Gilded Age Plains City

Abstract:

Gilded Age Plains City: The Great Sheedy Murder Trial and the Booster Ethos of Lincoln, Nebraska explores the development of towns and cities on the Great Plains through the lens of a murder case in the 1890s that evolved into a fascinating story that drew the attention of nearly everyone in town and people from across the region and country.

We have three goals. Tell a good story about a fascinating episode in Great Plains urban history in a new way. Explore the various factors and developments that explain why the story became a cause celebre and thus make the story a window into a past society and culture. And, finally, explore through digital presentation new and innovative ways to do local and regional history and explain historical events.

Subject:

Humanities, Social Sciences

Grade Level:

Secondary, Post-secondary

Collection:

University of Nebraska–Lincoln