Centennial Mall

The seven-block stretch in Lincoln known as Centennial Mall was originally built in 1967 to commemorate Nebraska’s statehood centennial. The mall, which stretches from the Nebraska State Capitol to the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, had fallen into a state of disrepair over the years. A revitalization project began for the mall in 2012.

As part of the renovation, tiles were placed along the walkway of the mall. The Nebraska State Historical Society made a goal to purchase one of the 18″ x 36″ tiles along the mall, to help visitors to Nebraska’s capital learn about Nebraska’s fascinating history and the organizations that support the preservation, interpretation, and appreciation of that history.

The Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation met its goal of raising $25,000 toward the Centennial Mall Legacy Tile Project in the summer of 2016. We raised over $14,000 in donations in addition to unrestricted gift annuities which were left to us by NSHS member Beulah Bedke and NSHSF Trustee Charles Godwin, both from Lincoln. Mrs. Bedke’s and Mr. Godwin’s foresight to include unrestricted gifts in their estate have made a huge impact toward the Foundation’s future.

Historian Jim Potter wrote the text for the tile:

Since 1878, The Nebraska State Historical Society Since 1942, The Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation Today this state agency and this private supporting organization continue their leading efforts to preserve and open to all peoples and histories of the places of Nebraska.

More information can be found in this Lincoln Journal Star article.