Research

A collection of books and archival materials relating to the history of Hall County and Central Nebraska from the 1840s until 1930.

The Library and Archives of the Stuhr Museum are located in the Edgar and Frances Reynolds Research Center. The Reynolds Center was made possible by generous grants from the Edgar and Frances Reynolds Foundation, Inc. and the Peter Kiewit Foundation.

The Research Department is open to all individuals interested in historical research and study. The department also offers seminars, workshops, and programs in genealogical and historical research; using local history in the classroom; preservation of family heirlooms; and interpreting family heirlooms, including photographs, textiles, and many other objects. To find out about other programs or to schedule a program contact Facility Sales for more information.

Hours:

Due to a small staff, please contact the Research Department at least 24 hours prior to your visit to make certain a staff member will be available.

January through March

Closed Mondays
Tuesday thru Friday: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday: By appointment only
Sunday: CLOSED

April through December

Monday thru Friday: 9a.m. to 5p.m.
Saturday: By appointment only
Sunday: CLOSED

Contact us: research@stuhrmuseum.org

Description of Holdings

The Research Department’s collection contains books and archival materials relating to the history of Hall County and Central Nebraska from the 1840s until 1930. The Stuhr Museum possesses an excellent facility where the collection is stored in a climatically controlled environment with chemical fire suppression. The Research Department operates as a specialized, non-lending closed stack library and archive. All materials may only be used in the Research Library under staff supervision. The following is a partial list of the materials contained within the Research Department’s collection:

  • Books – period and contemporary
  • Modern and historical newsletters and periodicals
  • Federal and State Records
    • United States land records
    • United States and Nebraska census records for Hall County
      • 1860, 1870, 1880, 1885, 1900, 1910
  • Hall County newspapers on microfilm
    • Grand Island, 1870-1921
    • Cairo, 1907-1936
    • Doniphan, 1896-1925
    • Wood River, 1895-1922
  • City directories and telephone books
  • Maps, atlases, and plat books
  • Posters and broadsides
  • Photographs, postcards, scrapbooks, and albums
  • Oral history tapes and transcripts
  • Manuscripts from families and business of Hall County [See List]
  • Research files for Hall County families and businesses
  • Cemetery records and plot maps
  • Genealogical databases for Hall County
    • Hall County marriages
    • Anniversary announcements
    • Obituaries
    • Naturalization records

Research Department’s collection

There is no fee for visitors to view and research items in the Research Department’s collection. Stuhr Museum staff may be hired to conduct research and provide reproductions for a fee. See the Fee Schedule for the Research Department.