Kimball Museum receives Smithsonian exhibit in 2021

KIMBALL, Neb. Plains Historical Society Museum in Kimball has been chosen to receive the Smithsonian exhibit in September 2021.

This exhibit, called Crossroads Change Rural America, will focus and highlight changes across rural America and small towns from 1900 to 2000.

Humanities Nebraska put in the request to be chosen, running from September 11th, 2021 to September 30rd, 2021 to go hand and hand with Farmers Day.

Kimball is adding their components that helped them thrive and survive as a community including the oil industry booming in the 1950s, the Intercontinental Ballistic Mission Program in the 1960s and 2/3rds of the area being agriculture related.

The board will add panel discussions, displays and involve the Panhandle and Eastern Wyoming residents including Banner County and Pine Bluffs.

With discussion, the Board hopes to include the military, Ag community and railroad personnel.

“I think most everybody recognizes the prestige of having a Smithsonian display at their local museum,” said Tim Nolting, Chairman of Board. “I think for Kimball, this is something to be very excited about.”

The goal for the museum is 2,500 to 3,000 people with the expectation to exceed it.

Nolting is aiming to see the exhibit in person in Kansas this summer.

From now until further notice, the museum is closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The museum is usually open on an appointment basis, weekends and alternatively during the week over the summer.

Once it reopens, staff will keep it sanitized and cleaned daily.

In the future, the Board will be campaigning for funds to restore the building and the Fraternal Hall.

The Board is applying for grants and getting bids.