Last updated: 6/7/2011
Beatrice, Nebraska
Address
8523 West State Highway 4
Beatrice, NE 68310
phone: 402-223-3514
fax: 402-228-4231
web: www.nps.gov/home

Hours

Open daily except Thanksgiving Day, December 25, and January 1. The trail system and parking lot are open from dawn to dusk every day the park is open.

Summer Season (Memorial Day to Labor Day) The visitor center and buildings are open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Fall, Winter and Spring Seasons (Labor Day to Memorial Day) The visitor center and buildings are open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and weekends from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Admissions

Free

Museum Type(s)

Staff

Merrith Baughman
phone: 402-223-3514
Description

The Homestead Act of 1862 was one of the most significant and enduring events in the westward expansion of the United States. By granting 160 acres of free land to claimants, it allowed nearly any man or woman a "fair chance." Homestead National Monument of America, located in Southeast Nebraska, commemorates this Act and the far-reaching effects it had upon the landscape and people.

History

With one stroke of the pen on March 19, 1936, President Franklin D. Roosevelt created a new national park on the site of the Daniel Freeman homestead. The following words were included in the legislation:

"...lay out said land in a suitable and enduring manner so that the same may be maintained as an appropriate monument to retain for posterity a proper memorial emblematical of the hardships and the pioneer life through which the early settlers passed in the settlement, cultivation and civilization of the Great West."

For more information go to http://www.nps.gov/home/historyculture/creationhomesteadmonument.htm

Artifact Collections

Homestead National Monument of America currently has over 9,000 archeological artifacts, over 7,000 historical objects, almost 1,000 scientific specimens and over 43,000 archival documents or 26.9 linear feet. The total collection size for Homestead National Monument of America is over 60,000 items! For more information go to http://www.nps.gov/home/historyculture/collections.htm

Educational Programs

Special events are held throughout the year. See http://www.nps.gov/home/planyourvisit/events.htm for upcoming events.

Education Opportunities:

Homestead National Monument of America has developed Curriculum Based educational materials and activities intended for use during field trips to Homestead, visits by a National Park Ranger to the classroom, and use by the teacher in the classroom. Homestead also provides Distance Learning opportunities. Schools that are interested in any of these educational opportunities should contact:

Education Coordinator Homestead National Monument of America 402-223-3514

For more information go to http://www.nps.gov/home/forteachers/index.htm

Governance

Homestead National Monument of America is a unit in the National Park System administered by the National Park Service, an agency in the United States Department of Interior

Exhibitions
Museum Events
DISCLAIMER
This information, including business hours, addresses and contact information is provided for general reference purposes only. No representation is made or warranty is given as to its content or the reliability thereof. User assumes all risk of use. Stories USA, Inc. and its content suppliers assume no responsibility for any loss or delay resulting from such use. Please call ahead to verify the dates, the location and directions.

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