Community Program on Dempster Oral History Project at Homestead National Monument of America

Date: July 8, 2015

Homestead National Monument of America will host a community program Sunday, July 12, 2015, at Homestead's Education Center at 2:00 p.m.to provide information about the Dempster Oral History Project. Oral History intern Paola Perez will describe the project and provide information on how you can help preserve the history of the Dempster Mill Manufacturing Company. We plan to conduct interviews with former employees and family members July 15 through 25 at Homestead National Monument of America. If you are interested in sharing your stories, please don't let this opportunity pass you by!

The Dempster Mill Manufacturing Company has a long and storied history in Beatrice, Nebraska. Homestead National Monument of America is in the process of receiving a donation of many corporate records from Dempster. While these documents are important and vital for tracking the history of the company and community, the history isn't complete without personal accounts from former employees and their families. 

Oral histories provide a link for future generations to learn and understand, while also keeping the Dempster legacy alive. Dempster was one of the largest windmill manufacturing companies in the late-1800s and early-1900s. The production of these windmills provided homesteaders the ability to obtain the most crucial resource to be successful, water. Besides, it's fun to reminisce!|

Think your story isn't worth telling? Think again. There is only so much documents or files can tell us about history. "People who can relive moments and tell their stories give off true sparks of knowledge about the experience of working at Dempster Mill Manufacturing" said Homestead Superintendent Mark Engler. For more information about this project please call us at 402-223-3514.

Remember, Homestead National Monument of America has an exciting schedule of events planned for 2015. Keep up with the latest information by following us on Twitter (HomesteadNM) and Facebook (Homestead National Monument of America).

Homestead National Monument of America is a unit of the National Park Service located four miles west of Beatrice, Nebraska. Hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is free of charge. For additional information, please call 402-223-3514 or visit www.nps.gov/home.