
Accessibility of Facility
Tuesday-Friday (9:30am-4:30pm)
Saturday-Sunday (1:00pm-4:30pm)
Traveling Kits
World War II in Nebraska
To accompany the temporary exhibit of Nebraskans in World War II, the museum compiled a small “newspaper” leaflet that provides additional and “take-home” information on the events and people in Nebraska during the 1940s wartime. Available at the museum or call the museum to receive classroom issues.
Nebraska Time Traveler
Before or during a scheduled tour, students may receive the "Nebraska Time Traveler" question brochures so that they can ponder Nebraska's past while they are touring the museum. The questions provided by these brochures coincide with the Nebraska state social studies standards.
Educational Leaflets
Order an educational brochure for your classroom. They are inexpensive and provide information on a variety of topics related to Nebraska history (Civil War, Native homes, age-old recipes, William Jennings Bryan, Native cultures, State Capital, Statewide Folklore, Fort Robinson, Sod Houses, etc.) Order these pamphlets through the following link, or just call the museum. http://www.nebraskahistory.org/museum/teachers/material/leaflets.htm
Nebraska Trailblazers
In the form of a Newspaper, the Nebraska Trailblazers offer information about unique topics of Nebraska history. For example, the formation of Nebraska territory, or the food choices that existed on the Nebraska Plains during the 1890s.
Although the reading level of these issues are at the fourth grade level, they can serve any upper-grade classroom that is seeking to enrich their knowledge about Nebraska history. (Nebraska Trailblazers Teacher Guides are also available, but only online through the following link. http://www.nebraskahistory.org/museum/teachers/material/trail/index.htm
Contact John Lindahl at (402) 471-4764 for more information on ny of the above materials.
Accessibility of Artifacts and Displays
Although many of the artifacts are available for viewing purposes only, there are some areas in the museum that have drawers of artifacts that may be closely inspected. Signs indicate which items are NOT to be touched.
Facility Events
Tours/Activities - Sign up your class for a tour of the museum through the phone number provided below. (Try to schedule these tours as early ahead of time as possible to ensure a reserved time slot!)
Pre-activities and Post-activities are also available for these tours. Please ask about these activities (when making reservations) as they may change during the year.
Nebraska Institute
This partnership between statewide teachers and the state provides training sessions and workshops that will allow educators to enhance their research skills. The goal of these workshops is to encourage a teacher’s knowledge on the use of historical resources (photographs, documents, maps, artifacts, etc.) and their ability to integrate more aspects of Nebraska history into their classrooms. This institute has developed a lesson plan and classroom activities that are available at: http://www.nebraskahistory.org/museum/teachers/projects/index.htm
Traveling Exhibits/Materials
Czech Travel Trunk
This “package” will provide classrooms with an immediate connection to the Czech heritage in Nebraska. It contains pieces of Czech culture, folklore, and housing, information on Czech farming in Nebraska, and is complete with 8 lesson plans for educators. This trunk is for loaning purposes and will need to be returned.
Nebraska Historical Film Clips
In the format of a VHS tape, 18 clips reveal accounts of life in Nebraska during the 1920s and 1930s. The clips document events that were significant to Nebraska during these decades, and range from a speech given by President Roosevelt to personal accounts and news headlines, such as the flooding in McCook. Contact John Lindahl at (402) 471-4764 for more information on the above materials.
National Museum of Roller Skating
The National Museum of Roller Skating states that its mission is to “collect, preserve, research and interpret artifacts, documents and published materials” that relate to the history of roller skating. Its archives hold 1,500 books, articles, magazines and periodicals as well as 8,000 photographs that pertain to roller skating.
4730 South Street, Suite #2
Lincoln, Nebraska 68506
(402) 483-7551 (Ext. 16)
Email: postmaster@rollerskatingmuseum.com
Website: http://www.rollerskatingmuseum.com/
 |
Archival materials are available for research purposes only within the museum and only by appointment. If one is unable to travel to the museum, staff members may be hired to do research for a fee of $50.00 an hour. These arrangements may be made through the phone. If duplicate images from photographs are desired, fill out a “Research Form” that may be printed at: http://www.rollerskatingmuseum.com/prod01.htm
The museum archives are organized into the museum’s display area, its library, and a storage area for collections of photographs, individual papers, competition and event programs, articles related to roller skating, medals, awards, costumes, artwork, and media materials.
Scope of Archive Collections
Topics of interest for American History - The Roller Skating Museum in Lincoln, NE contains the largest collection of antique and experimental roller skates in the world. The history of roller skating may be studied as a contribution to sports in America. Information on the development of roller skating, the formation of roller hockey, speed skating, the roller derby, and the still-popular sport of rollerblading.
Roller skating sports that developed also influenced the participation of women in sporting events. The Roller Derby was one event in particular that allowed women and men to compete with the same standards, rules, and regulations.
The history of roller skating and the skating sports that developed from it increased and declined in popularity according to certain events in American history such as the Depression Era, World War II, and the formation of fitness and exercise programs.
Primary Materials Available
Primary sources such as programs, brochures, documents, newspaper articles, and personal papers may be found in the library archives and collections at the museum. The museum’s costumes, roller skates, and skating awards are also original materials that have been preserved.
Accessibility of Facility
Monday-Friday (9:00am-5:00pm)
Saturday-Sunday (Closed)
Accessibility of Artifacts and Displays
Although not all of the artifacts are displayed at the museum, the museum staff is willing to assist researchers in locating materials in the collections storage area.
Facility Events
Tours/Activities - Tours given by the museum curator fall on the first Friday of every month at 12:15pm. Admission to the museum is free.
Self-guided tours may be taken by individuals during the museum’s business hours.
Groups tours are requested to schedule a tour at least two weeks in advance. Please call the museum for scheduling options.
Traveling Exhibits/Materials - The museum exhibits are both permanent and temporary. Temporary exhibits are drawn from the museum’s materials and rotate at various times. Permission granted, the National Roller Skating Museum provides traveling exhibits for other museums and historical organizations.
Frank H. Woods Historical Telephone Museum
Frank H. Woods, Sr. (1868-1952) founded the Lincoln Telephone Company in 1903. The Telephone Museum, established in 1994 and named in his honor, has one of America’s great collections of historical telephones.
| 2047 M Street Lincoln, NE 68501 (402) 436-4640 Website: www.woodstelephonepioneers.org |
Sunday (1:00pm-4:00pm) Also open upon special request. |
 |
The museum displays are organized chronologically, beginning with the turn of the century “cordboards,” Strowger telephone sets (automatic systems), candlestick phones, coin telephones, and ending with rotary telephones.
Scope of Archive Collections
Topics of interest for American History:
The telephone museum will inform visitors about the history of communication technology in Nebraska, and more specifically, the city and surrounding communities of Lincoln. The Lincoln Telephone and Telegraph Company served almost 2,000 people in its first year of business in 1904. After that, the company was recognized as being the first of the largest telephone industries to be automatically operated in the United States west of Chicago.
The technological evolution of the telephone industry.
Tours / Activities
Group and private tours are available upon appointment.
Nebrasaka State Capitol
The present building of the Nebraska State Capitol was built between 1922 and 1932 as a result of a nationwide competition for its design. It was the first state capital building in the country to be structured differently from the “classical” architectural structure of the United States Capitol building. It includes a 400 foot tower with a 19 foot figure of “The Sower” on the top. Interior designs relate to Nebraska’s history of Native Americans and Homesteading Pioneers. Exterior features show the evolutionary history of 3,000 years of democracy. In 1999 the Nebraska State Capitol Landscape was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a National Historic Landmark.
15th and K Streets
Lincoln, NE 68508
(402) 471-6691
Email: CapInfo@notes.state.ne.us
Website: http://www.capitol.org/index.html
 |
of Historical Materials
Historical Materials held in the Nebraska State Capitol are organized in the Nebraska Capitol Collections. They are separated into three divisions: the Archival Collection, the Permanent Collection and the Circulating Collection. These collections are held within the Capitol building.
Detailed information about researching the Capitol Collections may be found through the Office of the Capitol Commission. (Capitol Archivist, Nebraska State Capitol, Office of the Capitol Commission, P.O.Box 94696, Lincoln, NE 68509-4696. Or email: kwagner@notes.state.ne.us)
Also inside of the Capitol building is the Nebraska State Library (or the Supreme Court Law Library). More information on the Nebraska State Library is on this webpage.
Scope of Collections
Topics of interest for American History - The Archival Collection. These materials include 2,500 photographs and over 250,000 pieces of correspondence, architectural records, blueprints, and documents from the design competition. The final report of the building’s construction to the House and Senate is also included in these documents.
The Permanent Collection and Circulating Collection both hold materials that have been retired from use. (For example, furnishings, old light fixtures and other interior elements.)
Primary Sources Available
With the exception of some materials in the Circulating Collection that are still used at various times, the Capitol Collections hold mostly primary source materials.
Accessibility of Facility
The Nebraska Capitol Collections are accessible by appointment only.
The Capitol building itself is open:
Monday-Friday (8:00am-5:00pm)
Saturday (10:00am-5:00pm)
Sunday (1:00pm-5:00pm)
Accessibility of Artifacts and Displays
Some areas of the capitol building are not accessible because they hold private offices. Other areas may be accessed during public tours and are open to the public for “walk-ins” who are interested in looking around the building. The interior décor of the capitol building may be seen through the tours.
Facility Events
Tours/Activities - Contact the State Capitol for information and tours at: (402) 471-0448
Touring for school groups commonly takes place during March, April, and May, but they are welcomed at the Capitol year-round.
The caller should have the following available when scheduling:
1. Day and time of tour with alternate days in mind.
2. The name, address and phone number of the teacher who will be bringing the school group to the capital.
3. Grade level of students and number of students on the tour.
4. State Senator within the school’s location.
Public tours of the capital are given daily:
Monday-Friday (9:00, 10:00, 11:00am and 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00pm)
Saturday (10:00, 11:00am and 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00pm)
Sunday (1:00, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00pm)
Self-guided tours may be taken anytime during the Capitol’s open hours.
Thomas P. Kennard House
The Thomas P. Kennard House (or mansion) is the only building still standing from the handful of buildings that existed in Lancaster Village when is was named the new capital of Nebraska in 1867. As the first State Secretary of Nebraska, Kennard, along with John Gillespie (Auditor) and David Butler (Governor), formed the Capital Commission and built the first three mansions in the new city of Lincoln in order to attract more settlers and citizens. It underwent various changes in ownership until the State of Nebraska purchased it and the Nebraska State Historical Society renovated it in the 1960s.
1627 H Street
Lincoln, NE 68508
(for mailing services, address to):
Thomas P. Kennard House
P.O. Box 82554
Lincoln, NE 68501-2554
(402) 471-4764
Email: museum02@nebraskahistory.org
Website: http://www.nebraskahistory.org/sites/kennard/
 |
The house was renovated in the late 1960s to portray an image of what the Kennard mansion may have resembled when the family lived there during the late 1860s. Each room is roped-off and may be viewed from the doorway.
Scope of Archive Collections
The mansion holds a study, a parlor, a dining room, a kitchen, and two upstairs bedrooms. In each of the rooms are materials that reflect the time period and the family’s wealth.
Primary Materials Available
The only materials that remain in the house that actually belonged to the Kennard family is a photographic portrait of Thomas P. Kennard and a book that belonged to him. On the second floor of the mansion is a room with photographs that show a panoramic view of Lancaster Village (present-day Lincoln, NE). It also has materials that inform visitors on events related to Thomas P. Kennard, John Gillespie, and the Nebraska’s first governor, David Butler. Some artifacts that were found within the last 20 years during an archeological excavation of the grounds outside of the museum are shown on display on the 2nd level of the mansion.
Accessibility of Facility
Only open upon appointment.
Facility Events
Tours/Activities - Individual and group tours are given year-round, but appointments must be scheduled ahead of time. Please call the number listed below to schedule a tour. Admission for adults ($3.00), children (free), group rates (negotiable).