NATIONAL NEBRASKA DAY

On April 5, The Corn Husker State gains recognition for its wide open spaces and scenic byways.

Nebraska joined the union as the 37th state on March 1, 1867. Pioneers migrating westward along the Oregon, California and Mormon Trails would mark on their journey by the sights they could recognize along the way. One such landmark was Scotts Bluff.

“A Pioneer should have imagination, should be able to enjoy the idea of things more than the things themselves.” ~ Willa Cather, O Pioneers!

Those who put down roots in Nebraska likely homesteaded thanks to the Homestead Act of 1862. https://www.nps.gov/home/index.htm
Nebraska’s landscape contributes significantly to the ranching and farming industry still today.

The barren plains of Nebraska have J.Sterling Morton to thank for the shade they receive on a hot sunny day. The Nebraskan proposed a day to plant trees and beautify the state. Arbor Day was first celebrated on April 10, 1872.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Explore the history and people of Nebraska. Follow the trails of the pioneers and visit the cities on the prairies. Use #NationalNebraskaDay to share on social media.

In 2017, National Day Calendar® began celebrating each state in the order they entered the union starting the week of Independence Day and ending with Hawaii. We highlight a small part of each states’ history, foods and the people who make up the state. There’s so much more to explore!

Red Cloud - Native American Leader - (September 20, 1822 - December 10, 1909)

Red Cloud gained a remarkable reputation in the mid-1800s for successfully resisting the U.S. military in the West. In later years, Red Cloud would choose diplomacy and advocacy to improve the lives of the Sioux people on the Pine Ridge Reservation.

Standing Bear - Native American Chief - (1839 - September 1908)

Noted for the landmark case bearing his name, Standing Bear and a few of his tribal members left the reservation to honor the spirit of his dead son. Find out more about the journey and the landmark decision of Standing Bear v. Crook.

Susan La Flesche Picotte - Physician - (June 17, 1865 - Spetember 18, 1915)

Susan La Flesche Picotte attended Women’s Medical College of Pennsylvania. In 1889, she became the first Native American woman to receive a medical degree.

Grace Abbot - Social Worker - (November 17, 1878 - June 19, 1939)

An advocate for immigrants and children’s rights, Grace Abbott led the Children’s Bureau during President Warren Harding’s administration. The Child Labor Amendment was one piece of legislation for which she campaigned and currently remains pending approval.

Howard Hanson - Composer - ( October 28, 1896 - February 26, 1981)

The director of the Eastman School of Music, Howard Hanson’s romantic compositions played an essential role in American classical music. In 1943, he was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Music for his Symphony No. 4, the Peabody Award in 1946, as well as other achievements contributing to American music.

Fred Astaire - Dancer - ( May 10, 1899 - June 22, 1987)

The legendary dancer, actor and comedian, Fred Astaire combined dazzling choreography with careful planning and lots of rehearsal to wow audiences. Astaire was often paired with Ginger Rogers but also performed with Rita Hayworth, Judy Garland, and Audrey Hepburn.

George Beadle - October 22, 1903 - June 9, 1989)

George Beadle earned a Nobel Prize with Edward Tatum for discovering chemical processes of genes.

Bil Baird - Puppeteer - (August 15, 1904 - March 18, 1987)

From street performances to Broadway shows, Bil Baird’s marionettes made appearances all over the world. He and his wife, Cora, made The Lonely Goatherd from the musical film The Sound of Music come to life in 1965.

Henry Fonda- Actor - (May 16, 1905 - August 12, 1982)

An actor of both stage and screen, Henry Fonda earned critical acclaim for roles in The Grapes of Wrath and an Academy Award for On Golden Pond.

Max Baer - Boxer - ( February 11, 1909 - November 21, 1959)

Max Baer earned his reputation as a knock-out fighter during the Great Depression.

Gerald Ford - President - (July 14, 1913 - December 26, 2006)

After the resignation of Richard Nixon, Gerald Form tooth the oath as the 38th President of the United States.

Marlon Brando - Actor - (April 3, 1924 - July 1, 2004)

One of Hollywood’s most memorable actors, Marlon Brando created a string of rebels, villians, and crooks. He was nominated for eight Acadamy Awards and earned only one.

Malcolm X - Minister - ( May 19, 1925 - February 21, 1965)

The one-time minister of the Nation of Islam, Malcolm X played a pivotal counterpoint to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s peaceful activism the Civil Rights Movement and racism. In later years, the eloquent orator found a renewed hope after divesting himself from the Nation of Islam. He was assassinated in 1965.

Warren Buffett - Businessman - (August 30, 1930-)

Warren Buffett, one of the wealthiest businessman in the world, began investing at a young age. He has pledged to donate 99% of his wealth to philanthropic causes.

Bob Gibson - Baseball player - (November 9, 1935 - )

Noted right-hander, Bob Gibson pitched 17 years for the St. Louis Cardinals. He earned two Cy Young Awards and two World Series Championships. Gibson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1981.