Hall County Historical Society

06/27/2025

We have something exciting coming up this September at the historic Grand Theatre!

We will give you a hint. This native born son of Grand Island went on to become a legend on the stage and screen…any guesses?

06/17/2025

We have 5 of our Centennial markers installed, the remaining 6 will be in place this summer!

One of 11 new Nebraska State Historical Markers in Hall County as part of the Hall County Historical Society's "Centennial Marker Project"—this Marker Monday, we travel to Cairo, where the streets may have Middle Eastern/North African names, but the pronunciation is very Nebraskan.

Marker Text: https://history.nebraska.gov/marker-monday-cairo-oasis-of-the-prairie/

06/07/2025

**Please note and share: The time listed in the Grand Island Independent for the Saturday afternoon tour is incorrect. Tours on Saturday, June 7, are at 9 am and 3 pm (not 4 pm).

We hope to see another great crowd out at the cemetery today to learn more about our community history!

06/06/2025

The forecast calls for 70s and partially cloudy with a slight chance of rain on Saturday morning and high risk warning for mosquitos, but no lightening to stop the tours. So put on your walking shoes, grab some bug spray, bring an umbrella if you would like, and join us for what looks like a gorgeous weekend for cemetery tours!

We look forward to sharing our 2025 featured stories with you on Friday at 5 pm or Saturday at 9 am or 3 pm. Tours are free to HCHS members and $10 for non-members.

06/05/2025

We have 3 more markers up! Check out the Farmstead Resettlement Community (Farmstead Road and Hwy 34); Schimmer’s Lake (Hall County Park); and Farm Families Displaced (70th & Airport Roads) markers. We will schedule dedications for all 3 soon.

06/03/2025

Can you believe it is already the first weekend of June? You know what that means - time for Cemetery Tours!

Meet us this Friday (June 6) at 5 pm or Saturday (June 7) at 9 am and 3 pm at the Grand Island City Cemetery to learn more about our community history through stories about early residents. The tours are free to HCHS members and $10 for non-members.

This year we will be on the south side of Stolley Park Road, meet us on the far west side (right next to the fence that runs parallel to Webb Road.) We cannot wait to share the stories we have discovered with you this year!

06/01/2025

Several months ago we were contacted by a genealogy library in Ohio about “some records and photos connected to Hall County.” We agreed to take a look at them. Much to our surprise 3 large boxes filled with genealogy research, school and vital records, letters, and family photographs just arrived. Central Nebraska communities represented in the boxes include Grand Island, Cairo, Wood River, Shelton, Polk, and more! Welcome home to the Dulitz, Findley, Glause, Philbrick, Thiel, and Thienel families! We will find a place for your family history here in Hall County.

05/30/2025

Join us tonight (Friday, May 30) at 7pm in Wood River for the dedication of the “Rerouting of the Lincoln Highway” Nebraska State Historical Society marker.

05/02/2025

Thank you for your support of HCHS and our mission to preserve and share Hall County’s history and heritage.

05/01/2025

We know there are a lot of great organizations to support today. HCHS appreciates all the support we receive from our members and community. EVERY dollar donated makes a difference and helps advance our mission to preserve and share Hall County's history and heritage.

https://www.gobiggive.org/organization/HallNEHistory

05/01/2025

10 reasons why we hope you will consider making a gift to the Hall County Historical Society this year during Go Big GIVE.

#1 Can you name another Nebraska county historical society that is supporting the production of a documentary film that will be shown on PBS stations nationwide this year?

Click and GIVE: https://www.gobiggive.org/organization/HallNEHistory

Watch for updates on the release of “A Life Well Lived” at Chimney Rock Media.

04/30/2025

10 reasons why we hope you will consider making a gift to the Hall County Historical Society this year during Go Big GIVE.

#2 Hall County has more historical markers than 91 other Nebraska counties…Douglas County, we are coming for your spot!

Click and GIVE: https://www.gobiggive.org/organization/HallNEHistory