Nemaha County Historical Society Fund

Goal: $20,000.00

Specific Need

Help Us Tell Nemaha County’s Story

Since 1976, the Nemaha County Historical Society has worked to collect, preserve, and share the rich history of Nemaha County. A vital part of that mission is caring for the society's historic buildings—the Sheriff's Residence and Jail and the Military Museum, housed in the former Seneca Masonic Temple.

Preserving these historic buildings requires ongoing maintenance and improvements.

In 2018, a State of Kansas grant funded the installation of a waterproofing membrane around the Military Museum basement to protect the building from moisture damage. Over time, portions of the membrane have been disturbed. With the recommendation and approval of local contractor Dick Miller, flashing will be installed above the membrane later this year to prevent water from seeping behind it and to help protect the building for years to come.

Accessibility is also an important priority. Following the addition of a wheelchair-accessible ramp, the museum is now adding a designated accessible parking space. Once completed, visitors with mobility challenges will be able to enter the museum more safely and conveniently, allowing more people to experience Nemaha County's military history.

Work is also underway to preserve the Sheriff's Residence, with painting of the historic cornice and roof overhang to protect the building from weather-related deterioration and maintain its historic character.

Your support during STEP Foundation Match Day will help us continue these important preservation projects. Every gift helps safeguard these historic buildings so they can educate and inspire future generations while ensuring they remain accessible to everyone in our community.

Thank you for helping preserve Nemaha County's history.

Every dollar you give is matched—doubling your impact.
Please join us in preserving the past for future generations.

Mission

Collecting, preserving, and sharing Nemaha County, Kansas history for future generations. 

Profile

The Nemaha County Historical Society (NCHS) is a volunteer-led, nonprofit organization dedicated to collecting, preserving, and sharing the history of Nemaha County, Kansas, for future generations. Established in 1976, the society serves as the county's historical steward by preserving artifacts, documents, photographs, and stories that tell the rich history of the communities and families that have shaped the county.

The society operates two unique museums near downtown Seneca. The Sheriff's Residence and Jail, built in 1879, served as the Nemaha County Jail for close to a century and is recognized as the longest continuously used county jail in Kansas. Visitors can explore the sheriff's living quarters and the remarkably well-preserved original jail cells. The Military Temple of Honor, housed in the former Seneca Masonic Temple, honors the service and sacrifice of Nemaha County veterans through exhibits featuring uniforms, photographs, military records, artifacts, and personal stories spanning from the Civil War to the present day.

Beyond its museums, the Historical Society is an active resource for researchers, genealogists, educators, and the public. Its website provides access to historical resources, community histories, research guides, and an online catalog of museum holdings through the PastPerfect system, allowing researchers to discover photographs, documents, and artifacts before visiting the museum. The society also encourages the donation of family papers, photographs, military records, business histories, diaries, letters, and other materials that help preserve the heritage of Nemaha County.

Through educational programs, exhibits, publications, and preservation projects, the Nemaha County Historical Society works to ensure that the stories, places, and people of Nemaha County remain accessible and meaningful for future generations. Guided almost entirely by volunteers and supported through memberships, donations, grants, and community partnerships, the society continues to preserve the county's historic buildings, expand access to its collections, and inspire an appreciation of local history throughout the region.