All Aboard for a New Season of ‘Nebraska Stories’ on Nebraska Public Media
For Immediate Release
All Aboard for a New Season of ‘Nebraska Stories’ on Nebraska Public Media
LINCOLN, Neb. (Jan. 23, 2025) – Stories about a railroad engineer fulfilling a childhood dream, space pioneers who made national headlines in 1934 and an archaeologic gem that preserves Nebraska’s prehistoric past are featured in the 16th season of the award-winning, local television series “Nebraska Stories.”
The first episode of the season premieres on television at 8 p.m. CT, Thursday, Feb. 6, and continues Thursdays Feb. 13, 20 and 27 on Nebraska Public Media.
In the Feb. 6 episode of “Nebraska Stories,” viewers can spend the day with Nebraska Central Railroad engineer Sam Read as he guides his locomotive along the banks of the scenic Loup River and waves to people along his daily route, making each day special for one young family along the way.

The first episode also features the story of one of the greatest coaches in Nebraska high school history. During his tenure as head basketball coach at Omaha Technical High School (1948–1968), Neal Mosser openly challenged racial inequity by starting games with a line-up of only Black athletes.

On Feb. 13, the series travels to Loomis. The community grabbed national headlines in 1934 when three crewmembers survived the crash-landing of the Explorer I balloon expedition in a farmer’s field. This episode also takes viewers to Cedar Point Biological Station near Ogallala to explore sustainable architecture and how rethinking what we build today can create a better tomorrow.
For decades, residents of small-town Ravenna have whispered legends of a pioneer grave just north of town. In the Feb. 20 episode, viewers learn that the burial site, marked by 19th-century perennial irises, is said to be the final resting place for infant twins. Although the children passed away more than a century ago, their story still resonates with descendants and the community.
Also in the Feb. 20 episode, viewers can explore new walking trails near Chimney Rock that are bringing a closer connection to the historical and natural wonder that rises 470 feet above the North Platte River Valley.
On Feb. 27, the last “Nebraska Stories” episode of the month introduces a self-taught Western and wildlife artist based near Nebraska’s Wildcat Hills who draws inspiration from the landscapes and history of the American West. Plus, viewers can learn how the hidden archaeologic gem Signal Butte quietly rises above the plains, holding secrets about Nebraska's prehistoric past.
Also in February, the series tells stories about a collection of strange and wonderful masks, the smallest courthouse in the world, an artist who creates portraits in the realm of medical humanities, and the daughter of Omaha Chief Iron Eye who studied to be the first Native American physician and is now immortalized near the steps of Nebraska’s State Capitol building.
Other “Nebraska Stories” focus on restoration of a model of the Ralph J. Scott fireboat that was attached to the Los Angeles Fire Department, the 7-foot bronze statue of author Willa Cather that is displayed at the U.S. Capitol, a mother and daughter duo who share a love for horses and competition, and a miniature American shepherd and her handler who compete in the rapidly growing sport of agility.
The masterful storytellers who work on “Nebraska Stories” travel statewide, serving as the modern archivists of Nebraska’s stories – both present and past. Enjoyed by viewers across the state for its feature-based, character-driven storytelling, “Nebraska Stories” covers art, science, history, sports, performance, nature and more.
New episodes repeat Fridays at 7:30 p.m. CT on Nebraska Public Media.
“Nebraska Stories” is funded in part by The Margaret and Martha Thomas Foundation and the Bill Harris and MarySue Harris Fund for the Presentation of Cultural Programming. The series is also funded in part by the Teammates Mentoring Program, Phelps County Memorial Health Center and Discover Northwest Nebraska.
The series is on Facebook, at NebraskaPublicMedia.org/nebraskastories and available for streaming on the Nebraska Public Media app.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Kim Rogers, 402-470-6512
About Nebraska Public Media
Nebraska Public Media has connected citizens with news, sports, education and entertainment since 1954. Providing global and compelling stories from PBS and NPR, the statewide public media network also produces award-winning local content. Its programs and services reach Nebraskans on television, radio, online, social media and mobile apps. Visit NebraskaPublicMedia.org for more information.