PONCA - One of Nebraska’s oldest houses is getting new life.

Tyler and Kaylnn Newton and their family recently bought the house in Ponca. Tyler says the Nebraska State Historical Society told the family it is the oldest single-family dwelling still in use in the state.

He says the previous owner was an antique dealer using the house as storage. Countless historical items were left in the house.

“11 sets of antiques silverware - complete sets. An overwhelming amount of clocks, chairs, furniture, things made of silver. It’s a living museum pretty much right now," Newton said.

The family says the exterior of the house is mostly original and dates back to the mid 1800s. It was the second house built in Ponca and was first inhabited by Solomon and Helena Stough.

Tyler is a Scottsbluff native and says the family takes owning a piece of state history seriously.

“I definitely wanted to raise my kids back in Nebraska and finding a home here was really important. Finding something that is so native to Nebraska is really an honor," Newton said.

The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The family is living in South Dakota while renovations are made inside of the house.