Nebraskans will have four new ways to celebrate the state's 150th anniversary in 2017.
First lady Susanne Shore and Gov. Pete Ricketts unveiled four websites Wednesday aimed at sharing Nebraska history and stories, and boosting fitness and volunteerism as part of the state's sesquicentennial festivities.
"We've got the best place in the world," Ricketts said. "This is a great opportunity for us to celebrate it and really share that with the rest of the world."
Shore is helping the Nebraska Sesquicentennial Commission coordinate statewide activities for the year.
"We looked at coming up with projects that would bridge communities, connect Nebraskans and enhance state pride," she said.
More efforts will be announced later. The four unveiled Wednesday include these.
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* , which encourages each Nebraskan to volunteer 150 hours or more in 2017. The website allows people to sign up for volunteer teams, compete against other teams and find volunteering opportunities across the state.
"Nebraskans have a long history of service, and really take great pride in volunteering," Shore said. "Whether that's in the church or their school, or helping the neighbor next door, we're always there for each other."
The state regularly ranks among the highest nationally for volunteerism, she said. "And I think for our sesquicentennial, we should try to be No. 1."
Nebraska Impact is organized by ServeNebraska and sponsored by TD Ameritrade.Â
* , a partnership with the Nebraska Sports Council that asks people to complete 150 miles or more of physical activity next year. People can register online, log their miles, convert miles for non-distance activities such as yoga or weight-lifting, form teams and compete with other teams.
"I did my 18 on my bike today, just so you know," Ricketts joked.
* , which will feature 150 short videos with random facts about the state and its history. Five videos will be released each Sunday beginning Jan. 8, allowing teachers to incorporate them into lesson plans.
Shore called the project a personal favorite of hers.
One video, features the governor describing how one of Abraham Lincoln's last acts as president was related to Nebraska. Right before his assassination, Lincoln signed a document reinstating Alvin Saunders as Nebraska's territorial governor.
The document, which was found on Lincoln's desk after he died, is on display at the Nebraska History Museum.
The videos were created by Lincoln firm V2 Content. The series is funded in part by Nebraska Humanities.
* , an oral history project that will solicit people's stories about the state and will include videos of select stories. People can also submit their own videos.
Stories can include family histories, memories from trips across the state, observations about how the state has changed through the years, or other topics.
"You just tell us what Nebraska means to you," Shore said.Â
I Am Nebraska is a partnership with the Nebraska State Historical Society and the Nebraska Tourism Commission, and is also funded with help from Nebraska Humanities.
All four projects announced Wednesday are paid for primarily through private contributions, and organizers hope they will continue beyond 2017.Â