Bellevue, Neb. – The Sarpy County Museum, operated by the Sarpy County Historical Society, is actively searching for a new 15‑acre property to house a proposed 25,000‑square‑foot Heritage Center and Pioneer Village. President of the Historical Society Deb Reinard explained that the current 2.7‑acre site at 90th Avenue and Highway 370, purchased three years ago, is too small for the ambitious vision.
Vision for a living history campus
Reinard described the planned complex as an “interactive and immersive” experience where visitors of all ages can step into a recreated pioneer square. The site would feature a one‑room schoolhouse, a small church, a pioneer home, and a working blacksmith shop where demonstrations of traditional crafts such as butter‑churning would be offered. “Everybody can go in. We will have classes in there and instructions going on about a blacksmith or how to churn butter or the kids can go into the school house,” she said.
Funding and partnership strategy
The society intends to finance the project through a mix of donor contributions, corporate sponsorships, community foundations, and national grant programs. Reinard noted that donor funds have already been used to cover storage costs and to purchase the original 90th‑and‑370 parcel, which the society hopes to sell once a larger site is secured. “We have a grant development group that’s working with us and also a design team,” she added.
Recent challenges and next steps
In July, the museum was forced to vacate its existing building after the City of Bellevue received an environmental report flagging structural concerns, moisture damage and mold growth. The society spent roughly six months and $6,000 on archival packing materials, followed by $25,000 to move the collection into climate‑controlled storage, where an inventory is now underway.
While details about the prospective land remain confidential due to ongoing negotiations, Reinard expressed optimism that concrete information will be available within a few months. The society’s goal is to create a heritage destination that fills a regional gap – “There’s nothing like that around here in the metro area,” she said.
Community impact
Local leaders and families have shown enthusiasm for a project that would provide educational programming, hands‑on history lessons, and a gathering place for community events. The Heritage Center aims to preserve the pioneer legacy of Sarpy County while offering a family‑friendly venue that aligns with traditional values and the importance of heritage education.
As the search for a suitable parcel continues, the Historical Society encourages interested parties and potential donors to reach out. Updates will be posted on the museum’s website and social media channels as the project moves forward.
Original reporting: KMTV 3 News Now (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
