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April 28, 2026
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nebraska Prairie Museum Prairie Program Explores the Vital Role of Water on the Plains
April 21 program highlights wells, windmills, and the ingenuity that sustained prairie life
2701 Burlington St. Holdrege, NE 68949
The Nebraska Prairie Museum welcomed the community on Monday, April 21, at 7:00 p.m. for its monthly Prairie Programs series, featuring an engaging presentation on the vital importance of water to life on the Great Plains.
The April program was presented by John Thorburn and Chris Diedrichsen, who explored how early settlers and rural communities accessed water through hand-dug wells and innovative windmill technology. Their presentation highlighted the challenges of securing reliable water sources and the creativity required to bring water from deep underground to the surface.
John Thorburn shared a series of captivating historical images that traced the evolution of windmills, showing how designs changed over time to become more efficient and better suited to the prairie environment. The visuals offered attendees a fascinating look at how windmills became an iconic and essential feature of the rural landscape. Chris Diedrichsen joined with his near encyclopedic knowledge of windmills, to elaborate on the different parts and how they operate.
The Nebraska Prairie Museum’s Prairie Programs are held once a month and are designed to connect history, culture, and the natural world through informative and accessible presentations for the public. The Museum encourages everyone to follow the Nebraska Prairie Museum on social media and visit our website to stay informed about upcoming programs, exhibits, and special events.
Next Prairie Program – May 19th
The next Prairie Program will take place on May 19 and will feature the Prairie Quilt of Honor Guild. This dedicated group of quilters has created more than 700 quilts, each donated to area veterans in recognition of their service. During the program, guild members will share the history of their organization and offer insight into the time, care, and craftsmanship that goes into their meaningful work.