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Tecumseh, Nebraska

The Johnson County Historical Society Museum complex consists of three historic buildings with the main building and the rural schoolhouse located at one site and the Old Jail standing on its original location nearby. The main museum is housed in the historic Christian Church that was built in 1888 with pews from the original church, an organ, and pulpits displayed at the front of the building. Adjacent to the church is the restored District 73 schoolhouse.

The church building includes a variety of exhibits, many of which are displayed in free-standing cases. Significant displays include a collection of farm toys, the McCrosky Collection of statuettes and fans, china and household items, quilts, and military artifacts. The basement includes collections of farm implements and tools, Indian artifacts, and an early kitchen display.

  • 1200-1450 AD Indian Pottery
  • Glass from the late 1700s
  • 1800 English Blue Willow dishes
  • 1833 Antique Clock
  • 1863 large Sherman Family Bible
  • Edison Cylinder Phonograph with horn
Other items include a collection of dolls, glassware, band instruments from the Tecumseh Military Band, many Indian artifacts, numerous pictures of residents, scenes of towns in the county, the Ingersoll unicycle, Frederick Prill emigrant trunk from Germany, a picture of the Civil War Andersonville prison, Donald J. Van Winkle's tractor collection, vintage clothing, biographical writings of prominent Johnson County residents, the papers of Col. Barney Oldfield, the story of the 17-year-old, 4-H club member who developed high-yield Hybrid Seed corn, becoming Dr. Charles O. Gardner, and recognized nationally and internationally for his genetic research in agronomy, plus numerous other exhibits on display.

Records of all Johnson County cemeteries and the obituaries from 1900 to 1939 are on file. There is much history about Johnson County and its residents that is recorded in the libraries on file as well as copies of the various Johnson County Newspapers.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Tecumseh Opera House

The Tecumseh Opera House is a two-story brick building on the west side of the courthouse square. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building was built in 1880 by W.R. Spicknell and W.H. Hassett.

Tecumseh, NE National Register

Barney Oldfield Exhibit

Johnson County has a very well-known citizen in the person of Col. Barney Oldfield. Col. Oldfield started his military career with an ROTC membership when he was attending the University of Nebraska where he graduated in 1933

Tecumseh, NE Museums

Colonel Barney Oldfield

Colonel Barney Oldfield was born in Tecumseh, Nebraska on December 18, 1909, and graduated from Elk Creek High School in 1928

Tecumseh, NE Famous People

Carnegie Building

The first public libraries for Tecumseh were not pretentious. They were kept in private homes, at the city hall and elsewhere, with such books and magazines as could be secured through contributions and otherwise. The women of the city carried on the work of librarians. June 6, 1907

Tecumseh, NE Carnegie Libraries

Johnson County Historical Society Museum

The Johnson County Historical Society Museum complex consists of three historic buildings with the main building and the rural schoolhouse located at one site and the Old Jail standing on its original location nearby. The main museum is housed in the historic Christian Church that was built in 1888

Tecumseh, NE Museums

Things to do near Tecumseh, NE

Branched Oak Trails

Hikers, bicyclists and equestrians can have their choice of several trails around Branched Oak. On Liebers Point near Area #6...

Crooked Creek Country Club

Course Access: Semi-PrivateHoles: 9Reserve Advance Tee Times: 14 days...

Mahoney SP Theatres

There's a gift shop and game room at Kiewit Lodge and an orientation theater in the John R. Lauritzen Administration Building...