Cedar County Historical Society and Museum History
The Cedar County Historical Society was formed back in 1963 by a group of enthusiastic Cedar County residents who had a vision to preserve the history of Cedar County. Articles of incorporation, by-laws and the constitution were adopted. The initial meetings and some displays were held at the old office building of REA, the local power company. Funding came from member dues of two dollars, monetary donations, fund raising events and some help from the county commissioners. Then President Louis Riibe, appointed six committee heads to cover the Library, Museum, Publicity, Historical Sites, Program and Executive committees.
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The historical museum was moved to its current and permanent location in 1964 following the donation of the main museum house, carriage barn and the land by the four daughters of A.K. (Anton Kasper) and Clara Walz Lammers in memory of their parents and the part they played in the early development of Cedar County. The daughters requested that the home and barn be used as a museum to preserve the history and culture of Cedar County.
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In 1983, a log cabin that was built in 1869 north of Hartington was donated and was moved to the museum property. In 1996, a large exhibit building was established for the purpose of expanding the display area, which was needed for the larger antiques and the over-flowing number of articles that were continually being donated.
The Cedar County Historical Society and Museum would not be a reality today if it were not for the initial founders of the Historical Society, the generosity of the Lammers family and the countless number of dedicated volunteers over the years who had and have a passion to preserve the past and keep the museum a vibrant historical record of the past. There is pride that resonates among the many volunteers who over time has made the Cedar County Historical Museum one of the best museums of its kind in Nebraska. The future of the museum, like any non-profit museum, continually requires new people to step up and take the reins and lead to keep this historical masterpiece alive for many generations to come so that we can pass on this history and never forget our proud Cedar County past.