Author Archives: Kayla Henzel

Throwback Thursday: Beet Field

Check out what we found on the Nebraska Memories archive!

This #ThrowbackThursday shows a long line of boys standing in a beet field at the Nebraska State Industrial School in Kearney. In addition to their school studies and training in trades such as carpentry, shoe repair, and tailoring, the boys helped raise farm animals and crops for their table and for sale. 1,000 bushels of table beets and 941 tons of sugar beets were harvested at the school.

This image is published and owned by the Nebraska Library Commission. Check out this collection and many more on the Nebraska Memories archive.

The Nebraska Memories archive is brought to you by the Nebraska Library Commission. If your institution is interested in participating in Nebraska Memories, see http://nlc.nebraska.gov/nebraskamemories/participation.aspx for more information.

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Throwback Thursday: Illinois Street, Sidney, NE

It’s time for another #ThrowbackThursday from Nebraska Memories!

This week, we have a 5 3/8″ x 3 1/2″ postcard of Illinois Street in Sidney, Nebraska. This main street is lined with many businesses including the Fox Theatre, Overland Cafe, US Tires, and B.F. Goodrich.

This image is published and owned by Cheyenne County Historical Society and Museum. Located in Sidney, this collection features historical photographs that represent the people and places of the county.

If you or someone you know likes history, especially Nebraska History, check out the Nebraska Memories archive! It’s a cooperative project to digitize Nebraska-related historical and cultural materials and make them available to researchers of all ages.

The Nebraska Memories archive is brought to you by the Nebraska Library Commission. If your institution is interested in participating in Nebraska Memories, see http://nlc.nebraska.gov/nebraskamemories/participation.aspx for more information.

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New Autobiography Available on BARD!

“Behind the 8-Ball by Nebraska author Tom Frye is now available on cartridge and for download on BARD!

“This is the story behind all of my stories, starting from when I was a kid growing up in Havelock and moving on through the 45 years I spent in the field of youth work. I may have a wild imagination, but this one is non-fiction and filled with true stories of my life and times.”

Author, Tom Frye

TBBS borrowers can request “Behind the 8-Ball,” DBC01988, or download it from the National Library Service BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download) website. If you have high-speed internet access, you can download books to your smartphone or tablet, or onto a flash drive for use with your player. You may also contact your reader’s advisor to have the book mailed to you on cartridge.

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Throwback Thursday: Automobile at Elmwood Park

Happy #ThrowbackThursday from Nebraska Memories!

In this black and white photograph, three people are seated in a Velie automobile in front of a pavilion at Elmwood Park, located at 802 S. 60th Street in Omaha, Nebraska. This pavilion was one of Omaha’s first cast concrete structures.

This early 1900s image is published and owned by Omaha Public Library. Items in this collection feature early Omaha-related maps dating from 1825 to 1922. Also included in this collection are over 1,100 postcards and photographs of the area.

See this collection and many more on the Nebraska Memories archive!

The Nebraska Memories archive is brought to you by the Nebraska Library Commission. If your institution is interested in participating in Nebraska Memories, see http://nlc.nebraska.gov/nebraskamemories/participation.aspx for more information.

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ARPA Report – Plainview Public Library

Plainview Public Library used ARPA funds to add new items to its collection and show patrons the value of returning to the library!

When the COVID pandemic hit, patrons did not use the library as much. The purchase of new items and equipment show patrons all that the library has to offer. Some of these new items include a cricut maker and mug press, sublimation printer and supplies. The cricut maker and printer provide patrons with the option to make gifts, etc. in case they are low on funds due to the pandemic.

In an effort to get kids back into the library and involved in its programs, the library purchased indoor games and snap circuits, Osmo kits and a Kindle Fire to be used with the Osmo kits and breakout kits. It purchased circuit cubes robots, gears go garage and robots roll kits to be used with the LEGOS to get the kids interested in playing with the LEGOS again. Finally, the MakeDo kits to get kids creating with cardboard. The first project the children made were snowplows out of cardboard boxes.

The pandemic highlighted the importance of fresh air and sunshine. The new outside games at Plainview Public Library allows patrons to go outside and play. In addition, a vacuum was also purchased to keep the library a clean environment.

In the summer of 2022, the library hosted the LEGO Guy and Dino O’Dell to get patrons in the library and involved in its programs. This also gave community members an opportunity to get out of their homes and do something fun! For these two presentations, the library had 68 children and 22 adults in attendance.

There was a 10% increase in attendance for the library’s after school and summer reading programs. There was also a 10% increase in new patrons who came to check out the cricut maker, mug press, and sublimation printer.

The most significant lesson learned is that no matter how prepared you think you are, when a pandemic hits, you learn even more.

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The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) is result of the federal stimulus bill passed by Congress. The Nebraska Library Commission received a one-time award of $2,422,166. A portion of this funding has been allocated for three projects: Formula based grant program, NLC Library Improvement Grants, and NLC Youth Grants for Excellence.

This project is supported in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the Nebraska Library Commission.

For more information about the 2021 American Rescue Plan, visit www.nlc.nebraska.gov/grants/arpa/index.aspx

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Throwback Thursday: Pilot

Look what we found on the Nebraska Memories archive!

This week’s #ThrowbackThursday features a black and white photograph of a male pilot standing next to an airplane.

This early 1900s image is published and owned by History Nebraska.

It was created by John Nelson. Born in Sweden in 1864, John Nelson came to Nebraska with his parents when he was seventeen. His photographs document small town life in Nebraska during the first few decades of the twentieth century. His subjects include businesses, community activities, and early automobiles.

See more of his work on the Nebraska Memories archive.

The Nebraska Memories archive is brought to you by the Nebraska Library Commission. If your institution is interested in participating in Nebraska Memories, see http://nlc.nebraska.gov/nebraskamemories/participation.aspx for more information.

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“Becker’s Farm” Now Available on BARD!

“Becker’s Farm: A Novel” by William Timmons is now available on cartridge and for download on BARD!

World War II prisoner of war Helmut Sommerfield is interned at a small POW camp in western Nebraska. He soon earns the good will of surrounding farmers as he puts his mechanical skills to work repairing farm equipment. Their admiration for him deepens after Helmut is severely burned while rescuing two farmers trapped in a burning barn. One of the farmers, a recluse, dies, giving rise to a plot to swap Helmut’s identity for the deceased farmer. His chance for a new life is threatened by an escaping POW who knows Helmut’s true identity.

TBBS borrowers can request “Becker’s Farm,” DBC01999, or download it from the National Library Service BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download) website. If you have high-speed internet access, you can download books to your smartphone or tablet, or onto a flash drive for use with your player. You may also contact your reader’s advisor to have the book mailed to you on cartridge.

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Throwback Thursday: Band, Girls’ Industrial School, Geneva

Happy #ThrowbackThursday from Nebraska Memories!

This week’s image features twenty-three girls in the band at the Girls’ Industrial School in Geneva, Nebraska. The girls received musical instruction as part of their schooling. They were taught piano, horn, reed instrument, violin, and/or voice. The girls attended school for four and a half hours per day and spent four hours per day in industrial training. They rotated between kitchen duty, laundry, sewing, and general housework.

Today, this institutions exists as the Youth Rehabilitation Treatment Center.

This #throwback is published and owned by the Nebraska Library Commission.

If you or someone you know likes history, especially Nebraska History, check out the Nebraska Memories archive! It’s a cooperative project to digitize Nebraska-related historical and cultural materials and make them available to researchers of all ages.

The Nebraska Memories archive is brought to you by the Nebraska Library Commission. If your institution is interested in participating in Nebraska Memories, see http://nlc.nebraska.gov/nebraskamemories/participation.aspx for more information.

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Governor Pillen Promotes Broadband Connections During National Library Week

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 27, 2023

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495  
John Gage, (531) 510-8529

Governor Pillen Promotes Broadband Connections During National Library Week   

CLAY CENTER, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen, together with the Nebraska Library Commission, the Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC), the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT), and the Clay Center Library, highlighted the Nebraska E-rate Special Construction State Matching Grant Program as an opportunity to further connect Nebraskans by incentivizing new broadband fiber construction to state libraries. 

“Reliable and fast broadband internet connection is an essential component to quality of life,” said Governor Pillen. “Internet access impacts work force, education, public health, economic development, and public safety. Schools and libraries serve as the centers of communities and ensuring those institutions are connected to fiber is a priority for the State of Nebraska. These fiber-optic based networks will provide connectivity to resources and expand reach and access to Nebraskans.”  

The federal E-rate program provides discounts ranging from 20% to 90% of the costs of eligible services based on 1) the percentage of students eligible for the National School Lunch Program in the school district in which the library is located, and 2) the urban or rural location of the library, based on U.S. Census data.  

The state program is designed to maximize federal funds by providing up to 10% in matching support to Nebraska Eligible Telecommunications Carriers (NETCs) to connect E-rate eligible entities with fiber where there is no existing fiber connection. The Nebraska E-rate Special Construction State Matching Grant Program (NUSF-117), administered by the PSC, was established in May 2020 and has allocated $1 million to facilitate the build-out of new fiber to Nebraska libraries and schools participating in the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) E-rate Special Construction Program. 

To best serve the needs of stakeholders, the PSC is seeking comments on its E-rate Special Construction Matching Funds program, including whether modifications should be made, what services are supported and whether existing funding is sufficient or needs to be increased. Libraries can learn more about the proposed enhancements and provide comment by visiting the E-rate Special Construction page of the PSC website and clicking on the NUSF-117 P.O.#1 link

“In our commitment to deployment of fiber optic internet to all Nebraska libraries, we applaud the work of the Public Service Commission (PSC) and Governor Pillen’s leadership on these issues,” said Nebraska Library Commissioner Director Rod Wagner. “We encourage all Nebraska libraries to provide comments to the PSC during this open comment period.”

“I’m thankful for the financial assistance of the Nebraska E-rate Special Construction State Matching Grant program to install fiber at our library. We have participated in the federal E-rate program for 24 years,” said Clay Center Public Library, Director Cheryl Green. “These programs enable libraries to provide unlimited online resources, using reliable high-speed digital broadband. I encourage other Nebraska libraries to participate in the Nebraska E-rate Special Construction State Matching Grant program to install fiber-optic connectivity at their library.” 

Libraries and schools are encouraged to participate in the process by providing comment responses to questions posed in the NUSF-117 P.O.1 docket. Initial comments may be filed on or before Friday, May 26, at 5 p.m. (CT) and reply comments may be filed on or before Friday, June 16, at 5 p.m. (CT) by email to psc.nusf-filings@nebraska.gov

“Our state libraries help to keep our communities connected,” said PSC District 4 Commissioner Eric Kamler. “Through the State E-rate program, we can help provide support for new fiber construction to these essential public institutions.” 

Information on the E-rate program in general can be found at nlc.nebraska.gov/erate/ and the PSC website at E-rate Special Construction

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The most up-to-date news releases from the Nebraska Library Commission are always available on the Library Commission Website, http://nlc.nebraska.gov/publications/newsreleases.

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Throwback Thursday: A to Z Dress Shop

It’s time for another #ThrowbackThursday from Nebraska Memories!

This week, we have a 4″ x 5″ acetate negative of the interior of A to Z Dress Shop, located in David City. This image is part of the Boston Studio Project.

The Boston Studio Collection consists of over 68,000 negatives that record life in and around David City, Nebraska from 1893 to 1979. Harvey Boston, a professional photographer in David City, owned a portrait studio business from 1893 until his death in 1927. The business was later run by his daughter Edith Boston Proskovec and then by his son-in-law Audrey Hurlbert, before being sold in 1973.

Check out this collection and many more on the Nebraska Memories archive.

The Nebraska Memories archive is brought to you by the Nebraska Library Commission. If your institution is interested in participating in Nebraska Memories, see http://nlc.nebraska.gov/nebraskamemories/participation.aspx for more information.

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2023 One Book One Nebraska Selection available on BARD!

“The Mystery of Hunting’s End” by Mignon G. Eberhart has been recorded by our Talking Book and Braille Service!

Smack in the middle of the Nebraska Sand Hills is Hunting’s End, a weekend lodge owned by the rich Kingery family. Socialite Matil Kingery invites a strange collection of guests — the same people who were at the lodge when her father died of “heart failure” exactly five years ago. She intends to find out which one of them murdered him.

This title has been selected as the 2023 One Book One Nebraska. This dynamic program cultivates a culture of reading and discussion in our state by bringing our diverse state together around one great book by a Nebraska author.

TBBS borrowers can request “The Mystery of Hunting’s End,” DBC02012, or download it from the National Library Service BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download) website.  If you have high-speed internet access, you can download books to your smartphone or tablet, or onto a flash drive for use with your player. You may also contact your reader’s advisor to have the book mailed to you on cartridge.

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Broadband Access and Digital Opportunities Community Listening Sessions in April

Please join for a series of Community Listening Sessions to learn more about community needs and desires for improving broadband access and increasing digital opportunities. Three sessions will be held in April (details below). A future announcement will follow about sessions in May and June .

  • April 19 at 5:30 pm central in Grand Island | Hall County Extension, 3180 W. Highway 34
  • April 26 at 12:00pm central in Niobrara | Niobrara Village Fire Hall, 259 Spruce Avenue
  • April 26 at 5:00pm central in Norfolk | Norfolk Public Library, 308 W. Prospect Street

Anyone requiring reasonable accommodation to participate should reach out to:

Rachael Surmick
Broadband Outreach Coordinator
Nebraska Public Service Commission
Office: (402) 471-3101
Cell: (531) 893-1522
Toll Free: (800) 526-0017
rachael.surmick@nebraska.gov

Registration is encouraged but not required. Register here.

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Throwback Thursday: McKinley Library Club

Happy #ThrowbackThursday from Nebraska Memories!

This week, we have a 9 1/2″ x 7 3/4″ black and white photograph of the McKinley Library Club standing on the school’s front steps in April of 1914. McKinley School was located at 230 S. 15th Street in Lincoln, Nebraska. It was constructed in 1902 for a cost of $35,319.50. It was used as an elementary school up until 1915. After, it became a “special school with grades 1-9 with prevocational and evening classes.”

This #throwback is published and owned by Lincoln Public Schools. Historical materials related to Lincoln Public Schools have been collected and saved in various sites. Over the past 15 years, the Library Media Services Department made a deliberate attempt to collect, preserve, and archive the history of LPS.

Check out this collection and many more on the Nebraska Memories archive.

The Nebraska Memories archive is brought to you by the Nebraska Library Commission. If your institution is interested in participating in Nebraska Memories, see http://nlc.nebraska.gov/nebraskamemories/participation.aspx for more information

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ARPA Report – Karlen Memorial Library

Karlen Memorial Library used ARPA funds to make improvements to the library!

Keeping the library clean during COVID took a toll on the two vacuums. One overheated and the second lost suction and failed to clean the library carpets. With funds provided through ARPA, the library was able to purchase a new commercial vacuum to replace the two that broke. Another beneficial purchase was made to prevent the spread of germs. The second purchase made by the library was a new touchless water fountain/bottle filler.

In the past, the library directed patrons to West Point or Wisner for their small laminating projects. Now, with the use of the newly purchased laminator, the library is able to meet the needs of patrons who wish to laminate small items as well as larger projects, such as newspapers and posters.

Another purchase made by the library were Magna-Tiles and KEVA Planks for its STEM program. When the library resumed in-person programming, staff searched for new program ideas and new ways to increase attendance during the summer months. In addition, a new Bingo cage and Bingo cards were purchased for the library’s Friday Game Day program. Prior to owning its own materials, the library borrowed Bingo materials from the American Legion. Now that the library has its own set, it is available when needed.

Lastly, with funds provided through ARPA, the library was able to acquire a refrigerator. Since its reopening following COVID, the library has started to hold more events for its patrons. The refrigerator allows cold beverages and snacks to be served for meetings and events.

The library board spent considerable time brainstorming ways that the ARPA funds could meet the needs of the community. The items have been well received by library patrons and community members. The library is appreciative of the ARPA grant and satisfied with the purchases that were made.

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The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) is result of the federal stimulus bill passed by Congress. The Nebraska Library Commission received a one-time award of $2,422,166. A portion of this funding has been allocated for three projects:Formula based grant program, NLC Library Improvement Grants, and NLC Youth Grants for Excellence.

For more information about the 2021 American Rescue Plan, visit www.nlc.nebraska.gov/grants/arpa/index.aspx

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Throwback Thursday: Capitol Ave. Park

It’s time for another #ThrowbackThursday from Nebraska Memories!

This week, we have a late 1800s black and white photograph of Capitol Avenue Park, looking west.

This image was created by George Heyn. It is owned and published by Omaha Public Library. The items in this collection include early Omaha-related maps dating from 1825 to 1922. Over 1,100 postcards and photographs of the Omaha are are also featured.

Are you someone who likes history? If so, check out the Nebraska Memories archive! It’s a cooperative project to digitize Nebraska-related historical and cultural materials and make them available to researchers of all ages.

The Nebraska Memories archive is brought to you by the Nebraska Library Commission. If your institution is interested in participating in Nebraska Memories, see http://nlc.nebraska.gov/nebraskamemories/participation.aspx for more information.

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Central Community College Announces LIS Classes for Fall 2023

Central Community College Logo

Library and Information Services (LIS) class registration at Central Community College for Fall 2023: August 21, 2023 – December 15, 2023. Enrollment for the fall semester opens on Monday, April 10, 2023.

Classes include:

LIBR 1010 Foundations of Library and Information Services
Marty Magee, Instructor
This course, the recommended first in the Library and Information Services curriculum, provides introductory information in multiple areas.
  • Library history and organizations&lt
  • Foundation Principles/Code of Ethics&lt
  • Information databases and Internet usage&lt
LIBR 2250 Leadership and Management in Library and Information Agencies
Michael Straatmann, Instructor
This course includes the theories, concepts and activities integral to leading and managing 21st Century libraries and information agencies.
  • Leadership principles
  • Management strategies
  • Policies and procedures
LIBR 2940 Library and Information Services Capstone Practicum
Patty Birch, Instructor
This capstone course is the last course in the Library and Information Services program. Students will complete 40 hours of service learning in a host library. The course also includes a review of the principal pieces of learning from the LIS program.
  • Prerequisites: LIBR 1010, 2100, 2150, 2210, & 2250

New changes…Beginning Fall 2023, the LIBR 2210 Cataloging & Classification course has been
merged with the LIBR 2150 Managing Collections in Libraries & Information Agencies class. The new combined class is LIBR 2210 Develop and Organize Collections to be offered in Spring 2024. And the Library & Information Services Certificate has been reduced from 18 credit hours to a 15-credit hour program.

For more information on the Library and Information Services program, see: www.cccneb.edu/lis/

For information concerning Admissions or Registration, contact: Dee Johnson, djohnson@cccneb.edu, 402-562-1418 or Toll Free at 877-222-0780.

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New Book Available on BARD!

“Haven’s Wake” by Ladette Randolph is now available on cartridge and download on BARD!

When Haven Grebel dies following a tractor accident on his Nebraska farm, his Mennonite family gathers for the funeral service. Widow Elsa, estranged son Jonathan, and the rest of the family must navigate love, loyalty, and long-buried secrets.

Haven’s Wake is about memory and silence, and about secrets and the fear of them. But above all, it’s a tale of love and loyalty. At the very heart of this deeply heartfelt novel is the story of the restorative power of family and tradition.”

Timothy Schaffert

This novel is part of the Flyover Fiction series and is listed on the 150 Greatest Nebraska Books list — a list that represents the best literature produced from Nebraska during the past 150 years.

TBBS borrowers can request “Haven’s Wake,” DBC01896, or download it from the National Library Service BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download) website. If you have high-speed internet access, you can download books to your smartphone or tablet, or onto a flash drive for use with your player. You may also contact your reader’s advisor to have the book mailed to you on cartridge.

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Throwback Thursday: Damn Yankees

Happy #ThrowbackThursday from Nebraska Memories!

This week’s #throwback features a black and white publicity photo from the musical “Damn Yankees” written by Richard Adler. This image was captured during the fall of 1964 at the Omaha Community Playhouse. This performance broke the old 9,200-plus attendance record at the Omaha Community Playhouse. The Omaha World-Herald called it “The finest damn musical ever.”

This image is published and owned by the Omaha Community Playhouse. This collection features images of the Playhouse and some of its performances. Some actors included in this collection are Henry Fonda, Jane Fonda, and Dorothy McGuire.

Check out this collection and many more on the Nebraska Memories archive.

The Nebraska Memories archive is brought to you by the Nebraska Library Commission. If your institution is interested in participating in Nebraska Memories, see http://nlc.nebraska.gov/nebraskamemories/participation.aspx for more information

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Nebraska Library Commission Challenges the FCC’s Broadband Map On Behalf of Nebraska’s Public Libraries

NLC Logo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 28, 2023

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Andrew Sherman
402-471-4559
800-307-2665

Nebraska Library Commission Challenges the FCC’s Broadband Map On Behalf of Nebraska’s Public Libraries

The Nebraska Library Commission (NLC) has generated 230 challenges to the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) National Broadband Map on the behalf of Nebraska’s public libraries.

These challenges are requests to the FCC to update their map ensuring that all of Nebraska’s public libraries are designated as Community Anchor Institutions (CAI) with the correct address and geographic location.

Why is this important? The map will be used to achieve Goal #4 in the National Broadband Plan which is “every American community should have affordable access to at least 1 gigabit per second broadband service to anchor institutions such as schools, hospitals and government buildings.” Per the FCC, “An accurate map will help identify the unserved and underserved communities most in need of funding for high-speed internet infrastructure investments.” This map will be used to allocate $42 billion in Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) funds to states and territories to help expand access to affordable high-speed internet.

In partnership with Nebraska’s State Broadband Office and Public Service Commission, the NLC will be working to ensure that the FCC has accurate data to assist them in the granting of funds so that all Nebraska public libraries can provide high-speed fiber broadband service to the communities they serve.

As the state library agency, the Nebraska Library Commission is an advocate for the library and information needs of all Nebraskans. The mission of the Library Commission is statewide promotion, development, and coordination of library and information services, “bringing together people and information.”

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The most up-to-date news releases from the Nebraska Library Commission are always available on the Library Commission Website, http://nlc.nebraska.gov/publications/newsreleases.

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Throwback Thursday: Sacred Heart Academy

It’s time for another #ThrowbackThursday from the Nebraska Memories archive!

110 years ago, a devastating tornado hit Omaha, Nebraska. This week’s image shows the aftermath of that storm and the damage left behind at the Academy of the Sacred heart.

Few disasters have devastated Omaha as completely as the Easter Tornado of March 23, 1913. The storm descended just after Easter services on Sunday evening. The tornado created a path that ran seven miles long and a quarter mile wide. It killed 140 citizens of Omaha and injured 400 others. The Easter Tornado caused such extensive damage to the north side of the Academy, that plans were made to level it. Concerned citizens stepped forward and the building was repaired rather than razed.

In 1915, the school added college courses and renamed itself Duchesne College and Convent of the Sacred Heart. The college closed in 1968, and the elementary school was phased out, but the secondary school remains.

This week’s image is owned and published by Omaha Public Library. The items in this collection feature early Omaha-related maps dating from 1825 to 1922, as well as over 1,100 postcards and photographs of the Omaha area.

Are you someone who likes history? If so, check out the Nebraska Memories archive! It’s a cooperative project to digitize Nebraska-related historical and cultural materials and make them available to researchers of all ages.

The Nebraska Memories archive is brought to you by the Nebraska Library Commission. If your institution is interested in participating in Nebraska Memories, see http://nlc.nebraska.gov/nebraskamemories/participation.aspx for more information.

Posted in General, Nebraska Memories, Preservation | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment