Cass County Historical Museum

Cass County Historical Society Museum at 646 Main in Plattsmouth, Nebraska, tells the history of Cass County since 1854, the year the county was opened for settlement. Permanent displays depict various stages in the county's history and are supplemented by temporary exhibits which are changed periodically throughout the year. Visitors learn about the golden age of steamboating on the Missouri River, the pioneer experience, the arrival of the train, and the importance of farm production. A second part of the permanent display covers the age of the automobile, the telephone and radio, churches and religious life, schools, and entertainment. There is a Pioneer room, a Victorian Parlor, and a General Store. Temporary exhibits are developed quarterly to supplement the permanent displays. The Society also maintains the Joseph and Mary Cook Log Cabin (built in 1868) and a Burlington Northern Caboose which sit at Second and Main in Plattsmouth and a one-room schoolhouse - Rock Bluffs - which is located southeast of Plattsmouth. The Museum is operated by the Cass County Historical Society, founded in 1936. The present museum facility was built in 1960 with additions made to the building in 1972, 1980, and 1986. The Davis Conference Room, added in 1986, is used for research, meetings, exhibits, and storage. The Museum has outgrown its building, both in terms of exhibition space and storage space and has purchased land for a new building. During the summer (April-October) the museum is open 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm Tuesday through Sunday. It is closed on Mondays and major holidays. During the winter (November-March) it is open 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm Tuesday through Saturday and is closed on Sundays and Mondays. The log cabin, caboose, and Rock Bluffs school are open by special arrangement only.