News Release

Voices of the Niobrara

Date: August 27, 2025
Contact: Bobbie Roshone, 402-389-1925

National Park Service rangers at the Niobrara National Scenic River announce the upcoming Voices of the Niobrara Speaker Series, a month-long event celebrating the rich history and diverse voices of the Niobrara River Valley.

This series will feature presentations from indigenous leaders, historians, and local ranchers, offering a unique opportunity for community dialogue and education.

Event Schedule:

• September 5, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Central Time: Ione Quigley, Rosebud Tribal Historic Preservation Officer, will kick off the series with a presentation at the Niobrara National Scenic River Visitor Center. Quigley is scheduled to share insights into the cultural heritage and preservation efforts of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe.

• September 12, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Central Time: LaVon Stennis-Williams will present on the Buffalo Soldiers, exploring their significant contributions and service in the Nebraska/Great Plains Region, particularly at Fort Niobrara. This session aims to educate visitors on the Buffalo Soldiers' history, connect their legacy to the region, and encourage discussions on military service, and westward expansion. Attendees are encouraged to bring any objects, images, or interpretive items from Fort Niobrara to enrich the storytelling experience.

• September 17, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Central Time: Ranchers of the Niobrara – A special panel featuring area ranchers, Carl and Vicki Simmons, Monte Frauen, and Jason Appelt, will discuss the current joys and challenges of ranching in the Nebraska Sandhills and the legacy of homesteading along the Niobrara River Valley. This panel is scheduled to provide a platform for ranchers to share their experiences and engage in a meaningful dialogue with the community.

• September 25, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Central Time: Nancy B. Johnson, courtesy of Humanities Nebraska, will present Myths of Women's Madness on the Plains, delving into the historical narratives and misconceptions surrounding women's mental health during the homesteading era.

This speaker series aims to foster a deeper understanding of the Niobrara River Valley's history and its people. By highlighting Indigenous voices, women homesteaders, and ranchers, the series intends to offer a comprehensive view of the region's past and present.

Join us for this educational and reflective event series and be part of the conversation that shapes our understanding of the Niobrara River Valley's rich heritage.

More information is available at www.nps.gov/niob or by phoning 402-376-1901.