Nebraska’s Deep Roots:
In 1823, a trading post was constructed on the banks of the Missouri River, located within the boundaries of present-day Fontenelle Forest. The trading post became an important connection between the major fur trade center in St. Louis and the fur trappers who lived in the Rocky Mountains. This exhibit tells that story.
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The ExhibitFontenelle Forest is celebrating the 200-year anniversary of the Fontenelle Trading Post, with a history exhibit located in the Baright Gallery. We are excited to bring you this new experience, which tells the story of how the Fontenelle Trading Post came to be and what a trading post during the 1800’s may have looked like. Learn about the people involved in establishing and running the Fontenelle Trading Post and view dozens of artifacts that are representative of this time period. Many artifacts on display were discovered during an archeological dig of the Fontenelle Trading Post site conducted by History Nebraska in 1972-73. The Nebraska’s Deep Roots exhibit will be open daily at the Fontenelle Forest Nature Center. This exhibit is free for members or with daily admission for non-members (sales tax included). Click HERE to see admission prices. (Exhibit dates: April 2023 to Dec. 2024) |
Continue Your Experience
Attend Our Speaker Series or Educational Programs
Fontenelle Forest invites you to join us at the Nature Center for an ongoing speaker series highlighting the rich history of Nebraska and Fontenelle Forest. From first-hand accounts of the discovery and excavation of the Fontenelle Trading Post to Omaha tribal history and the impact of the fur trade, you can explore Omaha’s past with local experts at Fontenelle Forest.
Learn more about the Fontenelle Trading Post by attending our Speaker Series and family-friendly activities.
All events are free for members or with daily admission for non-members.
Speaker Series
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History Trail Guided Hikes
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Archeology AdventureGet a hands-on archeology lesson and practice your excavation skills after Rob Bozell’s Speaker Series presentation.See Event Details |
We dig history
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Trading Post Backpack Forest ExplorationFor a limited time, we’re offering a Trading Post themed backpack for exploring science and history at the Forest!Learn more |
Thank you to our contributors
This exhibit could not have happened without the guidance, support and research of the following people:
| Catherine Kuper Fontenelle Forest Volunteer Archivist and Historian |
Rob Bozell Retired Nebraska State Archeologist |
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| Ray Turkle Fontenelle Forest Volunteer |
John Seminara Fontenelle Forest Volunteer |
Jim Ludeman Fontenelle Forest Volunteer |
Roger Echo-Hawk Historian |
| Taylor Keen Omaha Tribal Member |
Dr. Rudi Mitchell Omaha Tribal Member |
Stacy Laravie Ponca member, founder of Ithi’shi’, Traditional Knowledge Keeper, and Cultural Specialist |
Alan Osborn University of Nebraska Omaha – Associate Professor, Sociology and Anthropology Dept. |
| Lance Foster Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska Vice Chairman and Tribal Historic Preservation Officer |
Ron Sack and Howie Maxwell Renze Display |
History Nebraska | |
thank you to our sponsors
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