National Historical Society expands public research hours

LINCOLN — Starting Oct. 7, the public will have more opportunities to peruse the archives of the Nebraska Historical Society for research purposes.

Visiting hours are expanding for the James E. Potter Research Room, which is open weekdays (except Tuesdays) from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Previously, the room was only open one morning a week, a controversial move by former historical society director Trevor Jones.

Restoring more access to research labs is one of the stated goals of recently appointed interim director Cindy Drake.

Drake said in the news release that while much of the society’s historical and genealogical information is online, “a large portion is only available in person.”

“These new hours will better serve researchers, students and the public,” she said.

The Research Office provides books, maps, and newspapers as well as the Nebraska State Archives, which includes unpublished manuscripts, photographs, film/audio, and public records. Trained staff are available to guide researchers in the use of materials.

For more information, please visit https://history.nebraska.gov.

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