Affiliate Library

For me, one of the joys of genealogy research is the ability to access a wide variety of records, including land and probate, through the Family Search website. That joy is compounded when I can work in an affiliate library.

Recently, Family Search released the application for more public libraries to become affiliate libraries. The application process requires the public library to have a static IP address. This static IP address allows Family Search to make restricted records available at the public library while preventing access at other locations, such as my home. In addition, the library agrees to provide a link to Family Search for their library patrons.

Below is a video explaining why I'm hoping my public library and area public libraries will complete this application.

Libraries wishing to complete the application should:

• Print out the new contract.
• Sign the document, scan it, and save it as a PDF file.
• Email the signed document PDF to affiliatelibraries at familysearch.org.
• FamilySearch will return a countersigned contract to you

Check Out Clio

When planning family outings, do you try to include visits to museums, historical sites or points of interest? If so, there's an app to help you choose where to visit: Clio. Clio is a mobile app and web site to guide users to thousands of historical and cultural sites in the United States.

 Last week, the Nemaha County Historical Society was approved to add entries to Clio. As an initial project, we have added six Seneca sites to Clio:

• Hand Dug Well
• Nemaha County Historical Society
• Temple of Honor Military Museum
• Seneca Post Office
• Seneca Free Library
• Seneca Fire Department Museum

Each of these sites as well as most of the sites on Clio include photos and links to further information. The written information about each site was taken from the walking tour posters, brochures and even a post card. (Yes, a bibliography of the sources used is at the bottom of each entry.) 

There are a lot more places in Nemaha county deserving an entry on Clio. However, we will need the communities help to gather the photos, links and source material. (Note: This would make a great senior project.)

Check us out on Clio!

Quit before Four

Cletus Suther and family donated a quilt made by the 'Quit before Four' quilting group to the Nemaha County Historical Society today.

Members of the club each made a quilt block and signed the block. Names on the block include Francis Krammer, laurine Lackey, Louise Stuke, Dorothy Lierz, Elizabeth Frehe, Cathryn Lierz, Minnie Stuke, Rose Gress, Rita Stuke, Rachel Henry, Dorothy Ronnebaum, Charlene Mohlman, Josephine Kuckleman, Marie Ronnebaum and Elsie Wempe.

Mysterious Item

Do you know the history behind this item?

This trash can is made out of cardboard. The donor said that cardboard was used to make trash cans during World War II to avoid using metal in the making of the trash cans.

The following blog posts discuss the need to save metal for the war effort.

• Make It Do -- Metal Shortages During World War II
• Vintage Paper Treasures of the Home Front -- World War II Collectibles

There is an imprint on the side of the trash can.

We believe this reads:
Menasha Inpervo Can
contents 2 1/2 gal
All Type
Mgr Under patent numbers
1,802,857 and 1,892,575
Menasha, Was.

Unfortunately, historical information about this item has not been found. Please contact the Nemaha County Historical Society (nchs@rainbowtel.net) if you have information on this or any similar item.

VFW Charter Members

2018 Tractor Cruise a Success

Thank you to everyone who supported the Nemaha County Historical Society by participating in this year's Tractor Cruise.

We would also like to thank Richard Schmitz for all of his work planning and coordinating this annual event.

Join us next year as we cruise the county!

Newspaper Research

Resources for Nemaha County and Kansas Newspapers

• Seneca Area Newspaper Archive – Link on Seneca Free Library page
• Sabetha Herald Archive 1888-2014 – Link on Mary Cotton Library page
• Seneca Free Library Microfilm Collection (for issues not available online)
• Courier Tribune – 1972 to 2006
• Kansas Online Historical Newspapers Summary – Ancestor Hunt
• Kansas State Historical Society- 6425 SW 6th, Topeka, KS
• Search Newspaper Collection
• Formats Available
• Microfilm – Go to Topeka and read OR borrow thru Interlibrary Loan
• KSHS Digital File – Go to Topeka to access
• Chronicling America -- 46 Kansas Newspapers
• Newspapers.com – access by verify Kansas drivers’ license on KSHS site
• State Archives Hours and Directions
• U.S. Newspaper Directory – Searchable list of newspapers published in the United States (use search boxes BELOW alphabet links)
• Clicking on Newspaper Title will open page containing links to digital versions (if available) and links to holdings info (to locate libraries and/or historical societies with copies)
• Nemaha County Historical Society Obituary Clippings File – (about 1978 – current)
• Available by visiting NCHS museum at 113N. 6th St., Seneca, KS on Tuesdays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Interlibrary Loan – Microfilm of Kansas Newspapers

• Researchers in Kansas can borrow KSHS microfilm collections on interlibrary loan through participating Kansas libraries. There is no fee for this service.
• Please submit your request to your local library.
• Provide the complete citation and microfilm reel numbers if possible.
• Libraries can borrow up to two reels of film at a time per patron.
• Film must be used on a microfilm reader/printer at the borrowing library.
• The loan period is for four weeks (including shipping time).
• Film is usually sent out within five business days after the request is received from the local library.