Author Archives: Kayla Henzel

Throwback Thursday: Fairmont Army Air Field

It’s another #ThrowbackThursday from Nebraska Memories!

This black and white photograph shows a couple hangars, brick buildings and concrete paving on the Fairmont Army Airfield base.

After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States War Department needed bases for training military personnel. 1,980 acres of land between two rural Nebraska towns, Geneva and Fairmont, was selected for an Army airfield. Within 90 days, from September to December in 1942, construction crews worked around the clock to build runways, hangars, barracks, buildings to support and train over 3,000 airmen, and the largest hospital in Nebraska. The official name for the base was the Fairmont Army Airfield.

Over the next three years, bomber and support crews went through their final preparations and training before being deployed oversees to either Europe or the Pacific. The Fairmont Army Airfield housed and trained airmen from all over the country and were welcomed with open arms by the people from the surrounding towns. The men were given home-cooked meals, taken to local church services, provided with a theater, a USO, and dances.

After Japan’s surrender in August 1945, the Airfield was deactivated. The buildings were dismantled, surplus materials were given to local schools and communities, and the land was converted back to pre-war status. Only four hangars, the water tower, runways, taxiways, and a few brick and cement structures remain. In 2003, the Airfield was chosen as a National Historic Site.

This image is published and owned by the Fairmont Public Library. In partnership with the Fillmore County Historical society, the library digitized photographs depicting the history of Fillmore County. The photographs in this collection include images of local businesses, schools, and churches.

If you’re someone who like history, especially Nebraska history, check out the Nebraska Memories archive!

Nebraska Memories is a cooperative project to digitize Nebraska-related historical and cultural heritage materials and make them available to researchers of all ages via the Internet. Nebraska Memories is brought to you by the Nebraska Library Commission. If your institution is interested in participating in this project, see http://nlc.nebraska.gov/nebraskamemories/participation.aspx for more information.

Posted in General, Nebraska Memories, Preservation | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Throwback Thursday: Boy Scout

Happy #ThrowbackThursday from Nebraska Memories!

This image from 1941, shows Pete Williams sitting in the woods next to a fire. Pete Williams was a member of Boy Scout Troop 212 in Crawford, Nebraska.

This image is owned by the Crawford Historical Society and Museum. In partnership with the Crawford Public Library, a number of images from the Crawford area in the late 1800s and early 1900s were digitized.

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

Nebraska Memories is a cooperative project to digitize Nebraska-related historical and cultural heritage materials and make them available to researchers of all ages via the Internet. Nebraska Memories is brought to you by the Nebraska Library Commission. If your institution is interested in participating in this project, see http://nlc.nebraska.gov/nebraskamemories/participation.aspx for more information.

Posted in General, Nebraska Memories, Preservation | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Throwback Thursday: Toadstool Park

Greetings from Toadstool Park!

This week’s #throwback features Toadstool Park. This unusual rock formations can be found 16 miles north of Crawford, Nebraska.

This image is owned by the Crawford Historical Society and Museum and is published to Nebraska Memories by the Crawford Public Library. The Crawford Historical Society and Museum, in partnership with the Crawford Public Library, digitized a number of images of the Crawford area in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The collection includes portraits of Crawford residents, photographs of local businesses, and souvenir postcards. One notable item is the first “official” photograph of the town, taken on July 1, 1886, the day Crawford was incorporated and named.

Check it out on the Nebraska Memories archive!

Nebraska Memories is a cooperative project to digitize Nebraska-related historical and cultural heritage materials and make them available to researchers of all ages via the Internet. Nebraska Memories is brought to you by the Nebraska Library Commission. If your institution is interested in participating in this project, see http://nlc.nebraska.gov/nebraskamemories/participation.aspx for more information.

Posted in General, Nebraska Memories, Preservation | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Throwback Thursday: Adult Baptism

Check out this week’s #ThrowbackThursday from Nebraska Memories!

This early 1900 image shows Rev. Primrose baptizing a man in the Cedar River. The surrounding congregation belongs to the Cedar Valley Church.

This image was created by John Nelson. It is owned and published by History Nebraska. John Nelson was born in Sweden in 1864. He came to Nebraska with his parents at the age of 17. His photos show small town life in Nebraska during the first years of the twentieth century. His subjects include local businesses, community activities, and dearly automobiles.

If you’re someone who likes history, be sure to check out all the material on the Nebraska Memories archive. It’s a cooperative project to digitize Nebraska-related historical and cultural heritage materials and make them available to researchers of all ages via the Internet. Nebraska Memories is brought to you by the Nebraska Library Commission. If your institution is interested in participating in this project, see http://nlc.nebraska.gov/nebraskamemories/participation.aspx for more information.

Posted in General, Nebraska Memories, Preservation | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Regional Library Systems Newsletters

Stay informed with your Regional Library System’s most recent newsletter, or find out what libraries across the state are up to! You can find all archived newsletters on the NLC Regional Library Systems’ Newsletter webpage.



______________________________





______________________________





______________________________





______________________________



The Nebraska Regional Library Systems consist of four non-profit corporations governed by boards representative of libraries and citizens in the region. The four systems were established to provide access to improved library services through the cooperation of all types of libraries and media centers within the counties included in each System area. Each system offers a variety of services such as regular newsletters, meetings of library staff, workshops, consulting, and planning reflective of the needs within the region. The systems help the Nebraska Library Commission meet its goals on a more localized level.

Posted in General, Library Management, Public Relations | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Throwback Thursday: Florence Elementary School

It’s back to school with this week’s #ThrowbackThursday!

This 6 1/2″ x 4 1/2″ black and white photograph shows the interior of the first grade classroom at Florence Elementary School in 1920.

The “old” Florence school, located at 8516 N. 31st Street in Omaha, was erected by the village of Florence. The eight-room brick building was attended by almost 100 students through eighth grade. In 1917, Florence was annexed by the city of Omaha, and the school became part of the Omaha Public Schools family. In 1962, the building was retired.

This image is part of the Omaha Public Schools Archive Collection. Historical materials relating directly to the Omaha Public Schools have been located in various departments and school buildings. Many schools still maintain their own collections. In 2003, staff from the Educational Research Library / Library Services received a small grant to begin collecting and organizing these materials in a central location. This group of pictures and their accompanying stories is but a tiny part of the District’s history.

If you’re someone who likes history, especially history related to Nebraska, check out all the materials on the Nebraska Memories archive.

Nebraska Memories is a cooperative project to digitize Nebraska-related historical and cultural heritage materials and make them available to researchers of all ages via the Internet. Nebraska Memories is brought to you by the Nebraska Library Commission. If your institution is interested in participating in this project, see http://nlc.nebraska.gov/nebraskamemories/participation.aspx for more information.

Posted in General, Nebraska Memories, Preservation | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Nebraska Library Commission Awards CARES Act Grants to Advance Digital Equity

NLC Logo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 11, 2020

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Christa Porter
402-471-3107
800-307-2665

Nebraska Library Commission Awards CARES Act Grants to Advance Digital Equity

Today the Nebraska Library Commission announced the recipients of $175,105 in COVID-19 response grants to 64 libraries across the state and the Central Plains Library System. Provided by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the grants will be used by local libraries to address digital inclusion and related technical support in the context of workforce development and broadband availability, including: 

  • COVID-19 PPE Response Supplies – Disinfectant sprays and wipes; masks; gloves; sneeze guards for desks and counters; hand sanitizer stations; touchless soap/paper towel dispensers; keyboard covers.
  • Virtual Summer Reading Programs – statewide, year-long subscription to Reader Zone; virtual programming; craft bag supplies.
  • Wireless hotspots, laptops, and tablets to lend to patrons
  • Wi-Fi extenders to expand broadband access beyond the library facility
  • Digital Content: Fee to join the Nebraska OverDrive Group; additional purchases of other ebooks and audiobooks.

“Nebraska libraries have been resourceful and responsive during the COVID-19 pandemic. Acting within public health safety guidance and restrictions, libraries have sought to extend services outside of library walls.” said Nebraska Library Commission Director Rod Wagner. “Library grant funding provided through the CARES Act support libraries in acquiring needed supplies, paying for technology upgrades, purchasing digital content, and more.”

Grant recipients include:

Central Plains Library System
Albion Public Library
Arapahoe Public Library
Arcadia Township Library
Axtell Public Library
Bayard Public Library
Beaver City Public Library
Bellevue Public Library
Bennington Public Library
Broken Bow Public Library
Butler Memorial Library
Central City Public Library
Chadron Public Library
Columbus Public Library
Crawford Public Library
Dakota City Public Library
David City, Hruska Memorial Public Library
Dodge, John Rogers Memorial Library
Elmwood Public Library
Fairmont Public Library
Falls City Library & Arts Center
Franklin Public Library
Fremont, Keene Memorial Library
Friend, Gilbert Public Library
Gering Public Library
Grand Island Public Library
Grant, Hastings Memorial Library
Harrison, Sioux County Public Library
Hartington Public Library
Hemingford Public Library
Kimball Public Library
La Vista Public Library
Leigh Public Library
Louisville Public Library
Lyons Public Library
Madison Public Library
Neligh Public Library
Norfolk Public Library
North Bend Public Library
Oakland Public Library
Omaha Public Library
Ord Township Library
Oshkosh Public Library
Pender, House Memorial Library
Lied Pierce Public Library
Plymouth Public Library
Ponca Carnegie Library
Ralston, Baright Public Library
Lied Randolph Public Library
Ravenna Public Library
Sargent Township Library
Schuyler Public Library
Lied Scottsbluff Public Library
Shelby Community Library
Sutton Memorial Library
Taylor Public Library
Valentine Public Library
Verdigre Public Library
Walthill Public Library
Waterloo, Agnes Robinson Waterloo Public Library
Wausa, Lied Lincoln Township Library
Wayne Public Library
Western, Struckman-Baatz Public Library
Lied Winside Public Library
Wood River, Maltman Memorial Library

The Nebraska Library Commission received the funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to support the role of museums and libraries in responding to the coronavirus pandemic. In March, Congress provided the federal agency a total of $50 million in the CARES Act to distribute to states and territories.

IMLS Director Crosby Kemper III said, “COVID-19 has not only created a public health emergency, but it has also created a deep need for trusted community information, education, and connection that our libraries and museums are designed to provide. Access to and use of all kinds of health, job, government, educational, and community resources are necessary to weathering the current situation, beginning efforts to reopen, and sustaining our institutions.”

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.”

###

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.

Posted in General, Grants, Public Relations | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Throwback Thursday: Children Looking at Picture Books

Happy #ThrowbackThursday from Nebraska Memories!

This image of Nebraska history is published and owned by the Nebraska Library Commission. The collection includes material on the history of libraries in the state of Nebraska, mainly those built with Carnegie grants. The collection also includes items from the 1930s related to the Nebraska Public Library Commission bookmobile, as well as items showcasing the history of Nebraska’s state institutions.

If you like history, especially Nebraska history, check out the Nebraska Memories archive!

The Nebraska Memories archive is a cooperative project to digitize Nebraska-related historical and cultural heritage materials and make them available to researchers of all ages via the Internet. 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 , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Throwback Thursday: Automobile Testing Station

It’s another #throwback from Nebraska Memories!

This 8″x10″ black and white photograph from 1937 was taken in Omaha, Nebraska. It is part of the William Wentworth Collection at the Durham Museum. That collection consists of 4663 negatives of images documenting life in Omaha, Nebraska from 1934 through 1950. William Wentworth worked a freelancer and commercial photographer.

Are you a history buff? If so, check out all the materials on the Nebraska Memories archive!

Nebraska Memories is a cooperative project to digitize Nebraska-related historical and cultural heritage materials and make them available to researchers of all ages via the Internet. Nebraska Memories is brought to you by the Nebraska Library Commission. If your institution is interested in participating in this project, see http://nlc.nebraska.gov/nebraskamemories/participation.aspx for more information.

Posted in General, Nebraska Memories, Preservation | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Throwback Thursday: Students Playing Baseball

Sports are making a comeback and we’re celebrating with this week’s #ThrowbackThursday!

This black and white photograph is published and owned by the Ella Johnson Crandall Memorial Library at Union College. The library at Union College is home to an archival collection of books, periodicals, audiovisual materials, photographs, artifacts, and manuscript collections related to the history of Union College and the College View community. The photographs selected for the inclusion in Nebraska Memories include early scenes of the Union College campus and downtown College View.

Want to see more Nebraska history? Check out this and all the other collections on the Nebraska Memories archive!

Nebraska Memories is a cooperative project to digitize Nebraska-related historical and cultural heritage materials and make them available to researchers of all ages via the Internet. Nebraska Memories is brought to you by the Nebraska Library Commission. If your institution is interested in participating in this project, see http://nlc.nebraska.gov/nebraskamemories/participation.aspx for more information.

Posted in General, Nebraska Memories, Preservation | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Throwback Thursday: Edwin Lyndon

Happy #ThrowbackThursday from Nebraska Memories!

We’ve got a cute #throwback for you this week. Check out this portrait of Edwin Lyndon “Ned” May, Jr. This image is part of the Boston Studio Project and is owned by the Thorpe Opera House Foundation.

If you love history, especially Nebraska history, check out the Nebraska Memories archive! It’s a cooperative project to digitize Nebraska-related historical and cultural heritage materials and make them available to researchers of all ages via the Internet. 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 , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Throwback Thursday: Ammunition Storage

It’s another #throwback from Nebraska Memories!

This 7″ x 3-7/8″ black and white photograph shows ammunition dump, D-101, at the Sioux Army Depot. The Sioux Army Depot was established March 23, 1942 on 19,771 acres off Highway 30. The depot warehoused and distributed ammunition and general supplies. 35 farm families were forced to move to make way for the depot. The depot was deactivated on June 30, 1967.

This image is published and owned by the Cheyenne County Historical Society and Museum. Located in Sidney, the Cheyenne County Historical Society and Museum worked with the Nebraska Library Commission to digitize items from their collection of historical photographs representing people and places of Sidney, Fort Sidney, Potter, Dalton and other communities and sites in the county. Images in this collection include photographs showing business districts in the heart of these towns, troops stationed at the fort, and William Jennings Bryan speaking at the Cheyenne County Court House.

Are you a history buff? If so, browse through all the collections on the Nebraska Memories archive.

Nebraska Memories is a cooperative project to digitize Nebraska-related historical and cultural heritage materials and make them available to researchers of all ages via the Internet. 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 , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Throwback Thursday: Flag Print Clothing

We’re celebrating the 4th of July early with this week’s #ThrowbackThursday!

This black and white postcard of a man and woman wearing flag print clothing was created by John Nelson. It is published and owned by History Nebraska. John Nelson was born in Harestad, Sweden, in 1864. He came to Nebraska with his parents at the age of 17. His photographs tell the story of small town life in Nebraska during the first decades of the 20th century. Hist subjects included local businesses, community activities, and early automobiles.

Are you a history buff? If so, check out all the collections available on the Nebraska Memories archive!

Nebraska Memories is brought to you by the Nebraska Library Commission. It is a cooperative project to digitize Nebraska-related historical and cultural heritage materials and make them available to researchers of all ages via the Internet. If your institution is interested in participating in this project, see http://nlc.nebraska.gov/nebraskamemories/participation.aspx for more information.

Posted in General, Nebraska Memories, Preservation | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Throwback Thursday: Baton Twirlers

All smiles for this week’s #ThrowbackThursday!

This 3-5/8″ x 4-3/4″ black and white acetate negative shows five baton twirlers leading a parade in Columbus, Nebraska in 1939. This image is published and owned by The Durham Museum.

If you like history, check out the Nebraska Memories archive. It is a cooperative project to digitize Nebraska-related historical and cultural heritage materials and make them available to researchers of all ages via the Internet. If your institution is interested in participating in this project, see http://nlc.nebraska.gov/nebraskamemories/participation.aspx for more information. Nebraska Memories is brought to you by the Nebraska Library Commission.

Posted in General, Nebraska Memories, Preservation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Throwback Thursday: Brewery

It’s a brew-tiful day for a #throwback!

This 8″x10″ black and white acetate negative was created by William Wentworth. It is published and owned by the Durham Museum. The William Wentworth collection consists of over 4,000 negatives of images that document life in Omaha, Nebraska from 1934 to 1950. He worked as a freelance and commercial photographer, providing a unique view of architecture, businesses, and community life.

See all the materials from this collection and more on the Nebraska Memories archive.

Nebraska Memories is brought to you by the Nebraska Library Commission. It is a cooperative project to digitize Nebraska-related historical and cultural heritage materials and make them available to researchers of all ages via the Internet. If your institution is interested in participating in this project, see http://nlc.nebraska.gov/nebraskamemories/participation.aspx for more information.

Posted in General, Nebraska Memories, Preservation | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Throwback Thursday: Queen of the College World Series

It’s another #Throwback from Nebraska Memories!

This black and white photograph shows Dorothy Gredstrom being crowned the School of Nursing Seniors Queen of the College World Series in June of 1959.

This week’s #throwbackthursday is provided and owned by the Alegent Health Immanuel Medical Center. The rich and well documented history of Immanuel Medical Center in Omaha is shown in the images of early buildings, people and artifacts. An archive of thousands of photos, papers and items has been maintained for over 120 years, carefully stored and currently housed at the Alegent Health Immanuel Medical Center campus.

Look through this collection and many more on the Nebraska Memories archive!

Nebraska Memories is brought to you by the Nebraska Library Commission. It is a cooperative project to digitize Nebraska-related historical and cultural heritage materials and make them available to researchers of all ages via the Internet. If your institution is interested in participating in this project, see http://nlc.nebraska.gov/nebraskamemories/participation.aspx for more information.

Posted in General, Nebraska Memories, Preservation | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Throwback Thursday: Stratospheric Balloon Crash

Happy #Throwback Thursday from Nebraska Memories!

This week, we have a 10″x8″ black and white photograph of a stratospheric balloon crash. The crash happened fifteen miles northwest of Holdrege, Nebraska and briefly held the interest of the whole country. Captain Albert W. Stevens, Captain Orvil A. Anderson, and Major Kepner all parachuted to safety. The flight, sponsored in part by the National Geographic Society, was made for high altitude exploration and originated in Rapid City, South Dakota, reaching heights of 60,000 feet over Gothenberg, Nebraska. At least 5,000 spectators were held back by ropes.

This image is published by the Holdrege Area Public Library and is owned by the Phelps County Historical Society. The Holdrege Area Public Library partnered with the Phelps County Historical Society to digitize a collection of images portraying the history of Phelps County since the mid 1800’s. A 2008 LSTA grant funded the project. Check out the whole collection on the Nebraska Memories archive.

Nebraska Memories is brought to you by the Nebraska Library Commission. It is a cooperative project to digitize Nebraska-related historical and cultural heritage materials and make them available to researchers of all ages via the Internet. If your institution is interested in participating in this project, see http://nlc.nebraska.gov/nebraskamemories/participation.aspx for more information.

Posted in General, Nebraska Memories, Preservation | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Throwback Thursday: Aerial View of Omaha

Take a look at this week’s #ThrowbackThursday!

This black and white lantern slide shows an aerial view of Omaha, Nebraska, taken from the Omaha National Bank building, located on the corner of 17th and Farnam streets.

This image is owned and published by Omaha Public Library. Items in this collection include early Omaha-related maps, as well as over 1,100 postcards and photographs of the Omaha area. Check out the whole collection and more on the Nebraska Memories archive.

Nebraska Memories is brought to you by the Nebraska Library Commission. It is a cooperative project to digitize Nebraska-related historical and cultural heritage materials and make them available to researchers of all ages via the Internet. If your institution is interested in participating in this project, see http://nlc.nebraska.gov/nebraskamemories/participation.aspx for more information.

Posted in General, Nebraska Memories, Preservation | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Throwback Thursday: Ezra Meeker at Chimney Rock

Happy #ThrowbackThursday from Nebraska Memories!

This early 1900’s postcard shows Ezra Meeker standing in front of an oxen-drawn wagon with Chimney Rock in the background.

In 1852, Ezra Meeker traveled the Oregon Trail with his wife and newborn son by wagon. In 1906-1908, Meeker traveled back along the Oregon Trail to bring attention to the importance of the trail and the people who traveled it. Chimney Rock was one of the most important landmarks on the trail.

This image is published and owned by the Nebraska Library Commission. The Commission’s collection includes material on the history of libraries in Nebraska, items related to the Nebraska Public Library Commission bookmobile, and items showcasing Nebraska’s state institutions. See all the materials on the Nebraska Memories archive.

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

Posted in General, Nebraska Memories, Preservation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Throwback Thursday: Glimpses of Omaha

Look what we found on the Nebraska Memories archive!

This week’s #ThrowbackThursday features four views showing glimpses of Omaha, Nebraska. The top left image shows a birds-eye view of Capitol Avenue looking east from 16th Street. The top right image displays Farnam Street looking east. The bottom left picture shows Douglas Street looking east from 15th Street and the bottom right picture shows a birds-eye view of downtown looking northwest.

This image is provided and published by the Omaha Public Library. The items in this collection include early Omaha-related maps as well as over 1,100 postcards and photographs of the Omaha area. See everything in this collection on the Nebraska Memories archive.

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

Posted in General, Nebraska Memories, Preservation | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment