Hastings Museum of Natural and Cultural History

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People on the Plains

People on the Plains depicts the manner in which people have survived on the Great Plains through dioramas and a vast number of artifacts. Learn how early inhabitants, from prehistoric man to early settlers, used available resources to provide shelter and food for their families. See how early explorers and settlers, trade and commerce influenced the lives of these people and shaped the present day towns of this area.

Mail Wagon This mail wagon was used for fifteen years, from 1918 to 1933 on a rural route of 24 miles near Broken Bow, Nebraska. The mail carrier was Nancy Buckner, who retired after 30 years of service.

 

 

Did you know?

Pawnee earthlodges measured up to 45 feet in diameter. Come see a scale model of an earthlodge and hundreds of artifacts used by American Indian tribes from the Great Plains on display.

Did you know?

A grasshopper plow was not used to plant crops but instead was used to cut sod for sod houses. The average sod house measured 16 feet wide and 20 feet long and used nearly 1 full acre of sod to make it! Don't miss the grasshopper plow and the replica sod house on display.

Location: Upper Level