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Official account for the University of Nebraska at Kearney Archives and Special Collections. All things #archives, especially #HistEd

I intended to attend the meeting at Hastings but the death of my brother-in-law upset my plans. I've about come to the conclusion there is no use for me to want [to] do anything very much as something always happens. It always does when there is something I particularly want to do!
Treats on display with a poster for #ArchiveFoodandDrink above
Cream archival boxes on a wire shelf
Blue bound volume, Nathanael Low's Almanack 1784 Boston
Row of library books, all by stephen lawhead
Old photo of Hendryx, in a Navy uniform. Anderson studios
A screenshot of a digital exhibit, showcasing Aurel Czeisel
Two men in light-colored clothes with hats, holding tennis raquets in front of a net, with a partially-constructed building in the background
Letter and campaign flyer for E. Ruth Pyrtle's State Superintendent (of schools) campaign in Nebraska
Person with red hair and glasses holding an antelope mascot costume head. It has angry eyebrows and somewhat mangled antlers
Hand holding a small Kearney State Normal button with an image of the Administration Building on it
Three story stone building with pillars and wings. In front, there are women dressed in white walking around a pole
Archival boxes and miscellany on shelves. Orange carpeting and fluorescent lights
November 18, 1931. Mr. and Mrs. Cyrus A. Black, 1404 Tenth Avenue, Kearney, Nebraska. Dear Friends: Friday, the 13th, is generally considered an unlucky day, but Friday, November 13, 1931, was most lucky and fortunate day, for that was the day that it was my privilege to be with yu and enjoy your hospitality. I certainly do appreciate the kindnesses shown me, and especially the nice visit we all had during the noon hour accompanying the excellent dinner. I trust we may be privileged to return this hospitality at some time. My best wishes to you both, and, Mrs. Black, to your mother and sister. Very sincerely yours, Myron H. Swenk
Kearney, Nebraska, April 24, 1930. Dear Swenk: Here are some more Whooping Crane records for you: The large flock that usually goes through between Grand Island and North Platte passed over Diamond Bar Lake this time. Diamond Bar Lake is 40 miles north of Sutherland, Nebraska. There were about forty birds in the flock, flying high and going northwest. They were seen by Roy Coon, manager of the fishing resort at that place. Coon had is binoculars with him and knows the birds as well as I do, so there is no mistake. They went through about April 4. I'll get the exact date later. Tony Easterling saw a flock of eight W. Cranes two miles east of the Platte River bridge, April 3. A.R. Golay and Ben Armitage saw six W. Cranes April 2. Don Golay saw two April 3. These latter birds were 2 miles west of the Platte River bridge. Harris Lilga and I saw three W. Cranes standing on a sand bar one mile west of the Platte River bridge, April 3. These three records were in company with large flocks of Sand Hill Cranes. I checked up on all of these records and they are O.K. in every way. Includes more on the NOU conference and some watercolors
Students Rally for Peace in Convocation Wednesday. The Antelope, April 24, 1936. Taking part in the national youth peace movement and doing their bit toward promoting permanent world peace, the students of the Kearney college attended a special convocation Wednesday, April 22. The prime objective of the program is to make the youth of the nation peace-minded in an effort to stamp out future wars. "If youth will accept its responsbility, world peace will not be only an ideal but also a reality," said REverend Wayne Greene, one of the speakers. He also said that he believed that ultimately peace would come because the foundation on which our world is based is world peace. Durfee Larson, social science instructor, speaking on the young man's idea that peace comes only with understanding, and therefor the way to friendly international relations is through educating the people of the nations so that they still realize their responsibility. he said, "When the individual has found peace within himself, he is then able to put it into his government. Then you have that which you desire, peace that comes with understanding." Students speak. Donald Smith denounced the so-called "causes" for which wars are fought, saying that they are merely a blind for some hidden purpose. He believes if the youth of the country take a definite stand against war, these armed conflicts cannot exist. George Henigan, talked on the foreign conditions which seem to point toward war rather than peace, He reviewed the man [sic] conflicts which are going on between the nations now, showing that possible wars in the future are not absurbd but are at an ever present menace. Harod Watkins quoted statistics proving that war is entirely loss and reminded the student body that although the cry is for peace all the nations of the world are appropriating large amounts of money to build up armies and navies and are increasing rather than decreasing their armaments. The purpose of this peace movement which is…
Americans and the Holocaust. From Swastika to Jim Crow. March 5, 2026, 6pm. UNK CTR Library. From Swastika to Jim Crow explores the story of German Jewish scholars who fled the Nazis and were welcomed by historically Black colleges in the U.S. South. There, the shared experience of oppression bonded the groups.
Americans & the Holocaust. Most Honorable Son - March 3, 2026. 6pm Kearney Public Library. Most Honorable Son tells the story of Nebraskan Ben Kuroki. Kuroki was the only Japanese American in the US Army Air Forces to serve in combat in the Pacific. Join us after the film for a discussion of Japanese Americans, Nebraska, and World War II. Panelists include: Vickie Sakurada Shaepler, Japanese Hall Coordinator; Dr. Donna Andersen, UNL; Dr. Nathan Tye, UNK
German POW Camps in Nebraska. February 20, 2026. 12pm. Kearney Public Library. During World War II, Nebraska was the site of several prisoner of war (POW) camps. Join our expert panelists for a discussion of German POWs in Nebraska, POW sites such as Camp Atlanta and Fort Robinson, and World War II in Nebraska. The Americans and the Holocaust exhibit asks “what did Americans know?”, a question learning about German POWs, and what they knew and shared with Nebraskans, can help us answer. In addition to talking about events of the 1940s, panelists will also discuss how historic sites interpret this fascinating history. Panelists include: Dr. Cole Kruger - Kilgore College, Melissa Amateis - University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Will Kessen - Ft. Robinson State Historical Park, and Micah Hueser - Nebraska Prairie Museum.
old newspaper article - 'Peace' - Can We Fight for It? "We want peace!" That cry is on the lips of nearly every American today. There are very few persons who stand up and say, "We want war!" If they do, they are classified by society as fifth-column spies when perhaps they are simply voicing what everyone else's actions imply. We couldn't want peace very badly. Peace is something warm and intelligent, like a fireplace and a good book on a winter night. It is something clear and sweet, like the crystal note of church bells cutting the frost-bitten air on a November morning. Peace is loving and assuring, like looking into someone's eyes and finding your love reflected there. Peace is powerful, inspiring, like a Tschaikowsky symphony, or a might mountain. I see no peace in marching feet. Walk into an army camp. No sense of the love and assurance of peace is there. There is no peace in the tearful goodbyes of boys who are training to be soldiers. I see no warmth and intelligence in false patriotism and flag-waving. Flag-wavers are usually trying to stir human hearts by displaying to them colors that they hold dear, and attaching new, warped meanings to those colors. I see no peace in hate and prejudice. "We love peace" and still we invent rude names for a nationality that is not supposed to be our enemy. We cannot hope to maintain peace by indirectly fighting a warring nation by giving aid to her enemy. "We want peace!" Perhaps a truer statement is "We want war to obtain our peace." No, fellow citizen! That's not the kind of peace we want. That is the kind of peace one finds on the face in a morgue.
German POW Camps in Nebraska. February 20, 2026. 12pm. Kearney Public Library. During World War II, Nebraska was the site of several prisoner of war (POW) camps. Join our expert panelists for a discussion of German POWs in Nebraska, POW sites such as Camp Atlanta and Fort Robinson, and World War II in Nebraska. The Americans and the Holocaust exhibit asks “what did Americans know?”, a question learning about German POWs, and what they knew and shared with Nebraskans, can help us answer. In addition to talking about events of the 1940s, panelists will also discuss how historic sites interpret this fascinating history. Panelists include: Dr. Cole Kruger - Kilgore College, Melissa Amateis - University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Will Kessen - Ft. Robinson State Historical Park, and Micah Hueser - Nebraska Prairie Museum.
Race with Jesse Owens. Sunday, Feb. 1, 6pm. World Theatre. Race follows Jesse Owens' rise to greatness and his challenge to Nazi ideology at the 1936 Olympics. A post-film discussion with Dr. Rachel Silverman (UNK Kinesiology & Sport Science), Dr. Lina Homberger-Cordia (sports historian), and UNK students will explore key themes. SPonsored by UNK Modern Languages & International Studies, UNK Student Engagement & Leadership, UNK CTR Library, and Humanities Nebraska
Black and white photo of a 3 story building and small trees, all covered in snow
Pencil sketch. Elaborate lettering reads Dear Irma, Kitchener, B.C., Canada. Sketch of bells, flowers, and feathers
Smiling woman standing outside wearing a cloche hat and a dark-colored coat with a fur collar that wraps around to the sides
Newspaper clipping "It was Christmas this week on the Kearney campus. Activities varied but included traditional Nativity presentations, dance, dinners and parties. Even the campus was decorated for the celebration. Photos of a Nativity set with actors, a dance, kids, and a dinner.
International Tea. Drawing of snow people with fancy hats, printed in red on white paper
Three panel pencil drawing. The first says "How happy I will be when a-dancing we will go" and shows a man and a woman in formal wear dancing. The second reads "and a-skating we will go" and shows a couple in winter outdoor clothing sitting close together. The third has a ? and is a couple inside almost touching.
Semi-realistic drawing of a Christmas tree with a star at the top and ornaments in warm colors
Sheet music for Jolly Old Santa and Our Christmas Song, by Edna Graham
Illustration of two candles with mistletoe and pinecones, done in red on green paper. Text: Let us light candles for Christmas; Let us set them in the windows; Let us place them on our tables; Let them shine through the tinsel; Let them burn on all our altars; Let their light fill our hearts; Let us light candles for Christmas
Part of a letter to Myron Swenk. We are going to have a big Canada goose, flanked by four Mallards tomorrow and if it doesn't wreck me you will hear from me again some time. Very Sincerely, Cyrus Black
Person in a black costume and witchy mask/makeup depositing something at the bank
A Canadian, who had been much with the Indians to the westward, speaks of a wool-bearing animal, larger than a sheep, the wool much mixed with hair, which he had seen in large flocks. He pretends also to have seen a unicorn, the single horn of which, he says, rises out of the forehead and curls back, conveying the idea of the fossil cornu ammonis
Light bulb and question marks. UNK Archives & Special Collections text treatment
Lawn decoration in front of the library. A shark is eating a gorilla, Snoopy is on a ship. Sign reads: put the bite on the gorillas
lawn decorations in front of a brick building. A dragon with a Doane sign is battled by a Nebraska State College knight. Banner reads "Let's keep doane duckin and send them home dragon"
Jane Goodall in front of a microphone
Typed poem: Tale of the General. The General sat and cried, called for mama, But she had died. Summoned the priestest, And they went to bed, In the morning she was dead. Millions of men, Could he kill, with plastic G.I. Joes, But he only got 2 X 10, For that was all his fingers and toes. Don Weikle
White man in an apron serving food outside to a Black woman in a yellow shirt and blue pants
1910s photograph of four women with linked arms, wearing long dresses and standing knee-deep in a lake
People riding tricycles on a track with many spectators in the bleachers
U.S. Postage 4 cents. Freedom of the Press. Illustration of a hand holding a quill.
People in a variety of chairs facing a very old TV
Chernozem poetry magazines in pastel colors with stick art covers
Black and white photo of a three story building with columns. Workers with horse-drawn wagons are laying concrete in front of the building
It seems and feels as though the delights of spring are ever more stunning. For after having such [animal damage to paper] it makes a person [paper damage] and so "frisky". Why Carri! - (as I don't like formality you will please excuse me for using your name in this manner.) It was so cold here this winter that the people had to fly around after wood and coal like a bob sled on a hill side, and there whisky was so congealed as to be eatable instead of drinkable. The bottoms were knocked out of the thermometer. Why, I chanced to take a stroll one night with one of your sex and what she whispered to me froze into glaciers as it passed from her lips. I tell you it was terrible. Just think of it.
Song of the Great Blizzard 1888, "Thirteen Were Saved" or Nebraska's Fearless Maid. Song and Chorus by Wm. Vincent. Published by Lyon & Healy, Chicago. Includes an etching of a woman holding a child, followed by other children trudging through heavy snow
Poster in yellow and red: Hale's Shows of Tomorrow Centennial Celebration Downtown Location Kearney 6 days starting June 25th Special matinee Sat., June 30th All rides reduced in price 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
I made a trip to Wymore, I think the place is grand, I came to see the doctor That has a magic hand. He has a lot of poatients That come from near and far, He gives them all a treatment No matter who they are. He does a lot of good, The cost is not so much, So come and see the doctor And get that magic touch. He helps the lame to walk; He helps the eyes to see; Now where he gets that magic Is sure a mystery to me. I have been here just a week, Took a treatment every day; I am really feeling fine, He drives the pain away. I am sending out this message To those that suffer pain, To come and see the doctor And get your health again.
Larry Jolenson swings a baseball bat
Your Cue, Coed! Quarterly bulleting Nebraska state teachers college october 1, 1945 Kearney
A scroll with wooden ends is measured against two foam inserts. The tighter fit is chosen. The scroll is inserted into a gray archival box and foam inserts fill in blank space. Happy music plays over the top.
8mm film in front of a large 16mm reel of film. the leaders of the films are held next to each other
Kolaches (This recipe, brought to the State by Bohemian settlers, has been revised for ordinary conditions.) Scald one pint of milk, let cool until lukewarm. Dissolve one and one-half ckaes compressed yeast in one-fourth cup lukewarm water to which has been added one teaspoon of sugar. Let raise while milk cools. Add dissolved yeast to cooled milk and make a sponge. Let raise until light. Cream together one cup sugar and one cup butter. Add three egg yolks and 2 whole eggs well beaten, two teaspoons salt. Put in the sponge and mix well. Add flour enough to handle well. Let dough raise until light and roll out to one-half inch thickness. Cutout with biscuit cutter. Make a depression in the center and fill. Let raise and bake in a quick oven. Any of the following fillings can be used: Fruit filling: mash stewed prunes, add sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle with cocoanut or chopped nuts. Apricots, peaches, apples or any canned fruit may be used. Poppy Seed filling: grind poppy seed and boil in just enough water to keep moist. Then add sugar, cinnamon, maple syrup, raisins and three or four ginger snaps. Cottage Cheese filling: Combine grated rind of lemon, one-half cup sugar, one tablespoon cream, two egg yolks and one pint of dry cottage cheese
Letter. Header: In the Name of the Old Ones Miskatonic Literary Circle. Dirk W. Mosig, December 21st, 1975 Dear Prof. Taylor: Thank you for your kind letter of December 19th. I was myself quite sold, initially, to the autobiographical interpretation of The Outsider, but later research makes me dout that HPL's childhood was nearly as miserable as my sketch suggests....There is little doubt that some autobiographical elements entered in the composition of several of Lovecraft's tales (The Outsider, The Silver Key, The Thing at the Doorstep, &c) but I doubt that any one tale can be reduced to strict autobiography.... Yes, indeed, Jung is anything but parsimonious.... But then, Freud's hypothetical constructs are also objectionable on the same grounds. The only psychological theory completely devoid of hypothetical constructs and intervening variables is Skinnerian behaviorism....Although I generally agree with Skinner's conclusions about the determination of behavior by the contingencies of reinforcement, a literary analysis in terms of operant conditioning theory would be, I fear, rather dull. My own favorite interpretation of THE OUTSIDER is the rationalistic one. After reading my little paper, Frank Belknap Long wrote that he felt confident that, had HPL lived to read the thing, he would have initialled the mechanistic-materialistic elucidation.... I am less confident of this than Belknapius, but it does fit with HPL's Weltansicht. I am particularly interested in HPL's philosophical thinking, not only because it parallels my own, but because I feel that his cosmic-minded rationalism provides the key for the appreciation of his memorable tales. George Wetzel made some suggestions on this line years ago, as did Matthew Onderdonk in the FRESCO Symposium. A few days ago I had the pleasure of reading a couple of MA theses (Svartz 1972, Brown U., Lynn, 1970, U. df R.I.) which also pointed out the significance of Loveeraft's materialistic-phi1osophy for the interpretatio…
Double Rail. Illustration of a double rail system with a train wheel. Explanation of how the double rail system works
Looking Smart on the Campus, Nebraska State Teachers College, Kearney, Nebraska. Illustration of a woman in a plaid skirt, blazer, beret, heeled oxfords, and purse
Lincoln Coalition for Gay and Lesbian Civil Rights Lincoln, NE. Letter on the unsuccesful Lincoln campaign to amend human rights ordinance to provide civil rights protection for Gays and Lesbians. "Was Linclon to be a community with an expanded concept of civil rights, or a narrow one based on fear? Was Lincoln to be a community that leads the way on the road to increased tolerance and respect, or one that constructs roadblocks on the way to these ideals? For now these questions have to be answered in a very restrictive sense....We have no doubt that the resullts of that campaign were troubling...Hopefully you are among this group of people - people who are fair-minded, who believe one measure, perhaps the most important measure, of the strength of a society is its commitment to tolerance and fairness for groups who are in the minority in our community."
Black and white 1950s-1960s photo of a man and woman crouched down in a parking lot, petting a lion cub