Breaking news! Stop the presses! Hold the front page! You’ll never guess what’s happening next year!
Nebraska and Seward County are turning 150!
Yes, the official sesquicentennial is in 2017. Seward County has already announced its theme for the year, “Deep Roots - High Hopes.”
Already, a variety of activities are being planned, everything from a kick-off celebration in March to a chautauqua in June. It’s going to be awesome.
The Independent is planning to help celebrate, of course, with special sections and pages throughout the year. But in order to make them the best we can, we need your help.
We’re looking for family stories about early settlers in the area. What was their life like? Did they keep diaries or save letters? Are there stories that have been passed down from generation to generation you’d be willing to share?
The stories don’t have to be profound or earth-shattering. Sometimes it’s the little moments, the funny things that happen, that make the most entertaining stories.
We’d also like to hear from descendants of the early homesteaders who may not live in the area any more. Your stories are just as important to the history of the county as those of the families who are still here.
While my family is not from Seward County, the Avery side has stories that have been shared through the years. We know about P.O. Avery who came to Nebraska in 1855 and homesteaded in what is now Richardson County. We know about his descendants, down to my generation, and some of their stories.
Sadly, the Croston side doesn’t have the same kind of story tradition. Some of my ancestors homesteaded in central Nebraska, but many of the stories from that generation were lost when the people who knew them died and didn’t write them down or pass them on.
Anniversaries like the state’s 150th are great opportunities to write down or record and share those family histories. If you’re willing to share your family history in Seward County, let us know. You can call the newsroom at (402) 643-3676 or e-mail us at any of the e-mail addresses listed below. Please put “150th stories” in the subject line.
We can’t wait to hear from you and share your stories.
Jill Martin – jillmartin@sewardindependent.com
Stephanie Croston – scroston@sewardindependent.com
Emily Hemphill – emily@sewardindependent.com
Amanda Woita – amanda@sewardindependent.com
