Welcome to the
Hamilton County, Nebraska Celebrate America 250
Official Page!
What is America250?
"America250 is a nonpartisan initiative working to engage every American in commemorating the 250th anniversary of our country. This multi-year effort, from now through July 4, 2026, is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation's past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead toward the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond."
- Excerpt from the America250 official website
The Hamilton County Historical Society Forms "Celebrate America 250 Committee"
On June 20, 2024, the Hamilton County Historical Society Board of Directors voted to form the "Hamilton County, Nebraska Celebrate America 250" Committee. The purpose of the committee is to facilitate in cooperation with other community entities a commemoration of this historic event in our nation's history. This means the committee will serve as a conduit by which Hamilton County citizens may be brought together to celebrate as they see fit. The committee is here to help jump-start ideas on how we may celebrate our nation's anniversary on or before July 4, 2026.
America 250 Merch
Show your patriotic spirit for America's 250th Birthday by purchasing your own official Hamilton County, Nebr. Celebrate America 250 merch items!
To purchase your merch items, visit the Plainsman Museum at
🇺🇸 FLAG DAY SALE! REDUCED PRICES ON ALL ITEMS! 🇺🇸
$1.50 4" x 4"
$2.00
$12.00 *Hand wash only
Youth - $10.00 Reg. - $12.00 Plus Size - $18.00
$15.00 Compiled within this special cookbook are recipes submitted by the people of Hamilton County, NE in honor of America's 250th Anniversary!
$15.00 Compiled within this special cookbook are recipes submitted by the people of Hamilton County, NE in honor of America's 250th Anniversary!
THE BANNERS ARE IN!
Visit the Plainsman Museum this Memorial Day weekend and view part 1 of "A More Perfect Union" - our special timeline exhibition celebrating America 250!
This portion of our exhibition will display custom banners featuring several families and individuals from Hamilton County's past. Each banner includes photographs, a write up about the family or individual, and QR codes with read-aloud features, family trees, and further information.
The banners will remain on display in the Main Building from May 22-October 31, 2026, and will be available for viewing during regular museum business hours.
We also want to extend a special thank you to Brenda Klawonn, Karrie Wiarda, Tina Larson and Kathryn Larson for their contributions to make this exhibition possible.
Thank you all!
NOW IS THE TIME TO CELEBRATE!
THE CASE IS ON!
This summer, join us at the Plainsman Museum for our special "History Detectives: Special Patriotic Edition" scavenger hunt activity!
Available Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
CASE BRIEFING:
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To participate in the "History Detectives" scavenger hunt, request an activity packet from the museum front desk. The activity is included in museum admission fees, so there's no extra charge to play!
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For elementary school students (and all kids at heart)!
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All children age 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
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Your activity packet will include a series of clues and riddles that you must find the answers to. The answers can all be found within the museum's exhibits and galleries in the Main Building.
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Upon completing the scavenger hunt, participants may turn in their answers to the museum front desk and receive a special award for solving the case!
GOOD LUCK DETECTIVES!
If you have any questions about the History Detectives activity, contact the Plainsman Museum office via...
Phone: 402-694-6531
Email: plainsman@hamilton.net
Want to plan a patriotic celebration of your own? Looking for some decoration ideas for your home during this historic year? Need some prompts for games and party fun? Then take a look at the ideas we've compiled for various patriotic celebrations - both big and small!
Stay Tuned!
As July 4, 2026 draws closer, be sure to check back here to the official Hamilton County, Nebraska Celebrate America 250 page, or follow us on social media to keep up-to-date about the various ways Hamilton County will be observing this historic occasion!
The HCN Celebrate America 250 Committee Members
Photo by Tara Hanneman
Committee Members:
L to R, Back to Front - Dixie Ziegler, Jennifer Dennis, Haley Bamesberger, Kara Clark, Shawna Vinkenberg, Tina Anderson, Ashton Wetherington, Tina Larson, Kathryn Larson, Jana Gibson, Christie Schulze
Contact Us
Do you have any questions about Hamilton County, Nebraska's America 250 celebration? Feel free to contact us at the Plainsman Museum by using the form below, or via any of the other methods listed below.
Thank you!