Sculpture Project for Neihardt Center Moves Forward


The Neihardt Foundation is pleased to announce artist Herb Mignery has begun work on the bronze sculpture of John G. Neihardt and Nicholas Black Elk. The larger-than-life sculpture will grace the grounds of the Neihardt Site upon completion.

Mignery cast his first bronze in 1973, and has executed numerous works and monuments over the years, with each sculpture completing a piece of a story of life in the West.

The Board would like to thank the family of Maxine Kessinger for their generous donation that has helped the Foundation reach this goal.

Donations are still being accepted for the pouring of the finished bronze.

50th Annual Neihardt Day Celebration


The 50th annual Neihardt Day celebration will honor the “Sacred Circle” of the life and works of John G. Neihardt and family on Sunday, August 2 from 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the Neihardt Site.

Ron Hull returns as emcee and will introduce featured presenters including American folk-era musical entertainer Mike Adams, a living history interpretation of John and Mona Neihardt by Brad Kellogg and Raija Weiershauser, and manuscript donation by James Storm.

We are also pleased to welcome special guests and members of the Neihardt and Black Elk families, including Coralie Hughes, Neihardt’s granddaughter, who will give a selected Neihardt reading, and Myron Pourier, the great-great grandson of Nicholas Black Elk.

Foundation Board members are invited to attend a meeting in the Neihardt Library at 10:30 a.m. Lunch will be served on the grounds by Conrad’s Kitchen from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. The main program will begin at 1:30 p.m. The celebration is free and open to the public.

Bring your family and a lawn chair to enjoy the festivities!

Standing Bear Film and Presentation at Neihardt Site


The January “Sunday Afternoon at the Museum” program at the John G. Neihardt State Historic Site features a screening of Standing Bear’s Footsteps, a historical documentary that traces Chief Standing Bear’s journey from his Nebraska homeland to the malaria-infested plains of Indian Territory in present-day Oklahoma and finally to a trial that made front page news across America.  The film weaves together interviews, recreations, and present-day scenes to tell a story about human rights and what it means to be an American.  The film will be followed by a presentation with the associate producer Princella Parker.  Join us Sunday, January 11 at 2:00 p.m. to learn more about Standing Bear, the Ponca tribe, the unique status of Tribes and Indian citizens, and the many and varied ways Indian people have–and continue to–contribute to Nebraska and American history.  There will be a reception following the presentation.  This filming coincides with efforts to pass legislation that would create a Federally-designated Chief Standing Bear Trail.  The trail would retrace the steps of Chief Standing Bear and the Ponca people during their forced removal.

The Neihardt State Historic Site is located at 306 W. Elm St., Bancroft, Neb.  Both the program and reception are free and open to the public.  For more information, call 1-888-777-4667 or contact us through email at Neihardt @gpcom.net.  “Like” us on Facebook at John G. Neihardt State Historic Site to stay informed about programming. January 2015 SAM Standing Bear's Footsteps Poster