NPS - National Park Service

04/16/2026 | Press release | Archived content

Homestead National Historical Park to Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday with Homestead Days

Date:
April 16, 2026
Contact: Amber Kirkendall, 402-223-3514

BEATRICE, Neb. - Visitors to Homestead National Historical Park are invited to the park's grounds at the Education Center on Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28 to participate in a full weekend of free activities, demonstrations, and performances.

Homestead National Historical Park will be celebrating America's 250th birthday with expanding demonstrations broken down by decades and a special Junior Ranger activity to explore it all. Through hands-on experiences and engaging presentations, visitors can discover how the ideals of the nation's founding continued through the Homestead Act and into the lives of homesteaders across generations.

This year's stage presentations will feature music, dance, and living history performances that share cultural traditions and personal stories connected to the homesteading experience and the broader American story.

Saturday, June 27

10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Traditional craft demonstrations and antique farming demonstrations
Noon The Bloomer Costume: Dress Reform and Women's Freedom, Rayma Volkmer
1 p.m. Acapella Men's Choir, Homestead Harmonizers
2 p.m. Wichita War Dancer, Greg Victors
3 p.m. Czech Band, Kenny Janak Orchestra

Sunday, June 28

10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Traditional craft demonstrations and antique farming demonstrations
Noon Dulcimer Music, Courtland Opry House Dulcimer Players
1 p.m. Musical Review , Beatrice Community Players
2 p.m. Musical Patriotic Panoramas, Donna Gunn
3 p.m. Abraham Lincoln Living Historian, Fritz Klein

Klein, the event's keynote presenter, has been featured in multiple Abraham Lincoln documentaries and will share how Abraham Lincoln connected the Homestead Act to the founding principles of the United States.

Additional activities will take place throughout the weekend, including opportunities for visitors of all ages to participate in interactive demonstrations and explore the park's rich history.

Remember, Homestead National Historical Park has an exciting schedule of events planned for 2026. Keep up with the latest information by following us on Instagram (@HomesteadNPS), "X" (@HomesteadNHP), and Facebook (Homestead National Historical Park).


The National Park Service preserves America's most treasured natural and cultural places for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of this and future generations. Learn more at nps.gov .
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