Celebrate!

Nebraska marks 150 years of statehood on March 1, 1867, but the state has planned a year long celebration including many programs and projects across the state.

Planning for this once-in-a-lifetime event began in 2012 when a group of community minded citizens from across the state formed the Friends of the Nebraska 150 Foundation. Later, in 2014, state Legislature established the Nebraska Sesquicentennial Commission. Governor Pete Ricketts appointed 17 members to the commission.

The Celebrating Nebraska Statehood Foundation was formed in 2015 to coordinate efforts between each of the entities and to ensure statewide success.

According to the Celebrating Nebraska Statehood Foundation, Nebraska’s 150th birthday “presents a unique opportunity in time to honor our heritage, celebrate our growth and plan for our future. We will commemorate this historic occasion and celebrate the great State of Nebraska and its diverse history and cultures by engaging, educating and inspiring our citizenry and leaving a legacy for future generations.

We strive to create a celebration that will serve as a catalyst for a movement that goes beyond 2017 – a strategic initiative that promotes a spirit of pride, growth, engagement and connection within our state by:

·Bridging Nebraskans across different communities, perspectives and cultures.

·Building a connection with every Nebraskan to the celebration and the state.

·Instilling in every citizen an even greater sense of pride.

How will you celebrate? Perhaps by reading one of 150 Nebraska books, listed at http://www.nebraska150books.org. The selections on this list include fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, poetry, and books for young adults.

Additionally, there will be a statehood day celebration, or log in to the NE150 Challenge website and find fun, active ways to challenge yourself, your friends and your family all while celebrating this momentous occasion.