On the Homefront: WWII in Nebraska

May 18 – August 25

The scale of human loss suffered due to the events of World War II is incalculable. Of the approximately eighty million people who lost their lives during this conflict overseas, 3,626 called Nebraska their home. 78 of those came from Hall County, Nebraska. For the American families who lost loved ones in battle, further turmoil awaited them as most soldiers were not returned home until after the War due to the logistical and resource constraints of returning thousands upon thousands of soldiers killed in action to their homes and families for burial. Only after the war in 1946 as part of the “Return the Dead” program were many of the nation’s, and Nebraska’s, soldiers returned home to be buried and forever memorialized.

While these realities confronted the soldiers abroad, countless men, women, and children lived with the numerous ongoing fears and uncertainties that justly surrounded the years that Americans were, first isolated, and then ultimately involved in the conflict; between 1939-1945. During this time, life found a way to move forward at home.

This exhibit will highlight how regular Americans got on with the business of living during these tumultuous and anxious times. The culture was immeasurably impacted from the War. Photographs taken during this period capture the unique events that transpired because of the war effort. Artifacts displayed in the exhibit offer glimpses into some of the most important facets of day-to-day life in Nebraska that emerged as a result of the War. Through viewing all of these materials together, and by hearing the stories that each of these artifacts can offer about the individuals who experienced this world changing era, a clearer understanding of how this War impacted the lives of ordinary Nebraskans can be seen and learned from.

Upcoming Exhibits