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(Lincoln, NE) Gov. Dave Heineman announced that the U.S. quarter-dollar commemorating Nebraska statehood will be distributed for the first time in April. Nebraska’s quarter will feature a pioneer family traveling by covered wagon and historic landmark Chimney Rock. The theme chosen for the launch is “Our Journey Continues.”
The Governor and First Lady Sally Ganem will be joined by David Lebryk, acting director of the United States Mint for the official launch on Friday, April 7 at a celebration scheduled to be held at the Bob Devaney Sports Center in Lincoln. Classrooms and school groups from across the state are invited to the celebration, which will begin at 9:45 a.m.
“This quarter is a reminder of the vitality, spirit and determination that has long been a trademark of our state,” Gov. Heineman said. “Nebraska remains a destination for those willing to work to turn their dreams and aspirations into reality. Our quarter reflects that tradition, and I look forward to marking this important milestone with the people of this great state.”
In addition to the official launch ceremony on April 7, the Governor will participate in celebrations scheduled to take place at the University of Nebraska at Kearney’s Foster Field beginning at 12:15 p.m., and Five Rocks Amphitheatre in Gering at 1:30 p.m. MT. A strike ceremony is being planned for March at the United States Mint at Denver.
A committee was appointed by the Governor to plan for the release of Nebraska’s quarter.
The Nebraska committee is distributing United States Mint educational materials to schools across the state, and it is also coordinating additional educational activities.
Ganem, a retired elementary school principal and chairwoman of the quarter launch committee, said, “As a career educator, I am pleased to be part of the planning for this event. The opportunity for education and outreach to Nebraska students is a key component of this celebration. There is so much that children can learn about our state and American history, and we hope this will be a memorable event for all those able to take part.”
Quarters will be distributed to those ages 18 and younger attending a launch celebration, with rolls of the new quarters and commemorative sets available for purchase at each launch site. Commemorative sets will be produced by the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation.
John Munn, director of the Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance and co-chair of the quarter launch committee, said, “This is an exciting process that we hope will be inclusive, educational and fun for all Nebraskans. It’s also a great opportunity to recognize those who worked to build a strong foundation for our state many years ago.”
Quarter launch activities are supported by contributions from Nebraska businesses, including the following: Scottsbluff-based Nebraska Transport Co. and the Panhandle Cooperative Association; Cash-Wa Distributing, Brown Transfer Co., Inter-Motion, and Morris Press Cookbooks, all based in Kearney; ConAgra Foods, Inc. of Omaha; Runza Restaurants and Snitily Carr of Lincoln; and 21st Century Equipment/The Mercantile of Bayard.
The Nebraska quarter launch committee is co-chaired by the First Lady and Munn, and is made up of representatives from contributing business partners and the following individuals: Ann Billesbach of the Nebraska State Historical Society; Commissioner Doug Christensen, Nebraska Department of Education; Dan Curran, Nebraska Division of Travel and Tourism; John Gale, Nebraska Secretary of State; Vicki Harper of Platte Valley State Bank & Trust and chairwoman of the central Nebraska launch committee; Jeremy Hosein, Governor’s Policy Research Office; Gering Mayor Starr Lehl and chairwoman of the western Nebraska launch committee; Terri Pieper, Union Bank & Trust Co.; and Raymond Screws of the Nebraska Humanities Council.
School groups interested in attending a launch celebration are encouraged to contact Ann Masters in the Education Commissioner’s Office at 402-471-4816 to make arrangements.
Begun in 1999, the United States Mint 50 State Quarters® Program recognizes each state’s admission to the Union. Nebraska’s quarter is the second planned for release this year, and will be the 37th quarter in the series.
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