"Springing Forward"
This year, the month of April has been one of growth for us here at the Plainsman Museum. As the magnolia flowers blossom outside the front entrance, it's amazing to think how we too have blossomed after such a difficult year. As the strong Nebraska winds have tossed around the boughs of the magnolia trees, challenges have still buffeted our efforts for growth as well. Yet we've been able to weather the storm, and we are ready to "spring forward" into a new season with hope and optimism!
"Community Works"
During this spring, our staff and volunteers were hard at working bringing our long-awaited "Community Works" exhibition to life. This had been an ongoing project in partnership with the Smithsonian Institution since 2019, and it was very exciting to see all our efforts finally come to fruition! As we explored the who, where, why and how of work for the last 150 years of Hamilton County's history, it was inspiring to reflect on those same questions in our own time.
As workplaces, schools, gatherings and events begin to open back up after such long periods of lock down during the pandemic, it really makes us appreciate all the more the feeling of emerging into a new season of life, and looking back with gratitude to those who made this moving on possible. Today, our "community works" as we move forward into this new and exciting time!
* "Community Works" will be on display in the rotunda of the main building until the end of April, at which time it will retire for the summer and return for the month of September. For more information, see our official "Community Works" webpage - (x)
Local Generosity & Exhibit Renovations
Throughout the Plainsman Museum's existence, our mission has been supported by the generous contributions of our volunteers and surrounding community. We would not have made it this far without such support, and we are so grateful to those who gave of their time, talents and resources to help us continue our "journey through yesterday!" From our volunteers working tirelessly in the shop and the office, to those donating to our annual fundraiser; from local construction companies aiding in much-needed renovations to our buildings, to individuals sponsoring us with their memberships - we've been able to keep our head above water because of the outpouring of generosity, even during such uncertain times as this last year.
THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!
* We are currently aiming to reopen the Bates House exhibit later this spring. Thank you to all of the volunteers, and employees over at Paschke Bros. Construction and K.E.N. Roofing, Home Repair and Remodeling for helping us restore this historic building! We will post updates as further progress is made on the Wesley Huenefeld Agricultural Museum.
What's Next?
As spring marches on in 2021, we are looking forward to welcoming several school tours before the end of the academic year. On May 6th, the museum will once again be participating in the annual Go Big GIVE campaign. (Pre-giving is currently underway!) We are also very excited to be preparing for Aurora's 150th Anniversary celebration this summer! In collaboration with B&B Productions, and with sponsorship from the City of Aurora and Hamilton Community Foundation, we are looking forward to bringing you all a special film event premiering in June in honor of this anniversary. The museum is also selling commemorative t-shirts as stylish memorabilia for this historic year!
Additional events coming up include the Nimble Thimble Quilt Guild Quilt Show (June 24 - 26), Day on the Farm (Sept. 12) and our annual Winter Wonderland of Trees (Dec. 1 - 31). See our events calendar, Facebook page and website for more event details and updates as we continue to "spring forward" at the Plainsman Museum!
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