Clay County Historical Society

Sponsors of "Old Trusty"

As an organization dedicated to "saving our yesterdays for tomorrow", the Clay County Historical Society (CCHS) was initiated in 1972 to draw together those interested in preserving Clay County's history. We collect, preserve, interpret, and demonstrate artifacts of social ahd historical importance relating specifically to Clay County. In 1979 plans were set into motion for the building of a historical museum in which to exhibit and protect the county's artifacts and archival materials. The dream of building a fine museum was at last realized and on May 25, 1980 the Clay County Museum opened its doors to the public. The museum is located on the site of the original KMMJ radio station in Clay Center, Nebraska at 316 W. Glenvil St.

Besides offering a number of rotating exhibits, the museum hosts a Quilt Show and the "Old Trusty Antique Engine and Collectors Show" on the weekend following Labor Day.

On the first Sunday in December a Candlelight Christmas is also hosted by the CCHS.

CCHS annually conducts a Narrated Bus Tour of Navy Ammunition Depot (located in both Adams and Clay County's)

The Society's publication, Historical News, explores people, places and events in Clay County's history.

In addition to the museum is the nearby Heritage Park - a quarter block outdoor exhibit of agricultural equipment from the 1880s to the 1940s. A rural one-room schoolhouse and a railroad caboose are included in this exhibit.

The Old Trusty Ag Hall is located across the street from Heritage Park. It is a large exhibits building housing antique tractors, steam and stationary engines, buggies, cars, trucks, fire equipment and blacksmith shop equipment and more. It is also home to "Big Allis", an antique Allis-Chalmers Corliss type stationary steam engine with a 14 foot diameter flywheel. "Big Allis" powered the electrical system at the Ingleside State Hospital in nearby Hastings, NE.