Hastings Museum

Adams County Cruise: Southwest

hastingsmuseum — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 22:02:00 +0000

Adams County Cruise

Southwest Tour Photos

Below are images that accompany the Museum’s bus tour.

All images not otherwise marked are courtesy of the Adams County Historical Society.

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Community Conversation: NAD Exhibit Planning

hastingsmuseum — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 21:00:51 +0000

Help Shape Future Naval Ammunition Depot Exhibit

The Hastings Museum is calling on community members to help shape an upcoming exhibit exploring the history and legacy of the Naval Ammunition Depot (NAD). As part of its early planning process, the Museum will host a public discussion event titled Community Conversation: NAD Exhibit Planning on Sunday, March 29 at 2:00 p.m. in the Lied Super Screen Theater.

This event offers a unique opportunity for residents to contribute their perspectives, stories, and ideas. The Naval Ammunition Depot played a vital role in Hastings’ past, influencing not only wartime production but also the daily lives of those who lived and worked in the area. By gathering input from the community, the Museum aims to ensure the exhibit reflects a well-rounded and meaningful narrative.

“We want this exhibit to reflect the voices of the people who experienced that era of our history,” said Museum Director Teresa Kreutzer-Hodson. “Public input is essential as we begin planning, ensuring the stories we tell are meaningful and impactful for future generations.”

Attendees will be able to engage directly with Museum staff, ask questions, and share feedback in an open and collaborative setting. For those unable to attend in person, the Museum will provide alternative ways to participate. Feedback forms will be available online and at the front desk throughout the month of April.

This event is part of the Museum’s ongoing Community Conversation series, which gathers public input to guide planning and development efforts. Individuals of all backgrounds and levels of NAD knowledge are encouraged to take part.

Through initiatives like this, the Hastings Museum continues its mission to spark curiosity, encourage exploration, and preserve the evolving story of Central Nebraska.

The online feedback form and printed questionnaire will be available from March 30-April 30 after the event concludes.

FILL OUT FEEDBACK FORM

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American Patchwork – Call for Quilts

hastingsmuseum — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 23:15:29 +0000

American Patchwork – Celebrating 250 Years of Heritage

Calling for quilts!

The Hastings Museum invites you to exhibit your quilted items as part of the Museum’s celebration of the Patchwork that is America. Old and new bed quilts, wall quilts, quilted clothing, home accessories and other quilted items are acceptable. This show is limited to quilted items. Items not quilted will be disqualified. American Patchwork will be on display September 18, 2026, through January 3, 2027, in the Museum’s East Gallery.

EXHIBITION CALENDAR

February 5, 2026

Entries open for submission
To enter online, please visit hastingsmuseum.org
Forms will be available at the Museum’s front desk.
Email Images / Entry Form to cgosser@cityofhastings.org

April 5, 2026

Deadline for entries
Email Images / Entry Form to cgosser@cityofhastings.com

June 26, 2026

Announcement of selected quilts and quilters in conjunction with the Hastings Chatauqua

September 11, 2026

Deadline for receiving exhibition quilts.

September 14 – 17, 2026

Exhibit installation

January 5-10, 2027

Quilts may be picked up during normal business hours. Special arrangements may be made for outside of business hours.

Exhibitors are asked to register no more than two items per person. Use a separate registration form for each item. The length and width are important for display purposes. Sew a 6-inch sleeve to the top of any quilts/quilted items 36″ x 36″ and larger. Secure it at both the top edge and the bottom edge of the SIX INCH SLEEVE. Leave ends open for a rod. It may be necessary to display some quilts on tables. Click here to learn how to add a hanging sleeve.

Insurance coverage of exhibited works is the responsibility of the owner. Items cannot be picked up without a copy of the loan form. For questions about the American Patchwork exhibit, please contact Curator of Exhibits, Curtis Gosser, at cgosser@cityofhastings.org or 402-461-2399.

Fill out the online entry form here!

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Meteorite Exhibit Additions

hastingsmuseum — Sun, 27 Jul 2025 17:30:39 +0000

Meteorite Exhibit Additions

When a meteorite hits Earth, it leaves more than a crater behind. The new artifacts in our meteorite exhibit are evidence that a meteorite impacted our planet. Only an impact event could create the intense pressure on the Earth’s surface needed to form these objects.

New Additions Include

Shatter Cones
Indochinites
Rock Flour

These objects are not on exhibit yet.
Look out for them by the end of January.

Check ’em out the next time you visit the Museum.
Just walk into the Moon!

Shatter Cone

Indochinites

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Summer Fun Classes Now Live

hastingsmuseum — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 12:23:24 +0000

Summer Fun Classes Are Live!

Summer is right around the corner, and we’re thrilled to share that our Summer Fun schedule is officially live! This year’s lineup is bigger and better, with brand-new classes designed for kids ages 4 through 8th grade. Whether your child loves to create, explore, move, or discover something new, there’s something exciting waiting for them.

Our Summer Fun program is all about learning through play, building confidence, and making unforgettable summer memories. From hands-on activities to engaging group experiences, these classes are crafted to keep kids inspired, curious, and having a blast all summer long.

Sign-ups are coming soon, so now is the perfect time to get ready. Visit the official Summer Fun page to check out the full list of classes, find the right fit for your child, and be the first to sign up when registration opens.

learn more & view class schedule

Help Us Get the Word Out! Do you love Summer Fun at the Hastings Museum? Help us spread the excitement! Share the fun with your family and friends so more kids can enjoy a summer full of learning, creativity, and adventure.

You can help by sharing our website, reposting our social media posts, or simply telling others about your experience. Every share makes a difference and helps grow our Summer Fun community.

Thank you for helping us make this summer the best one yet. We can’t wait to welcome even more families to Summer Fun!

share our class facebook events

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New Discounts

hastingsmuseum — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 14:46:20 +0000

Visit Today!

Through Museums for All, people receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits) can pay reduced admission to more than 1,200 museums throughout the United States simply by presenting their EBT card and a photo ID. Hastings Museum is now a proud participant in this program! So, if your family receives SNAP benefits, then you pay just $3 ADMISSION per person when you visit the Hastings Museum (up to a group of 5 people). This offer is available year round. See a full list of Museums that participate in this program at Museums4All.org.

The Hastings Museum is proud to be a Blue Star Museum. That means this summer we’re offering FREE ADMISSION to the nation’s active-duty military personnel and their families, including National Guard and Reserve. This offer begins on Armed Forces Day, Sat, MAY 18, and ends on Labor Day, Mon, SEPT 2. The National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families collaborate with the Department of Defense and museums across America to give back to our nation’s military. Are you travelling this summer? Check out the full list of Blue Star Museums.

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Tours, Tours, and more Tours!

hastingsmuseum — Sat, 16 Mar 2024 19:53:51 +0000

HASTINGS, Neb. – Hastings Museum local tour dates announced. If you are interested in local history, look no further for history and fun. See the variety of tours we have below.

History on Foot-DowntownHistory on Foot-Downtown

Adams County CruiseAdams County Cruise

History on Foot-CCC CampusHistory on Foot-CCC Campus

Pedal Trolley ToursPedal Trolley Tours

WWII Bus ToursWWII Bus Tours

Stop in this summer! Founded in 1927, Hastings Museum in Hastings, Neb., is the largest municipal museum between Chicago and Denver. Featuring a super screen Theatre and Planetarium, the Museum houses dozens of animal species set in their natural habitats. It also chronicles the history of the early inhabitants of the Nebraska plains and how Kool-Aid, the famous soft drink invented in Hastings, came to be such a success.

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WWII in Hastings

hastingsmuseum — Tue, 30 May 2023 21:01:53 +0000

WWII

In Hastings

Below are images that accompany the Museum’s bus tour.

All images not otherwise marked are courtesy of the Adams County Historical Society.

The post WWII in Hastings first appeared on Hastings Museum.

Outdoor Classroom

hastingsmuseum — Mon, 22 May 2023 19:58:02 +0000

Our Outdoor Classroom is designed to entice the young to explore the world around them through music, art, play, and movement. It features special stations for art, building, and learning about the weather; there are walls dedicated to music making and magnetic tubing, as well as a discovery table to really examine a variety of natural items.

This space is FREE with paid Museum admission or a Museum Membership. It’s also a great add-on for school field trips, scouting groups, and our summer fun classes for kids.

Closed for the season. Will reopen in Spring 2026.

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We LOVE Our Volunteers

hastingsmuseum — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 16:02:23 +0000

How do we make it all happen? Volunteers!

They mean so much to us. Last year they donated 1,332 hours of service to the Museum!

They help us run art stations for scouting events. They clean up our classrooms, guide small group activities, and help maintain our exhibits. Every summer they pour lots and lots of Kool-Aid! And when we needed photos for our Let’s Build Exhibit, they showed up with big smiles and lots of energy!

Last year we had seven volunteers who each donated more than 50 hours to the Museum. Our heartfelt thanks go to: Aiden Aldrich, Lynne Friedewald, Emma Kvetensky, Raena Northrup, Yesi Lara Pantoja, Jordyn Pracht, and Thea Wahl.

We appreciate you so much!

Our volunteer of the year is Raena Northrup. She was recognized for always going the extra mile in class, her ability to connect with children at all skill levels and ages, and her dependability.

Three volunteers qualified for the Presidential Volunteer Service Award: Aiden Aldrich, Raena Northrup, and Jordyn Pracht. Earning this honor is appreciated by all those who qualify, but it can be especially important to young volunteers as they seek to build a resume of accomplishments.

Thank You to All of our Amazing Volunteers!

Volunteers at the Museum must be 12+ years of age. Become a Volunteer today!

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