Nebraska’s 150th birthday celebration!

The long-awaited day is finally here. Nebraska’s 150th birthday! For months, the folks at NE150 have been planning some fabulous celebrations. All around our state events are happening in honor of Nebraska’s big milestone. Many special events will be taking place across Nebraska over the coming months. But the main statehood events are happening today at the Nebraska capitol building.

I found a succinct version of today’s schedule online on the Capitol website.

The Nebraska State Capitol will host the day long March 1st Sesquicentennial. All activities are celebrating 150 years of Nebraska’s statehood in the second floor rotunda.
9:30 am to 10:30 am United States Postal Service debut. Today is the Nebraska Statehood Forever® Stamp First-Day-of-Issue Dedication Ceremony.
10:30 am to 1:00 pm Actors will portray Willa Cather, Chief Standing Bear & William “Buffalo Bill” Cody. Music is performed by Nebraska High School Students
1:15 pm to 1:45 pm Pony Express Statehood Proclamation Delivery will happen on the West Side of the Nebraska State Capitol.
2:00 pm to 3:00 pm Official Statehood Day Ceremony George W. Norris Legislative Chamber

Note: Seating at the State Capitol is open and limited. Early arrival is recommended. Overflow seating will be available in the Rotunda and Warner Chamber during the 2 p.m. Official Ceremony. This event will be live streamed at netnebraska.org.

To learn more specifics about the events or to learn more about the speakers, please visit the Statehood Day Celebration.

Tonight is also the grand opening of the Legacy of Nebraska exhibit. This collection of 123 paintings was completed by native Nebraskan Todd Williams. His show will debut at the Nebraska History Museum.

If you are unable to attend the events today, there are upcoming events planned. You can enjoy live music over lunch the next two days. The Nebraska Music Educator’s Association is having their annual Music Education Week. Evidently several groups performed the first part of the week. These students are still set to perform.