The Nebraska National Guard Museum will host an unveiling of the documentary “Preserving the Last Higgins Boat” at the Seward High School Auditorium on Sunday, Jan. 21, at 7 p.m. The program will also feature a welcome to the 43rd Adjutant General and Commander of the Nebraska National Guard, Major General Craig Strong. The event is free and open to the public.
The documentary was produced out in Eureka, California, in early 2023 prior to the historic boat arriving at the Nebraska National Guard Museum. PA31-17 “Higgins Boat” was discovered in Lake Shasta (CA) in 2021 and recovered later that year. The recovery effort was led by James Dunsdon from Douglas City, Calif.
The recovery effort was spearheaded financially by Seward residents Dr. Van and Becky Vahle. They expanded their efforts to stabilization, documentary support and transportation of the boat to Seward for housing at the museum.
Others key to the financial support of the boat included the late Virginia Cattle and the Cattle Bank and Trust. The boat had ties to the invasion of Sicily in which Major John Cattle participated in World War II.
The work in Eureka took place at the Blue Ox Millworks and Historic Village and was under the direction of Eric Hollenbeck. The documentary will tell the story of the boat and all who participated in bringing it to Seward with some great shots of the July 4th dedication and participation in the Grand Parade.
On hand that evening will be the new adjutant general and commander of the Nebraska National Guard, Major General Craig Strong, and his family. He is a great supporter of the museum. Many will remember him for his role as Bob Hope in past events of the museum. This event will give Seward a chance to welcome him and thank him for his support of the museum.
Doors open at 6 p.m. and program begins at 7 p.m.
