Objective

Our goal is to raise $20,000 through public and private funding to obtain two Historical Markers for two separate sites along the Blue River Cattle Trail. These two sites, the Blue River Rest Area (by Milford I-80 Exit 382) and the Blue River Historical District, both have significance for the Blue River Cattle Trail as they are both close to the Big Blue River, yet serve different demographics.

Location

The Blue River Rest Area location will serve the demographic of travelers along I-80 and is supported by the Seward County Historical Society, a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization (NPO). There is also be a display about the Blue River Cattle Trail at the Seward County Museum in Goehner, NE.

The Blue River Historical District location will serve the demographic of local residents of Seward County, as well as visitors to Seward for events like Independence Day. The Blue River Historical District is also a 501(c)(3) NPO.

Marker Types

According to the Nebraska History Marker program, there are three types of markers: 

• Two-Post, 5' wide x 6' tall, 180 words ($7,000)*

• Single-Post, 42" wide x 30" tall, 80 words ($1,400)*

• Tablet 6' wide x 3' tall, 170 words ($4,000)*

*Includes post and shipping

The Two-Post marker is ideal for the Blue River Cattle Trail as it is the most eye-catching and gives viewers the largest amount of "textual real-estate" for the Blue River Cattle Trail. Each marker is estimated to incur an additional installation cost of $2,500 - $3,000. The total for each Two-Post marker required is $10,000.

Current Fundraising - Public

One of our objectives is to try and raise funds is through public grants. We are partnering with three non-profits: Seward County Historical Society, Blue River Historical District, and Seward County Bridges. We will be applying for various applicable grants to help us get closer to achieving our goal. 

RoamNebraska - Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation
Improvement Grant - Seward County Visitors' Bureau
Operation RoundUp - Norris Public Power District
Seward Legacy Fund

Current Fundraising - Private

We are hoping to complement whatever public/corporate funding to cover the costs for placing Historical Markers in Seward County. How would YOU like to be a part of local history and help accomplish our goal? There are two ways you can take part in making history with us!

Online

1. **CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE** Click on the Donate button at the top. You will be redirected to the Seward County Bridges donation page. Be sure to specify which Marker you wish to donate to in the textbox.

   1. • Blue River Cattle Trail - Blue River Rest Area

      • Blue River Cattle Trail - Blue River Historical District

2. Participate in Give Week with Seward County Gives. Be sure to put "Blue River Cattle Trail" in the textbox that says "Notes about my gift". This annual drive has a matching program which boosts your Giving Dollars! 🤩💰

Cash or Check

Give directly to the appropriate NPO for each location. Make your checks or cash donations to the NPOs below and be sure to designate "Blue River Cattle Trail" in the memo on your check or envelope. Your donation to either Non-Profit Organization is tax-deductible. (Pro Tip: You can give to BOTH! 🐮🤠)

1. • Seward County Historical Society
     P.O. Box 188, Goehner, NE, 68364
     Phone: (402) 523-4055
     Email: schs19672@gmail.com

   • Blue River Historical District - Onsite
     441 N 5th St
     Seward, NE 68434
     Phone: (402) 643-2555
     Email: patcoldiron@hotmail.com