“ It’ s something we can hang our hat on, and no one else can,” said Cogdill.
North of the main building, stands the Cullan-Littrel Building, home to the Marcus Cain Machinery collection. Cain was a local farmer and innovator who was widely regarded as a“ mechanical genius” well ahead of his time. He designed and built laborsaving equipment for use on his farm south of Chadron. His one-of-a-kind inventions were never patented and are an exhibit unique to Dawes County.
The museum hosts several annual events, including History in Action day on the last Sunday in September. The event features live demonstrations of pioneer-era skills, inviting visitors to get hands-on experience churning butter, shelling corn and pressing apples. Horse-drawn wagon and buggy rides, music and homemade pies round out the celebration.
This summer, the museum will host the Spark! Smithsonian exhibition tour from August 3 through September 11. The traveling tour highlights innovation in rural America from the perspective of people who lived it, featuring stories, art, photography, artifacts and interactive displays.
Throughout the year the museum hosts school field trips and an annual Garden Party in June.
In addition, the museum publishes a free monthly paper called Chadron’ s Golden Age Courier. Supported by advertising and volunteer contributors, the publication serves as a primary source of revenue for the organization. According to Rickenbach, the paper“ keeps our lights on.” Donations and annual memberships also help sustain operations.
Last year, the museum welcomed more than 1,200 visitors from 36 states and five foreign countries.
Visitors are encouraged to plan plenty of time to explore the campus, which is open May 1 through September 30, Monday through Saturday, 10 a. m.- 4 p. m. and Sundays and holidays from 1 to 5 p. m.
In a fast-moving world where yesterday can easily be forgotten, the Dawes County Historical Museum stands as a steady reminder of where the community began and how far it has come. Through the dedication of its volunteers and the stories carefully preserved within its walls, the museum ensures that the spirit, grit and ingenuity of Northwest Nebraska will continue to inspire future generations.
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