That’s a Wrap: A Groovy Gathering in the Sandhills!

The Nebraska Museum Association and Knight Museum & Sandhills Center pulled off a far-out fusion of history, innovation, and good vibes at this year’s NMA Conference in Alliance, Nebraska!

From the moment museum pros, curators, educators, and culture keepers rolled into town, the energy was electric—and we don’t just mean the neon signs at the after-hours mixer! This year’s theme was all about embracing the now while preserving the wow—and boy, did we deliver.

Over two days, attendees explored what it means to be a modern-day storyteller through breakout sessions, workshops, and unforgettable tours of local exhibits. We deep-dived into exhibit innovation, rural museum resiliency, digitization, fundraising strategies, and community-driven programming—proving that Nebraska museums are anything but ordinary.

Highlights included:

• Hands-on workshops that got everyone thinking, building, and collaborating
• A tour of Knight Museum & Sandhills Center that showcased how a small-town gem punches way above its weight
• Keynote speakers who brought down the house with tales of tenacity, transformation, and truth-telling through time
• Evening events that gave us space to connect, laugh, and dance under the High Plains stars

Whether you were networking in your grooviest retro blazer or scribbling notes under a bison skull, one thing’s for sure—this year’s conference was one for the books.

Thank you to all the attendees, speakers, sponsors, and especially the incredible team at Knight Museum for your warmth, vision, and hospitality. You reminded us all why Nebraska museums matter—because they are living, breathing reflections of the communities we serve.

Until next time, stay curious, stay connected, and stay groovy.