Under the leadership of James E. Lawrence, A.E. Sheldon, and Nathan J. Gold, the Foundation was incorporated on September 25, 1942 to solicit, receive, and manage gifts of real estate, personal property or cash for the benefit of the Nebraska State Historical Society.
Since then, the Foundation’s mission has grown to include advancing the collection and preservation of history in a variety of ways. Today, its mission includes advancing the study and preservation of history; raising funds to carry out that purpose; and providing funds to support the collection or preservation of historical property or the study of history, including providing support to the Nebraska State Historical Society, local historical societies and organizations, and other organizations.
The Foundation continues its core purpose of supporting the Nebraska State Historical Society by raising, managing, and administering funds held for the Society’s benefit. The Foundation also promotes and supports local organizations who preserve and collect their own history through its Statewide Grants Program and the WanderNebraska Program. In addition, the Foundation manages and maintains its own historical properties across the State of Nebraska, from Bayard to Brownville.
