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Their goal: to raise money for an inclusive playground at Mahoney Park, the funding which includes $100,000 in donations in addition to city dollars and a federal grant.

Their haul: $3,500.

The Autism Family Network, headed by Cathy Martinez (whose determination played an integral part in the city’s plans to build fully inclusive playgrounds at Mahoney, Antelope and two other city parks) decided to throw in an additional $1,500, and now there will be a bench at the new playground in the lemonade sellers’ honor.

Unsurprisingly, the lemonade stands were the brainchild of Martinez.

“I thought it would be a nice way kids and individuals with disabilities could be involved with the fundraising,� she said. “Kids don’t have money, people with disabilities don’t have a huge amount of disposable income but this was a way they could feel a sense of contribution and ownership, too.�

She put the idea out there and several agencies and individuals stepped up. The kids and adults sitting behind those folding tables sold a lot of lemonade, though undoubtedly thirsty buyers' generosity played a part in the total haul.

“I think people were just really generous at some of the lemonade stands,� Martinez said.

All of which brings us to today — months after the lemonade entrepreneurs presented a check to Lincoln Parks Foundation officials.

The fundraisers are still about $50,000 short of their goal. Although city officials — who have started planning the second round of playground renovations at Antelope Park — have promised that won’t delay the start of construction at Mahoney this fall, Martinez wants to encourage people to help out.

Plus, inflation has jacked up the cost of the playground from $800,000 to $1 million, so any additional dollars raised would mean less money coming out of city coffers.

To get things started, Deer Springs Winery, 16255 Adams St., will hold a fundraiser for the playground Sept. 13, with Garage Band performing from 7-9 p.m. and a portion of the proceeds going to the playground, Martinez said.

Martinez is open to any other creative fundraising ideas or donations to the .

“I just think it’s a great way for the community to get involved,� she said.

History at your fingertips

A decades-long effort to digitize information on 14,000 historic properties earned the Lincoln Historic Preservation Commission a national award, and it offers anybody who’s interested in historic properties a wealth of information.

Last year, the city launched a webpage () that allows people to easily find documents on all the properties the commission has surveyed since it was created. Over the years it spent digitizing those records, mapping and other technology was created that allows homeowners to easily search their homes, businesses or other favorite buildings.

Part of the website details new common guidelines for historic properties recently approved by the City Council, making it easier for people trying to navigate the process.

Since the information has become publicly available, the website has garnered nearly 3,700 page views and Stephanie Rouse, former historic preservation planner for the city, said the city often got requests from residents for information on the history of their homes.

The city used to have to dig up any information it had and get back to the caller. Now it's at the fingertips of anyone interested in knowing about a property or historic district. 

The National Alliance of Preservation Commissions awarded Lincoln with a commission excellence award for best practices in technology. The awards program recognizes achievements at the federal, state and local levels.

New name out, old name back

Speaking of history, the agency that was renamed History Nebraska during a tumultuous few years involving a new director intent on digitizing the agency’s historical archives, is reclaiming its old name.

Beginning Sept. 3, it will once again be known as the Nebraska State Historical Society.

“Our return to the name Nebraska State Historical Society represents a recommitment to our mission to collect, preserve and share the histories that unite us,� said Interim Director Cindy Drake. “For 140 years, the Nebraska State Historical Society name was synonymous with Nebraska history, and it will be once again.�

Last month, Gov. Jim Pillen named Drake the interim executive director until he finds a permanent director for the agency, a new responsibility since the Legislature passed a law putting the agency under the governor’s control instead of that of an independent board of trustees.

The law change occurred after a state audit questioned how former director Trevor Jones used $270,000 in private funds intended to help the agency offset losses caused by the pandemic.

The audit came out just months after Jones resigned in 2022. During his six-year tenure, the agency digitized millions of records, but he clashed with some staff members over his management style and changes he made.

Among those changes was a new name – History Nebraska – and a second foundation formed by the trustees.

Jones now faces a felony theft charge for allegedly mishandling the $270,000, which the state audit said came from the older foundation and was deposited in the new foundation rather than being used for pandemic relief. That charge is pending.

Drake, who in 2020 was placed on administrative leave after lodging complaints about Jones, was named interim director last month.

She said in a news release that while the agency will return to its original name, it will continue to use the colors, design and marketing elements of the rebranding under Jones.

The historical society, founded 146 years ago, operates the Nebraska History Museum in Lincoln and historic sites across the state.