Funding awarded for program on political traditions
McCOOK, Neb. -- McCook's political tradition will be examined in depth Feb. 23-24 during a special presentation at the Keystone Business Center.
Inspired by the Norris Institute, the program called "McCook's Political Tradition -- Telling the Story," was made possible by funding from Humanities Nebraska and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment fund.
The Norris Institute is presenting the program in cooperation with the High Plains Museum, Heritage Square, the Norris Foundation and the Nebraska State Historical Society's Norris House.
"Frank Morrison often mused that McCook's abundance of politicians was caused by something in the water of the Republican River," said Cloyd Clark, the president of the Norris Institute. "The time has come to tell the actual story of McCook's contributions to the political history of Nebraska and the nation."
A group of Nebraskan historians and storytellers have been enlisted to present the political tradition program. The speakers will include Ronald C. Naugle, a Nebraska historian; Brian Croft, a history instructor at Western Nebraska Community College; and Mike Smith, the retired director and CEO of the Nebraska State Historical Society. The program will be facilitated by Andy Long, the vice president of McCook Community College.
Through the years, McCook has been represented on the state and national political scene by U.S. Sen. George W. Norris, regarded as one of America's greatest legislators, as well as Nebraska Governors Ralph G. Brooks, Frank B. Morrison, Ben Nelson and Dave Heineman. In addition to two terms as governor, Nelson went on to serve two terms in the U.S. Senate.
Anyone interested in participating in the program can contact Clark at 308-345-2452 or Angela Allen at the McCook Economic Development Corp. office, 308-345-1200.
Information about grant guidelines may be obtained by contacting Humanities Nebraska, 215 Centennial Mall South, Suite 330, Lincoln, NE 68508; calling 402-474,2131, or going to their website, www.nebraskahumanities.org.
Humanities Nebraska is an independent, non-profit organization that funds programs that explore Nebraska's heritage, build community awareness and strengthen our ties to cultural traditions at home and abroad.
The Nebraska Cultural Endowment is a public/private partnership that designates funds to Humanities Nebraska for distribution.