Freeman School Then and Now

Historic Photo of Freeman School 1918 Historic Photo of Freeman School 1918

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Historic Photo of Freeman School 1918
Credit: NPS Photo

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Photo of Freeman School 2018
Credit: NPS Photo

 
The Freeman School serves as a reminder of the role the schoolhouse played in the history of the prairie frontier. Officially known as school District Number 21, the school was a center of education for prairie children from 1872 until 1967. During its long history, the school was also a meeting place for the First Trinity Lutheran Church, the polling place for Blakely Township, and a gathering place for many debates, socials and clubs. It is not known if it was named after Thomas Freeman , a local bricklayer, or Daniel Freeman, a local homesteader. Both men served on the school board at one time. Daniel garnered national attention with his protest against bible-based lessons at the school. See the Bible Case page for more information.

Last updated: May 4, 2020

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8523 West State Highway 4
Beatrice, NE 68310

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402 223-3514

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