A Lesser-Known Side Of Nebraska History Is On Display At The Sandhills Heritage Museum
One of the best qualities Nebraskans possess is our willingness to help one another. It was an absolute necessity in the state’s early days when settlers realized that a huge portion of the state, now known as the Sandhills, was incapable of supporting crops. Over the years the Sandhills region has become cattle country, thanks to the ranchers and families who helped one another succeed. That legacy is on display at the Sandhills Heritage Museum, a place that strives to keep alive the spirit and history of this unique area.
The little village of Dunning, in Blaine County, has a population that hovers right around 100 people. Even in its heyday, it was never much bigger than this, and that suits the folks around here just fine.
At the beginning of the 21st century, locals began to fear that the history and heritage of the area were being forgotten. They pulled together to come up with a way to preserve the unique past of the Sandhills, and the Sandhills Heritage Museum was born.
The museum is housed in the town's former bank/post office, which was donated to the cause by a local family. The building itself is a historic gem and still includes the bank vault, original tin ceiling tiles, and the area that was once the post office. Out front, the original hitching post still invites visitors to hitch up their horses while they visit.
The space is small but full of interesting displays that bring the region's unique history to life. There are objects from local families and businesses, little mementos of the lives that have played out in Blaine County for the past 100+ years.
There are objects from the cattle trade on display, along with information about the families who fought through impossible circumstances to build successful ranches here.
Past residents are honored as well, with some of the displays giving nods to the school that used to be located in Dunning. Others tell the stories of events that once played out on the dusty streets of this Old West town.
Locals have loaned and donated interesting objects from their own personal collections, such as this display of sheriff badges from each of Nebraska's 93 counties.
Volunteers put plenty of time and work into reconstructing the former post office. Seeing the old bank and post office elements together, as they were so many generations ago, really gives a unique firsthand look at what Dunning was like in its early days.
The museum is typically open weekends during the summer only. For more information about hours, exhibits, and future events, check out the museum’s Facebook page.
If you want to really get to know the Sandhills, there’s no better way than traveling the region yourself – take a look at our previous article on the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway.
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As a lifelong Nebraskan, Delana loves discovering the many hidden treasures of her state. She has worked as a writer and editor since 2007. Delana's work has been featured on more than a dozen websites and in Nebraska Life Magazine.
