Nebraska's Solar Eclipse and More

“Nebraska’s Solar Eclipse” For the first time in 99 years, a total solar eclipse crossed the entire continental United States, with an entire swath of Nebraska in ideal viewing range. In the biggest tourism event in Nebraska history, families, their pets, strangers and people from across the country, even the world, traveled to and within Nebraska to witness nature’s grand spectacle. It was a cosmic social media experiment, Nebraska Stories collected the shared memories, photos and videos from the Nebraska Stories Facebook page of this once-in-a-lifetime event. From the fear of cloudy skies to the thrill of totality, Nebraska was ground zero for eclipse chasers. “The Last Homesteader’s Tractor” A 1940s tractor used by the last homesteader in Alaska in the 1970s is restored by volunteers at UNL before going to the Homestead National Monument for permanent display. We follow members of UNL’s tractor club as they refurbish the tractor and learn the story of the last homesteader. “The Master Gardener” For over 35 years, she planned out the Plant of the Week for every episode of Backyard Farmer. After turning 95, long-time Extension Master Gardener, Gladys Jeurink hangs up her shears, and retires to the oasis in her own backyard. “Drawn to Fashion” In the digital age, fashion illustration is a lost art—but Omaha artist Mary Mitchell is bringing it back. Her collection of a thousand images, created over three decades, uniquely reveal the beauty of fabric and design. “Saving Emery’s Masterpiece” In his unheated shed in rural Stapleton, Emery Blagdon worked tirelessly to create his “Healing Machine.” Today his lifetime obsession is considered a major work of art. But how do you conserve such an unusual collection of objects?