Howard County Historical Village

St. Paul’s Historical Village consists of seven antique buildings which display a wealth of artifacts from county history.

Farwell Danish Lutheran Church – Some of the rich Danish heritage in Howard County is reflected in the Farwell Danish Lutheran Church. At one time, there were 12 Danish Lutheran Churches in Howard County. This church was located in Farwell and dedicated in 1898. It is restored as a church and has exhibits which are entirely religious.

St. Libory District #41 School – The old German settlement school is a monument to all of the one-room schools of a bygone era. The school’s contents include items from the St. Paul Business College, Nysted Danish Folk School, and other county rural, parochial and public schools. Other artifacts are also on display.

St. Paul General Store – The turn-of-the-century building formerly stood on St. Paul’s main street. It was a cream station and a restaurant, among other things. The displays depict much about life as a settler on the Nebraska plains. Items from Howard County’s dry goods stores, as well as medical-related items are also on display.

Blacksmith Shop – Once located in St. Paul, the blacksmith shop, a former garage, houses an authentic working forge. Demonstrations are given each summer by the Prairie Blacksmith Association. Other displays are included.

Cotesfield Post Office – Built in 1920, the post office has been restored as an authentic working post office from that era. Postal artifacts from a variety of county post offices are on display, including an extensive collection from the Elba Post Office. Other government items are also on display, as well as the Cotesfield telephone operator’s switchboard and other means of communication.

Agriculture Building – Also available for public viewing is the agriculture building housing various farming and agricultural-related equipment. The strength and backbone of the area has always been the farmer.

Gruber House/Major League Baseball Museum – The 1908 Gruber House has been restored to its original period on the main floor. It also houses the Museum of Nebraska Baseball Greats in the lower level with extensive displays on five Nebraska Hall of Famers, and displays on Howard County military history.