A brief history of cornhusking contests…

When you hear the word ‘cornhuskers’ in Nebraska, most people tend to think of the football team, but here at Stuhr Museum, the word means something different. Corn husking, corn-husking, or cornhusking, however you choose to spell it, simply means “the removal of the husk from an ear of corn,” making those who perform the task ‘cornhuskers.’

Cornhusking contests in the Midwest date back to the early 1920s, with the first contest being held by mail-in form in Iowa in 1922. By the following year, it was decided that the contest should be held in person, and several surrounding states joined by holding their own contests by the year after that. It didn’t take long for the idea of holding a National Hand Cornhusking Contest to come along, and in 1936, an article in TIME Magazine contained the following quote: “By 1930 champion cornhuskers from nine Corn Belt States were entered and the crowd had swelled to 30,000. Since then corn-husking has been the fastest growing sporting spectacle in the world. Last year, at Newtown, Ind., 110,000 spectators were on hand when Elmer Carlson of Audubon, Iowa, set the incredible record of 41½ bushels in 80 minutes, through the fat rows of Leslie Mitchell’s farm.”

2025 Contest Results

Be a part of history – compete in the 2026 Nebraska State Hand Cornhusking Contest!

Stuhr Museum is the proud home of the Nebraska State Hand Cornhusking Contest for the fourth year, and we hope that you can join us for some fun competition! The Cornhusking Contest will be held on September 19, 2026. 
Contest check-in: 9:00-9:45 am
Opening Ceremony: 10:00 am
Picking begins with the team pick contest following the opening ceremony. 

Register for the 2026 Contest

2026 Nebraska State Hand Cornhusking Contest t-shirts are available now for pre-order!
Adult Small – XL: $15 + tax
Adult 2XL-3XL: $18 + tax
Youth Sizes Small – L: $12 + tax
Toddler Sizes 2T-4T: $12 + tax

Pre-order by September 3 to ensure your size!

T-shirts will be ready for pick-up at the contest on September 19th or you can select shipping options at check-out.

Pre-order your t-shirt today!

Visit an 1890s Agricultural Fair!

Agricultural fairs in the United States planted their roots in the early 19th century. The earliest fairs primarily consisted of demonstrations, such as sheep shearing, and livestock showcases, where animals were judged and awarded prizes. Fairs eventually grew to include a variety of activities for men, women, and children, from exhibiting projects they had created to shopping at merchant tents. New technology, music, and fair food also became integral parts of the fair experience.

This year sees the 1895 Railroad Town Agricultural Fair at Stuhr Museum. The items entered by Railroad Town’s citizens will reflect the types of exhibits that might have been seen in this era at a fair. Many farmers would bring their best garden and field produce. Ladies would bring knitting, embroidery, and other handiworks, as well as canned goods, baking, and more. Tradesmen would bring metalwork and woodwork examples of their work to be judged as well. Children might also bring projects they’d created, from artwork to stitching samplers and more!

Carnival games in the 1890s are surprisingly similar to the ones found on midways today, just without the bright flashing lights and spinning rides accompanying them. Games such as the ring toss, bean bag throw, and others are classic games you’ll find at this year’s agricultural fair. A photo booth of sorts, palm reading, and collections of ancient artifacts will also be available to experience. Carnivals and other forms of entertainment, such as a medicine show in the past, or a concert today, have a way of drawing in folks to see the fair who might not necessarily be interested in exhibiting their work. These attractions serve the important purpose of helping to bring the whole community together for an event celebrating the accomplishments and skills of their neighbors.

Exhibit your best work at the 1896 Railroad Town Agricultural Fair!

We encourage entries of all kinds, from historically accurate reproductions to modern creations inspired by historic recipes, patterns, techniques, and traditions. Whether you’ve carefully recreated the past or given it a contemporary twist, your work has a place at the Agricultural Fair. See the premium list for examples of entries that would be accepted in 1896. You may enter the fair online or by bringing your entries to the fair between 8:30-10:00 am on Saturday, or make arrangements to drop them off in advance. 

1896 Premium List           Online Fair Entry Form

1896 Railroad Town Agricultural Fair | September 19, 2026

FairGrounds Open:  Saturday: 10 am – 4 pm

The 1896 Railroad Town Agricultural Fair will be held at the Cleary Farm west of Railroad Town. See exhibits such as needlework, food, preserves, produce, art, woodworking, metalworking, leatherworking, arranged flowers, and more! The public is welcome to come and see the exhibits, or make entries of their own! More details about exhibiting your items at the fair can be found here.

Scheduled Events

11:00 am & 3:00 pm: Professor Lysander B. Jones’ Traveling Medicine Show

Check back for more scheduled events soon!

Step back into the age of steam, steel, and horsepower as antique and vintage tractors from across the region roll into Stuhr Museum for the Fall Festival Tractor Show. Admire these beautifully preserved pieces of agricultural history on display throughout the day, and don’t miss the tractor parade at 1 p.m. as these timeless machines show they’re still ready to roll.

Interested in displaying your tractor? Contact Joel at (308) 385-5316 or jspringer@stuhrmuseum.org.

If you would be willing to help for a shift during the Nebraska State Hand Cornhusking Contest, please fill out the form below. Contact info@stuhrmuseum.org or call (308) 385-5316 for questions. Thank you!