Elkhorn Valley Museum and Research Center – Norfolk, Nebraska
This is a museum that you will truly want to spend some time in looking at the wide array of displays showcasing the life and times of those that settled the area and those that made history in later years. You can see a room that is set up to reflect what "Grandma’s House" was like in the early 1900’s, a doctors office from 1881-1883 which shows how things have changed in the last 100+ years in the medical field. Maybe you are interested in tractors and would enjoy seeing the Square Turn Tractor that was built in 1916.
Johnny Carson, the famed television celebrity of late night TV, was raised in Norfolk. The museum has a gallery dedicated to his life with many of the items on display being selected by Johnny himself. Johnny was actually born in Corning, Iowa and moved to Norfolk when he was 8. He went to school in Norfolk and graduated fro the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Following his life in Norfolk you can learn a great deal about this very talented man and how he got his start on radio and migrated to TV.
The museum also offers a "miniature children’s museum" where the kids can get hand-on activity experience focused on the different ages and interests of the kids. The area is specifically designed for children ages 2 though 11 and their families. There is so much for the kids to do they won’t want to leave when you are ready to go!
Verges Park is also a part of the Elkhorn Valley Historical Society sites. This park has a number of things worth seeing such as the cave lined with concrete that was dug into the 90 foot west bank where it was used for meetings and parties. The cave is open on the Thursday before Halloween for "Creepers in the Cave" and during "Pioneer Days in the Park" in August.
There are also structures on the grounds that give the history and lifestyles of the Dederman family from the era of 1868. To be able to see how the family lived and educated their youth is an interesting visit.
Hour: Monday – Saturday 19 – 5 and Sunday 1 – 5. Closed on Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Admission: Adults: $6; Seniors over 55: $5; Students: $4; 5 – 11: $3 and under 5 Free.
Location: 515 Queen City Blvd, Norfolk, Nebraska 68701
Phone: 402-371-3886
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I am putting together a program for high school seniors and would like to ask for posters that showcase your state. I want to show them places to go in the US. Posters will work the best but anything you can send will be appreciated.
Thank you
Sue Kirchner
3413 Canterbury Drive
St. Charles, Mo. 63303
sue_kirchner@yahoo.com
I have forwarded your request for assistance on to the Elkhorn Valley Museum and Research Center and asked them to respond directly to you.
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Pat Watson, Editor
I was in Norfolk in October working on a book project and visited this museum. The Johnny Carson display includes a number of his Emmys, but the museum also has an exhibit about Tony the Tiger. The guy who did the voice of Tony the Tiger was from Norfolk. It’s a pleasant little museum.
And FYI – the people of Norfolk pronounce it “Norfork.”