DC Historical Society & Museum

For over 60 years the Dawson County Historical Society has been documenting and collecting the history of Dawson County, Nebraska. The Historical Society was founded in 1958 by a group of people who understand the importance of preserving the history of their community. The Dawson County Museum opened in 1970 and since then has been a place for visitors to learn about Dawson County's rich history through exhibits and historical documents, newspapers, and photographs.

Thank you so much for your continued support of the Dawson County Historical Society and Museum. This year will prove to be more difficult for us without receiving county tax support.  But the Dawson County Historical Society has struggled before, and our community has NEVER let us down and we have always pulled through as we will again with your support! 

Over the last decade, the Give BIG Lexington community has been extremely generous in helping the Dawson County History Museum achieve its goals. Last year, the Museum raised over $10,000 for the restoration of the Reed Schoolhouse, which was accomplished this summer, along with the help of grants from Lexington Tourism.

This year, we are raising money to finish work in the area around our Depot and Steam Engine.  As work was being done on the Reed Schoolhouse, small repair jobs were also being done on the depot, as well as a new coat of paint and a new entry door.   Trevor Palczynski, who works for Union Pacific and volunteers his time restoring old steam locomotives, is helping us with the finishing touches on our Baldwin #485 Locomotive.  When all that is done, our last project will be the platform connecting the depot to the locomotive.  Our vision is to create a nice brick walkway from the gate into the depot area, around the back of the flat car, and in front of the depot, extending all the way to the front of the engine. This will provide our visitors with a pleasant walkway to view and access the #485.

Thank you so much for your continued support of the Dawson County Historical Society and Museum. This year will prove to be more difficult for us without receiving county tax support.  But the Dawson County Historical Society has struggled before, and our community has NEVER let us down, and we have always pulled through as we will again with your support!