WELCOME TO THE NEBRASKA QUESTERS WEBSITE!
On the Nebraska Questers website, you can learn about the rich history of our non-profit organization called THE QUESTERS, the Nebraska State Questers which was chartered in 1979, and Nebraska’s’ current eight active chapters, in which a total of 101 women and men attend monthly meetings. The spark that led to the founding of THE QUESTERS organization was Jessie Elizabeth “Bess” Bardens who in 1944 gathered a group of Red Cross women who were curious about a blue, antique, syrup pitcher on Bess’s desk. Bess filled their need for friendship and diversion during the worrisome time of WWII by offering her time and knowledge of antiques. The group’s gatherings became regular meetings, then grew as chapters multiplied with thousands of members into what is now THE QUESTERS.
Just as in Bess’s gatherings, today’s Questers meet regularly in local chapters to learn about historic artifacts, hear historic stories, or tour historic properties. Chapters have monthly meetings set on a specific day or evening of the month, generally in
September through May. Chapters often support preservation and restoration of historic antiquities in our communities through fundraising and grants available from THE QUESTERS and the State organization. To see photos and information about specific chapters in Nebraska click on the website’s tab, “Chapters.”
Nebraska State Questers meet once a year for an informative and enjoyable meeting we call “State Day.” It is typically held in or near a historic site or museum and the day includes seminars, speakers, displays and a lunch with time to visit with
Questers from across the State. Nebraska State Questers’ 2022 State Day was held Oct. 8th in Bellevue at the First Presbyterian Church and the speakers’ topics were “Finding Your Roots” and “History of Sarpy County Through Historical Objects.” A tour was provided of the first church in Nebraska, the Old First Presbyterian Church built in 1856-58. Our 2023 State Day will be on Oct. 14 in Norfolk and includes a reception at the Elkhorn Valley Museum, which has a wonderful exhibit on Johnny Carson who lived in Norfolk during his youth. The State Day theme is “Pieces of the Past.” To see more about activities during State Days click on the website tab, “State Days!”
Please take additional time to look at our website to learn more about Nebraska Questers, the activities we like, and what we do as a non-profit organization. If your curiosity wants more, click on the CONTACT US tab, and send an email with your
contact information and the questions you have so one of our board members can contact you.
As the recently installed Nebraska State Questers President, I’m privileged to determine for my term of office (2023-25) our State theme which is-----“Preserving Our History for Future Generations!
On the Nebraska Questers website, you can learn about the rich history of our non-profit organization called THE QUESTERS, the Nebraska State Questers which was chartered in 1979, and Nebraska’s’ current eight active chapters, in which a total of 101 women and men attend monthly meetings. The spark that led to the founding of THE QUESTERS organization was Jessie Elizabeth “Bess” Bardens who in 1944 gathered a group of Red Cross women who were curious about a blue, antique, syrup pitcher on Bess’s desk. Bess filled their need for friendship and diversion during the worrisome time of WWII by offering her time and knowledge of antiques. The group’s gatherings became regular meetings, then grew as chapters multiplied with thousands of members into what is now THE QUESTERS.
Just as in Bess’s gatherings, today’s Questers meet regularly in local chapters to learn about historic artifacts, hear historic stories, or tour historic properties. Chapters have monthly meetings set on a specific day or evening of the month, generally in
September through May. Chapters often support preservation and restoration of historic antiquities in our communities through fundraising and grants available from THE QUESTERS and the State organization. To see photos and information about specific chapters in Nebraska click on the website’s tab, “Chapters.”
Nebraska State Questers meet once a year for an informative and enjoyable meeting we call “State Day.” It is typically held in or near a historic site or museum and the day includes seminars, speakers, displays and a lunch with time to visit with
Questers from across the State. Nebraska State Questers’ 2022 State Day was held Oct. 8th in Bellevue at the First Presbyterian Church and the speakers’ topics were “Finding Your Roots” and “History of Sarpy County Through Historical Objects.” A tour was provided of the first church in Nebraska, the Old First Presbyterian Church built in 1856-58. Our 2023 State Day will be on Oct. 14 in Norfolk and includes a reception at the Elkhorn Valley Museum, which has a wonderful exhibit on Johnny Carson who lived in Norfolk during his youth. The State Day theme is “Pieces of the Past.” To see more about activities during State Days click on the website tab, “State Days!”
Please take additional time to look at our website to learn more about Nebraska Questers, the activities we like, and what we do as a non-profit organization. If your curiosity wants more, click on the CONTACT US tab, and send an email with your
contact information and the questions you have so one of our board members can contact you.
As the recently installed Nebraska State Questers President, I’m privileged to determine for my term of office (2023-25) our State theme which is-----“Preserving Our History for Future Generations!
Lorraine Jeffus
Nebraska State President
2025-2026