The Heritage Room is used for meetings as well as buffet set-up for large functions.
The room contains the First Ladies' Doll Collection. The idea for this collection originated with the Distaff's from Omaha's Lutheran Medical Center and Mrs. Pat Exon brought them to the residence. The gowns worn by the Governors' wives have been reproduced as nearly as possible to duplicate the original ball gowns and in some cases, dresses of the period. Thirty-one of the First Lady dolls were dress and coiffured by Angeline M. Sudyka. Some of the Territorial Governor's wives were never included in the collection and the Lincoln Doll Club is in the process of making those dolls so that the collection will be complete. Also, Bill Orr Graciously consented to be shown in the collection.
Many of the First Ladies have donated memorabilia for the exhibit.
The room also contains the beginnings of a library of Nebraska-authored books. Many of the books are autographed. With the help of members of the Library Commission, this collection will soon be expanded.
The artwork entitled "Sea of Grass", was presented to Governor Jim Exon in 1976, by Mr. K.M. Brown, nephew of Governor Sam McKelvie.
In 1947, MGM made a film "Sea of Grass" on the Mckelvie ranch located in the Sandhills of Nebraska. Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn played the lead roles. Shortly thereafter, former Governor McKelvie commissioned this painting to capture the excitement of those who settled this sea of shifting sand.
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