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Saunders County Museum 

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The Saunders County Museum is a tribute to the pioneers who sought a better life on the prairie. Early settlers were predominantly Czechs, Germans and Swedes drawn to Saunders County for the opportunity to own a piece of land. Railroads helped development and towns flourished along their lines.  

Upcoming Events

There is always something happening at the historical society.  We have programs for children, a meeting room available for rent, the annual fish fry, and a bar-b-que. 

Research Look Ups


Do you need a look-up?  We offer a $5 look up fee for research.  The fee or
donation is per look up of one item.  More extensive research is available through the GenSeekers. the local genealogy group. Contact us for more information at saunderscomuseum@hotmail.com.
 

Winter Hours

  • Monday closed
  • Tuesday - Friday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  • Saturday and Sunday closed

Spring Hours (April - September)

  • Monday closed
  • Tuesday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  • Sunday 1:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.

The Museum Complex

The museum complex is home to several buildings: an 1873 log home, an 1890's one room schoolhouse, a country church built in 1889, and the Wahoo Railroad Depot, which is listed on the National Historic Register. A modern machine shed protects agricultural equipment from days gone by. Even the smallest Nebraska Post Office is on museum grounds.  

Select an image for a larger view.

The Historical Society 

The historical society was formed as a non-profit corporation in 1963 by 31 charter members interested in promoting the county's history. The society was first housed in the Howard Hanson Home which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places but is now on 5 acres which were donated by Joe and Nettie Bowers with additional space donated by the Burlington Railroad. The society is served by a Board of Directors and employees a curator. Volunteers donate many hours to staff the facility.  

Tours and Exhibits

Visit the Saunders County Museum and take a glimpse into days gone by. Many exhibits await you that document the life and times of those hardy settlers who came to find a better life on the plains.

The Ox-Bow Trail

You might know that the Ox-Bow Trail ran through Saunders County. John McTurk Gibson recorded his trip from Marengo, Iowa to Pike's Peak. His journal, Journal of Western Travel, is one of the many items displayed at the Museum.  

Wahoo's Five Famous Sons

Did you know that these famous men all have ties to Wahoo, Nebraska?  Come visit the museum for displays and more information on our Five Famous Sons. 

Darryl F. Zanuck Movie Producer and Founder of 20th Century Fox
Howard Hanson Music Composer, won the Pulitzer for Music in 1944
Wahoo Sam Crawford Hall of Fame Baseball Player
C. W. Anderson Artist and Illustrator, Known for Children's Books
George Beadle Scientist, Awarded Nobel Prize

Pictorial History 

The Saunders County Historical Society has published  a pictorial history for Saunders County, Nebraska.  Copies of this terrific book are currently available for $39.95 each, plus tax $2.40 for Nebraska residents and $5 shipping .   

The emphasis is on photos of people engaged in work, play, and family life as well as business activities, wars, sports, churches, schools, architecture, art, and celebrities. (Tell me more.) 

Photo Albums

Our online photo albums contain many events and even showcase some of our collections.  

Membership Information

Become a member of the Saunders County Historical Society and help preserve our past.  (Tell me more.)

Volunteer Opportunities

Do you have some free time or talents that you can lend to the Historical Society?  We rely on volunteers to help in a number of ways.  Volunteer today!

Contact Information

Erin Hauser, curator.  The Saunders County Museum is located at 240 N. Walnut in Wahoo, Nebraska. Contact our curator by calling (402) 443-3090.