News Release

Family Fun Labor Day Weekend at Homestead National Monument of America

Date: August 13, 2019
Contact: Charlotte McDaniel, 402-223-3514

Come to Homestead National Monument of America, August 31-September 2, 2019 for 3 days of exciting programs for the whole family! Every day of the weekend will have a different themes and will feature different activities.  
 
 Saturday, August 31, 2019, will focus on living history demonstrations from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Education and Heritage Centers and will include two feature presentations. Engage in activities related to homesteading life and learn more about life during the early Homestead Era. You can make candles, pioneer toys, butter, and learn about Dutch oven cooking. 
 
On Sunday, September 1, 2019, from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. car enthusiasts can enjoy the “Homestead Era Car and Truck Show” at the Heritage Center. Come exhibit your own car for prizes or just enjoy walking among the cars from Model T’s to models built up to 1986 when the Homestead Act was rescinded. The Friends of Homestead are providing the trophies.
 
On Monday, September 2, 2019, at 10 a.m. at the Freeman School, try out your spelling skills at the 9th Annual Old Fashioned Spelling Bee. Spelling was a core requirement in pioneer schools. The Spelling Bee is sponsored by the Beatrice Daily Sun. 
 
Superintendent Mark Engler noted “The diversity of the activities and events offered over the three day weekend makes each day of the event a unique experience.”
 
Visit Homestead National Monument of America during the Labor Day Weekend and enjoy the National Homesteading Museum, Farm Implement Exhibit, the 1872 one room school, and over 3 miles of hiking trails across the oldest restored tallgrass prairie in the National Pak Service.
 
 
 
 
 
Homestead Labor Day Weekend Schedule:
 
Saturday, August 31 at the Homestead Education and Heritage Centers
Living History / 10 a.m. -4 p.m.
Pioneer Games, Quilting, Corn husk Dolls, Classic Homesteader Toys, Skin and Skulls and many more things to do.
 
11:00 a.m. Kregel Windmill Factory Museum presents: The History of the Kregel Windmill and the important role of windmills during the Homestead Era
 
1:00 p.m. Nolan Sump presents: The History of Homesteading and the Grist Mill
 
 
Sunday September 1 at the Homestead Heritage Centers
Annual Homestead Era Car and Truck Show / 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
1900 - 1980's Original/restored and modified cars and pickups. You are invited to come and view these vehicles, and if you have one you would like to show off, bring it along! 
 
Monday September 2 at the Freeman School
9th Annual Old Fashioned Spelling Bee / 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Contestants will be divided into five categories; under 7 years, 7 - 9, 10 - 12, 13 - 15, and over 15 - adult. Winners will receive trophies courtesy of the Beatrice Daily Sun.
 
 
Homestead National Monument of America has an exciting schedule of events planned for 2019. Keep up with the latest information by following us on Twitter (HomesteadNM), Facebook (Homestead National Monument of America), and Instagram (HomesteadNPS). For more information on programs or activities, please call 402-223-3514 or visit www.nps.gov/home.
 
Homestead National Monument of America is a unit of the National Park Service located four miles west of Beatrice, Nebraska and 45 miles south of Lincoln. Hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free of charge. For additional information, please call 402-223- 3514 or visit http://www.nps.gov/home.
 
EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICATM
 
The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.