Welcome to the Nebraska Questers’ Website. Questers share a long legacy. In 1944 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Jessie Elizabeth “Bess” Bardens, established a group to meet and share their love of history and its artifacts. She shared the history of a blue syrup pitcher which sat on her desk. In time the members found a place where, during war, they could find education and friendship among people with common interests. Questers started small 75 years ago. Today the organization has grown to over 9,000 members in 41 States and 2 Canadian Provinces.
Through the International Organization, Questers provide a 2-year Scholarship at Columbia University in the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation. Additionally, Questers also support a 3-year Fellowship at Winterthur, University of Delaware’s Graduate Art Conservation Program.
In 1979, Nebraska became the 15th Organized State in the Questers International Organization. We are celebrating our 40th year during 2021. Through Preservation and Restoration projects made possible by grants and contributions, Nebraska Questers help to keep Nebraska history alive. In Nebraska, Questers across the State work with county Historical Museums and historical Societies, volunteering and contributing to the preservation and restoration of artifacts, existing memorials, historic buildings, and landmarks. Being a Quester means that we strive to preserve and restore things from the past for the benefit of the future. We do so while expressing our love for history, educating ourselves and others and enjoying collecting.
This year Nebraska Questers presented three grants. 1. A grant to the West Nebraska Art Center (WNAC), for restoration of the facade. The building, the former Scottsbluff Carnegie Library is a representation of the neo-classical revival style. The cornice over the front entrance is precast and has water damage and deterioration. This involves cutting and removing areas back to solid material and installing pins to hold repairs in place. Then installation of new materials to match the existing design and color. 2. A grant to the Madison Arts Center, located in the former Presbyterian Church built in 1913, for a set of fire rated oak doors. Preservation Madison Inc purchased the building and placed on the National Historic Register in 2008. It promotes the Fine Arts (Architecture, Sculpture, Painting, literature) in the community of Madison and surrounding towns. 3. A grant to the Sarpy County Historical Museum, Bellevue, for restoration of a 19th century music box called a “polyphone” which plays large metal discs of music but is no longer in working condition. The inner workings have seized up, and the metal gears like that of a clock need a knowledgeable hand to repair. The box also has a cracked glass display and other minor wear.
Our theme this year is “Questers Questing.” Each Quester follows this theme. I challenge all of you who visit our website to investigate Questers and join us.
Through the International Organization, Questers provide a 2-year Scholarship at Columbia University in the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation. Additionally, Questers also support a 3-year Fellowship at Winterthur, University of Delaware’s Graduate Art Conservation Program.
In 1979, Nebraska became the 15th Organized State in the Questers International Organization. We are celebrating our 40th year during 2021. Through Preservation and Restoration projects made possible by grants and contributions, Nebraska Questers help to keep Nebraska history alive. In Nebraska, Questers across the State work with county Historical Museums and historical Societies, volunteering and contributing to the preservation and restoration of artifacts, existing memorials, historic buildings, and landmarks. Being a Quester means that we strive to preserve and restore things from the past for the benefit of the future. We do so while expressing our love for history, educating ourselves and others and enjoying collecting.
This year Nebraska Questers presented three grants. 1. A grant to the West Nebraska Art Center (WNAC), for restoration of the facade. The building, the former Scottsbluff Carnegie Library is a representation of the neo-classical revival style. The cornice over the front entrance is precast and has water damage and deterioration. This involves cutting and removing areas back to solid material and installing pins to hold repairs in place. Then installation of new materials to match the existing design and color. 2. A grant to the Madison Arts Center, located in the former Presbyterian Church built in 1913, for a set of fire rated oak doors. Preservation Madison Inc purchased the building and placed on the National Historic Register in 2008. It promotes the Fine Arts (Architecture, Sculpture, Painting, literature) in the community of Madison and surrounding towns. 3. A grant to the Sarpy County Historical Museum, Bellevue, for restoration of a 19th century music box called a “polyphone” which plays large metal discs of music but is no longer in working condition. The inner workings have seized up, and the metal gears like that of a clock need a knowledgeable hand to repair. The box also has a cracked glass display and other minor wear.
Our theme this year is “Questers Questing.” Each Quester follows this theme. I challenge all of you who visit our website to investigate Questers and join us.
Doris Rush
Nebraska Questers President
2021-2023