Admission is free on Saturday, July 4th, at the Nebraska History Museum, Chimney Rock Ethel S. and Christopher J. Abbott Visitor Center, Fort Robinson History Center, Senator George Norris State Historic Site in McCook, and Neligh Mill State Historic Site in Neligh. Sponsored by the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation, historic sites will have special programming for the whole family to enjoy in celebration of America's 250th birthday! Nebraska History Museum • Open 9 am to 4 pm • Explore the new Our Nebraska: The Place, Its People, & Their Impact exhibit and the 250 years of layered, interconnected histories. Then ask yourself, who is a notable Nebraskan in your life? What makes them notable? • View a screening of "The American Buffalo," a documentary by Ken Burns, presented in partnership with Nebraska Public Media. Episode One begins at 10 a.m. and Episode Two at 1 p.m., plus a chance to explore touchable bison artifacts and learn more about the history and impact of the American bison. • What is your wish for Nebraska/USA in the next 250 years? Write, draw, or share YOUR vision on the national Wish Wall. • Find an artifact to represent you, then create a mini puzzle of Nebraska to take home! • Play bingo while discovering how Nebraskans helped shape the state and nation through agriculture, inventions, and more! • Create a meaningful community paper chain by writing a thank-you note to our sponsor, the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation. Chimney Rock Ethel S. and Christopher J. Abbott Visitor Center • Open 9 am to 4 pm • Travel back in time as you complete an interactive Oregon Trail game by Gracia Taffe of Scottsbluff. Learn about all the different aspects of the Oregon Trail and the people who traveled it. Cross dangerous rivers, gather fuel for a fire, pack your wagon with the right supplies, and discover the important landmarks that tell whether you are on the right track. • Celebrate America’s 250th birthday! Using chalk, draw a picture that represents your wish for Nebraska and America in the next 250 years! • Explore the outdoors as you search for hidden natural treasures and discover the plants, animals, and history that make Chimney Rock unique through this fun, family-friendly scavenger hunt. • Get hands-on with history as you explore our touchable artifacts and discover the stories behind Chimney Rock and the Oregon Trail.
• Add your name, hometown, and a favorite fact about Chimney Rock onto a paper strip that will be linked together with others to create a colorful community chain.
Fort Robinson History Center
• Open 9 am to 4 pm
• Explore the museum's artifacts on a scavenger hunt to trace the history and roles of Fort Robinson and go on a historical marker scavenger hunt around the park to fill-in the Fort's timeline.
• Before or after Crawford's community parade at 10 am, join us at the various historic buildings across the park to learn more about their role.
- Old Parade Ground (10 am): Discover the Fort's early history and the roles that it played throughout the 1870s and the 1880s.
- Veterinarian Hospital (11:15 am): Explore the history of the Regimental Remount—the role that horses and mules held during the late 19th century and early 20th century.
- 1887 Officers' Quarters (12:30 pm): How did the Fort grow in the mid 1880’s? Learn about the arrival of the railroad, the stationed Buffalo Soldiers, and the events of Wounded Knee in 1890.
- Blacksmith and Harness Shop (1:45 pm): What was the role of a blacksmith, and what equipment was made and needed for handling horses and mules?
Senator George Norris State Historic Site
• Open 12 pm to 5 pm
• Enjoy a guided tour of the home and learn more about the life and career of Senator George Norris! Tours will start each hour between 1 pm and 4 pm.
• Want to explore the Norris House on your own? Take one of our scavenger hunts and take an exciting adventure into the past!
• Test your Nebraska knowledge with a lively outdoor trivia game on the home's beautiful front lawn.
• Celebrate America’s 250th birthday! Using chalk, draw a picture that represents your wish for Nebraska and America in the next 250 years!
Neligh Mill State Historic Site
• Open 10 am to 4:30 pm
• Step inside the historic flour mill on a guided tour and discover how the mill operated, the people who worked there, and the stories that shaped the community.
• Sift through Nebraska’s only remaining 19th-century flour mill with its original 1880s equipment! Explore every corner of the historic flour mill with our fun scavenger hunt that will take you both inside and outside to uncover the history of milling in Nebraska.
Admission is always free at the Sen. George Norris, John G. Neihardt, and Neligh Mill State Historic Sites. For more information, visit history.nebraska.gov/explore/.
*Note: Fort Robinson is a state park requiring a pass from Nebraska Game and Parks to enter. Click here to purchase a park permit.
Special thanks to the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation for sponsoring this special day celebrating the United States of America's 250th birthday!
