Artwork Dedicated to the History of the Trails & Rails Museum on Display Inside the Family History C
Press Release April 5, 2024
Artwork Dedicated to the History of the Trails & Rails Museum on Display Inside
the Family History Center
(Above: The future site of the Trails & Rails Museum painted by Jordan Martin)
On April 13, there will be a small reception from 1-3pm celebrating 17 new art pieces hanging up inside the Family History Center of the Trails & Rails Museum. Made possible by a donor within the membership of the Museum, the goal of the project was to highlight the history of the Buffalo County Historical Society/Trails & Rails Museum as a timeline of when the various buildings came to the museum grounds. Since 1972, the Buffalo County Historical Society has operated in Kearney, but it was not until 1975 that the museum grounds were established at 710 W 11th St. and dedicated a transportation museum through Buffalo County, Nebraska.
(Above: An aerial photo of the Trails & Rails Museum on August 5, 1979 by Bob Ayres)
Local artist, Jordan Martin, was selected to paint the history of the Buffalo County Historical Society/Trails & Rails Museum as an emerging artist in the region with hometown ties to Kearney. Jordan is a student at the University of Nebraska at Kearney and in her senior year. According to Jordan, “the Museum was started by the people of this community, so Broc and I talked about this being an important dynamic to the overall scheme.” Jordan also added that “this project took the better part of a year and a half to finish with so many details around the buildings and what order they needed to go in.”
(Above: District #1 Schoolhouse painting by Jordan Martin)
Additionally, Broc Anderson, the Community Engagement Director for the Trails & Rails Museum is also pleased with the new addition of color inside the Family History Center. “Not only does this honor the history of this institution, but also the people in the last 50 years who have been a part of it.” According to Anderson, “we have had some really amazing volunteers, staff, and community members over the years that have made this place what it is today.” Executive Director, Jennifer Murrish, has also been a major part of the Museum’s history being with the BCHS for nearly 20 years. According to Jennifer, “this work done by Jordan really puts it in perspective how far we have come as an organization, but also alluding to the greater horizons in our future.” In Jennifer’s time as the Executive Director, Livery Barn, J.C. Marlatt Blacksmith Shop, Family History Center, and the Sunflower Schoolhouse have been constructed or brought to the museum grounds.
In addition to seeing the new artwork at the Trails & Rails Museum, guests are encouraged to also check out the Smithsonian traveling exhibition Water/Ways that will be on display through May 10.
The Trails & Rails Museum is owned and operated by the Buffalo County Historical Society. As a local non-profit, BCHS/Trails & Rails Museum seeks to preserve Buffalo County history with the support of the community. All and any donations are welcomed to help in this effort. For more information about the Trails & Rails Museum, visit www.bchs.us or find them on Facebook at “BuffaloCounty HistoricalSociety.”
Broc Anderson
Community Engagement Director
Buffalo County Historical Society
Trails & Rails Museum
PO Box 523
710 W. 11th St.
Kearney, NE 68848
(308) 234-3041
bchs.buffalotales@hotmail.com
www.bchs.us
