Museum of The High Plains

05/26/2026

Since 1971, Memorial Day has been observed on the last Monday of May.

However, the roots of Memorial Day, then known as Decoration Day, date back to the Civil War era. Local commemorations, the first of which were organized by women and African Americans, involved laying flowers on the graves of soldiers who perished during the war.

More on the origins of Memorial Day: https://s.si.edu/3RHmNUN

📷: “Decoration Day: They Gave Their All” postcard, Archives Center, Warshaw Collection of Business Americana

05/25/2026

05/21/2026

We are OPEN tonight until 8pm. Stop in for an informative "name that vintage medical tool" activity!

05/09/2026

Great interview with long-time resident and past president of the High Plains Historical Society!

McCOOK, Neb. -- In McCook, lifelong resident John Hubert is known as a longtime businessman, a reliable staple in community life and the man at the wheel of the old fire engine in the Heritage Days Parade. What is unknown to many is that Hubert is among the few men who can say that they held the job...

05/02/2026

This is a great program to learn about all of the things to do in Nebraska this summer.

05/01/2026

Happy May Day! 💐💐💐 May Day has a long history and tradition in England, some of which eventually came to America. Children would dance around the maypole, holding onto colorful ribbons. People would “bring in the May” by gathering wildflowers and green branches, weaving floral hoops and hair garlands, and crowning a May king and queen.

Traditionally, today was the halfway point between the spring equinox and the summer solstice. In ancient times, this was one of the Celtic cross-quarter days, which marked the midway points between the (four) solstices and equinoxes of the year.

Do you gather 'round the Maypole or leave flowers on your neighbors' doorsteps? Here are our 10 favorite ways to celebrate this floral holiday! Almanac.com/may-day

04/24/2026

The first Arbor Day was celebrated in Nebraska City, Nebraska on April 10, 1872 a vision of journalist Julius Sterling Morton. Today Arbor Day is celebrated on the last Friday in April in the United States. It is marked by the planting of trees and emphasizes caring for them as a way to sustainably protect our planet’s natural resources. People often dedicate trees to loved ones. Morton’s words about Arbor Day resonate strongly today, as climate change becomes a crisis: “Other holidays repose upon the past; Arbor Day proposes for the future." (Reposted from last year)