2023-2024 Programs & Events

Voices of the Past Programs

at Burlington Station - 603 N Plum St, Grand Island
programs begin at 2 pm
$5 for non-members, free for members

September 10 | Eakes Office Solutions
Since opening their doors almost 80 years ago, Eakes Office Solutions has grown into one of the largest office products companies in the Midwest. Mark Miller will share the history the company and it's founder, Howard Eakes, who started the business in Grand Island in 1945.   

October 8 | HCHS Centennial Celebration
Join us for a special event, celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Hall County Historical Society, at Stolley Park. A program, featuring various speakers, will start at 1 pm and be followed by a special Humanities Nebraska program at 2 pm. Tours of the Stolley House, refreshments, and train rides on the Stolley Park Railroad will be available from 2-4 pm. 
**Please note: This event will be held outside at Stolley Park. You are welcome to bring a lawn chair if you would like.    
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November 12 | Chief Industries
Since 1954 Chief Industries has been a family-owned manufacturer based in Grand Island. DJ Eihusen, the third generation to lead the company, will share the history of Chief Industries and how it has grown to a global organization. 

January 14 | Antique Christmas Ornaments
John Hanssen's popular program returns with a different era of historic Christmas ornaments to enjoy.  

February 11 | Harvest of Harmony
Coming up on 82 years of marching the streets of downtown Grand Island, the Harvest of Harmony is a fall tradition beloved by Nebraskans statewide. Harvest of Harmony Coordinator Samantha Moss will share the history of Harvest of Harmony including notable events and how the parade has grown from 21 entries to nearly 200.
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March 10 | Hanssen Family: A Grand Journey
Johannes Mattias "J.M." Hanssen was 8 when he arrived in Hall County with his parents in 1872. The legacy he left behind upon his death in 1952 was a treasure trove of journals, ledgers, and an unofficial biography. His great-grandson, John Hanssen, will share how he used these invaluable family records to write a book about the pioneer family and their extensive Hall County family connections. 

April 14 | Farm Resettlement Program
Hall County was selected as a site for an experimental government program during the Great Depression. Michelle Setlik will share the story of the Resettlement Administration and how Hall County is one of the few places where evidence of this program still exists, even though it is forgotten from our memory and hidden in plain sight. 

2023-2024 Bygone Book Club

at Grand Island Public Library 
meetings begin at 11 am
everyone is welcome, this is a free event

August 12 | Surviving Hitler, Evading Stalin: One Woman's Remarkable Escape from Nazi Germany by Mildred Schindler Janzen (led by the author)  
**Please note: A 20-minute documentary film "Mildred's Escape: a WW2 survival story" will be shown prior to the book discussion at the Library. The film will start at 10:30 am.  

September 9 | Eagle of Delight: Portrait of the Plains Indian Girl in the White House by Jean Lukesh (led by the author)  

October 14 | More Than Football: George Flippin's Stromsburg Years by Kathy Nelson (led by Mac Martin)  

November 4 | Sandhill Sundays and Other Recollections by Mari Sandoz (led by Sue Clement)  

January 13 | World War II Nebraska by Melissa Amateis (led by Stephanie Crosby)  

February 10 | Sod Walls by Roger Welsch (led by Tom Frazer)

March 9 | New Women in the Old West: From Settlers to Suffragists, An Untold American Story by Winifred Gallagher (led by Michelle Setlik)

April 13 | The Worst Hard Time: The Untold Story of Those Who Survived the Great American Dust Bowl by Timothy Egan (led by Jim Dean) ​

Stolley House Events

at Stolley Park - 2103 W Stolley Park Rd, Grand Island​

July 21, 2024 at 11 am-4 pm  | Art-In-The-Park The historic home of William and Wilhelmina Stolley, who settled in Hall County in 1857, and the oldest public school house in Hall County will be open to visitors. The tour is open to the public and free of charge. 
  
December 3 at 1-4 pm |  Stolley Christmas Open House The historic Stolley House, in Stolley Park, will be decked out for the holidays and open to visitors to view free of charge. With holiday music, treats, and antique Christmas ornaments this event will truly help get you in the holiday spirit!

Other Programs and Events

October 21, 2023 at 10 am | G.A.R. Cemetery Tour
Join Sue Clement and Michelle Setlik for a special cemetery tour focusing on the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) section. The cemetery is located on the southwest corner of the Grand Island City Cemetery. Admission for this event is $10 for non-members and free for members of the Hall County Historical Society. 

April 13, 2024 at 9:30 am | David Kaufmann
Celebrate Wood River's Friendship Gathering will feature Michelle Setlik, with the Hall County Historical Society, at Wood River High School. Setlik will share the history of Grand Island businessman, community leader, and philanthropist David Kaufmann and his role in helping Jewish families fleeing from the Nazi regime. 

April 20, 2024 at 10 am | Cameron Cemetery Tour
Cameron Cemetery Association will host a special cemetery tour with Michelle Setlik of the Hall County Historical Society. Located on the western edge of Hall County, the 145-year-old scenic rural cemetery has a rich history that is interwoven with the Cameron township, established in 1871. **Please note: Cameron Cemetery has no public bathroom. The cemetery is located halfway between Cairo and Wood River at 16280 W Stolley Park Road. Admission for this event is $10 to benefit the Cameron Cemetery Fund. 

May 31 at 5 pm / June 1 at 9 am and 3 pm | Cemetery Tour
Our popular tour of the Grand Island City Cemetery returns the first weekend in June 2024 with new stories to share about our community and the people who lived here. Admission for this event is $10 for non-members and free for members of the Hall County Historical Society. 

July 4, 2024 at 10 am | German Church Service
In celebration of the arrival of the first settlers on July 4, 1857 join us for our annual German language church service at the Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran on the grounds of Stuhr Museum. There is no cost to attend the church service. However, if you plan to stay and participate in Stuhr Museum's Independence Day festivities, Stuhr Museum's regular admission fees will apply. 

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