Nebraska State Historical Society Expands Research Room Hours: More Access to State's History

The Nebraska State Historical Society (NSHS) is making it easier for the public to delve into the state's rich history. Beginning October 7, the James E. Potter Research Room, located at 1500 R. Street in Lincoln, will be open weekdays, except Tuesdays, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This expansion of hours means increased public access to a wealth of historical resources.

A Treasure Trove of Nebraska History

The James E. Potter Research Room houses a vast collection of materials related to Nebraska's history, genealogy, and more. The collection includes books, maps, newspapers, and unpublished manuscripts, photographs, film/audio, and public records. This makes it a vital resource for researchers, students, and anyone interested in learning more about the state's past.

A Wider Range of Resources

The research room is part of the Nebraska History Library and Nebraska State Archives, providing a comprehensive overview of Nebraska's history. The library's collection includes books, maps, and newspapers. The state archives, on the other hand, hold unpublished manuscripts, photographs, film/audio, and public records. This means that researchers can find a wide range of materials to support their work.

More Time to Explore

The expanded hours are a direct response to public demand. The former Historical Society Director, Trevor Jones, had reduced the research room's hours to one morning a week, a decision met with controversy. This caused frustration among researchers and history enthusiasts who were unable to take full advantage of the resources available. NSHS Interim Director Cindy S. Drake recognizes the value of this research room, particularly for researchers and students. She states, “Extending the hours of the James E. Potter Research Room gives the public better access to our Library/Archives. While we have digitized many of the materials in our Library/Archives, a very large portion is only available in person. These new hours better serve researchers, students, and the public as a whole.”

Returning to the Research Room

The return of expanded hours is a significant step forward for researchers and history enthusiasts. The increased availability will provide them with more time to explore the collection and uncover new insights. Historian Jeff Barnes, who has experienced the challenges of limited access, emphasizes the benefits of expanded hours for research. He says, “For researchers, there’s nothing better than a staffed library/archives with accessible hours. Online access has the advantage of time and convenience, but I can’t count the number of times I’ve found the information I’ve needed in an unrelated book next to the primary volume I sought or – even more importantly – had a trained, experienced staffer who’s pointed me in a direction I hadn’t considered. And as any researcher knows, you can find yourself on subject not completed when the library closes for the day, which is especially frustrating if it won’t open again for several days or a week. Consistent, continuous days are appreciated by out-of-town researchers who may take up residence in Lincoln for several days or weeks. The expanded hours have been missed and their return is much celebrated by those who want to learn from and share the history of Nebraska.”

Embracing Nebraska's Legacy

The expansion of hours at the James E. Potter Research Room is a testament to the NSHS's commitment to providing the public with greater access to Nebraska's rich heritage. The research room serves as a critical resource for researchers, students, and those interested in learning more about the state's history. The expanded hours will make this resource more accessible, encouraging further exploration and understanding of Nebraska's unique legacy.