Nebraska: State Highlight in Midwestern United States
NHPRC Funds Multiple Projects Preserving Nebraska's Historical Records
The National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC) has allocated significant funds to various institutions in Nebraska, aiming to preserve and protect the state's rich historical records. The total funding for these projects amounts to $1,476,666 between 1965 and 2021.
Preservation of Historical Records
One of the key purposes of these projects is to preserve important archival materials that document Nebraska's history, culture, governance, and society. The University of Nebraska at Omaha, for instance, is collaborating with the Great Plains Black History Museum to arrange and describe their archival collection, receiving $150,000 for the effort.
Improving Access to Historical Documents
By funding the organization, cataloging, and digitization of records, these projects enhance public and scholarly access to Nebraska’s primary source materials. The Nebraska State Historical Society is receiving $148,492 to migrate approximately 1,400 government record and manuscript finding aids into ArchivesSpace, contributing to this goal.
Supporting Scholarly Research
Publications resulting from these projects provide authoritative historical editions, documentary collections, and finding aids. The University of Nebraska, Lincoln is receiving $437,416 for the Charles W. Chesnutt Archive (2021-24), which will undoubtedly support historians, genealogists, students, and others in conducting accurate, evidence-based research.
Promoting Public Understanding and Engagement
Making historical records and publications more available encourages broader public interest and understanding of Nebraska’s heritage. The Western Heritage Museum, for example, is receiving $22,544 to preserve and make available the Bostwick-Frohardt Photograph Collection.
Ensuring Professional Archival Standards
NHPRC funding often promotes the implementation of best practices and professional standards in archival management. The Nebraska State Historical Society is receiving $14,566 to develop an in-house paper conservation program and a conservation consultation service, ensuring Nebraska’s historical records are preserved and maintained in accordance with nationally recognized protocols.
Documenting Diverse Narratives
Over the decades, projects help recover and document the experiences and histories of diverse communities within Nebraska, enabling a more inclusive and comprehensive historical record. The Adams County Historical Society is receiving $12,057 to arrange and describe textual and photographic records relating to Adams County and its environs.
In summary, NHPRC-funded projects in Nebraska from 1965 to 2021 have been crucial for preserving the state’s historical records, improving access, supporting research, and promoting public engagement, thereby safeguarding Nebraska’s documentary heritage for present and future generations.
In the realm of Nebraska's archaeological landscape, these projects also extend to documenting diverse narratives, such as the $12,057 grant awarded to the Adams County Historical Society for preserving records related to the county's history.
Moreover, ensuring professional standards is another focus, with the Nebraska State Historical Society receiving $14,566 to develop an in-house paper conservation program and consultation service, consequently maintaining the state's historical records according to nationally recognized protocols.
Beyond preservation, these projects often intersect with industries like finance and real-estate, as public understanding and engagement in Nebraska's history can impact the housing-market and real-estate investments. For example, the Western Heritage Museum's preservation and distribution of the Bostwick-Frohardt Photograph Collection seeks to foster broader public interest in Nebraska’s heritage, which may contribute to a more holistic appreciation of the state's unique character, potentially benefiting local businesses and the economy at large.
