The historic roots of campus architecture take centerstage as the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s weeklong, statewide celebration of its 150th anniversary continues today with an N150 Nebraska Lecture.

The talk, “Building Nebraska U: The Saga of University Hall and the Origins of the Modern University,” is 4:30 p.m. Feb. 12 at the Nebraska Champions Club. It will be led by Kay Logan-Peters, professor of libraries and creator of an online tour of the university’s architectural history.

Kay Logan-Peters

“Only three of the buildings within the University of Nebraska’s original four-block campus are still standing,” Logan-Peters said. “My talk will mostly be about that original campus, the first expansion across 12th Street, and how East Campus was established.”

The event, which is free and open to the public, will include an NET-produced, virtual reality tour around the exterior of University Hall, which was the first building on campus. And, Logan-Peters will be giving away and signing copies of her book, “University of Nebraska–Lincoln,” which features more than 180 historical pictures of the university.

Archives and Special Collections

Some of the earliest buildings on campus were (from left) University Hall (1869-1948), Grant Memorial Hall (1887-1966) and old Chemistry Laboratory (1885-1963).

Logan-Peters’ talk is the second in the Nebraska Lectures: Chancellor’s Distinguished Speaker Series. Regularly offered twice a year and featuring faculty discussing research and creative activity, the series has expanded in 2019 to a year-long, 12-talk format celebrating the university’s 150th anniversary. The expanded series is supported through a $15,000 grant awarded by the National Endowment for the Humanities through Humanities Nebraska.

All talks in the N150-inspired Chancellor’s Lecture series are free and open to the public. The talks will be streamed online and made available via podcast. Additional lecture topics and dates will be announced. Regular updates will be provided through the Nebraska Lectures website.

Charter Week started Feb. 11 with a face-to-face conversation between Huskers and U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse. Also on Feb. 11, Gov. Pete Ricketts signed a proclamation naming Feb. 8-15 Charter Week for all of Nebraska.

Video: Charter Week proclamation

Other Charter Week events include:

• Feb. 13, 8 p.m.: A tribute from Pinnacle Bank Arena. The Husker men’s basketball game against Minnesota will include a special halftime tribute that celebrates the university’s 150th year. Tickets are sold out, but the game will be televised on BTN.

• Feb. 14, all day: Glow Big Red. Huskers across Nebraska and around the world are encouraged to show their support for university by lighting, flying and wearing red — or giving some green.

• Feb. 15, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Charter unveiling, Wick Alumni Center. The public is invited to meet with Chancellor Ronnie Green, deans and dignitaries as they greet them and hand out N150 cupcakes. The festivities will include a “Dear Old Nebraska U” book signing; the university charter and other significant objects from the university’s history on display; a University Hall model for viewing; opportunities for individuals to record the university’s impact and/or fondest memory; an N150 photo; and a flag signing.

• Feb. 15, 1 to 2 p.m.: Dairy Store event. Green will continue the day’s celebration at the Nebraska Dairy Store with the launch of a new ice cream flavor, “Nifty 150.”

• Feb. 15, 7:30 p.m.: “Music and Milestones,” Lied Center for Performing Arts. The celebration will feature songs from the past 150 years that tell the story of the university, including favorites such as “Dear Old Nebraska U.” Music will be performed by students, faculty and distinguished alumni of the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts, Glenn Korff School of Music and Nebraska Repertory Theatre. Buy tickets.

Learn more about Charter Week at Nebraska and the N150 celebration.