This is an electronic copy of a paperpetition started by citizens in Nebraska City in an  attempt to resolve the issues surrounding the relocation of the Nebraska Railroad Museum. In an effort to assist those citizens with additional exposure it has been uploaded here. Your assistance in this matter is greatly appreciated. 

YOU can help save a 100-year-old piece of railroad history! Don't let the Nebraska Railroad Museum lose their chance to bring back one of Nebraska City's most important links to its heritage. This is also a huge economic opportunity for the city, county and state. In 2020 The Burlington Northern & Santa Fe Railway company donated approximately 8 acres of land, with railroad tracks on it, to the Nebraska Railroad Museum. After the land was donated the city of Nebraska City and the Nebraska City Economic Development Board started to question the validity of BNSF’s donation to the Nebraska Railroad Museum.

We are petitioning the City of Nebraska City and Nebraska City Economic Development Board to:

1. Have the City of Nebraska City cease their pending lawsuit against the Museum pertaining to what they are calling city rights-of-way and, vacate and donate these small portions of land to the Museum so we can relocate and restart our museum in Nebraska City. This right-of-way has had railroad tracks on it for more than 100 years. It is not uncommon for cities to vacate rights-of-way. If the city succeeds in their pending lawsuit, they want the tracks ripped up and removed. This would be a big loss to the community and its railroad heritage.
2. Ask the city of Nebraska City to repeal parts of an unfair railroad car storage ordinance that was passed. This ordinance does not allow the storage or exhibition of historic railroad equipment in city limits. If this ordinance is not repealed, the museum will not be able to have any of its historic railroad cars on display in Nebraska City. This also eliminates the possibility for operating a small excursion ride in Nebraska City which would be a huge blow to the project and economic benefits to the community.
3. We are asking the Nebraska City Economic Development Board to work with the Nebraska Railroad Museum to resolve the remaining questions with the property. Failure could drastically reduce the project, in scope, economic benefit and, the possible loss of the Historic Burlington Depot forever. 

The Nebraska Railroad Museum was chartered in 1983 to serve as the Eastern Nebraska Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society with a mission to “educate current and future generations about the history and importance of railroads in Nebraska” through preservation of historical equipment and artifacts. The museum was formerly hosted by a tourist railroad in Fremont and, upon the railroad’s dissolution, was in need of a new and permanent home. 

The museum is closer to being in their own home than ever before. The railroads were a primary reason Nebraska evolved into what it is today. The passing of this history teaches us where and how we got here, the mistakes of the past shows us how we can improve the future of our great state. It’s your turn to stand up for your history. Sign this petition and let your voice be heard. We appreciate your support.