Thomas P. Kennard House - Image 1
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Thomas P. Kennard House

4.5
Β·4 reviewsΒ·Lincoln, United States

Nebraska's oldest home in Lincoln, a stunning 1869 Italianate mansion offering a glimpse into early state history.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

December 8th

Festive holiday tours

CrowdMedium
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Thomas P. Kennard House - Image 1

Thomas P. Kennard House

Best Time

December 8th

Festive holiday tours

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Nebraska's oldest home in Lincoln, a stunning 1869 Italianate mansion offering a glimpse into early state history.

4.5
(4 reviews)

"A neat house with cool history of Lincoln to see, rooms are set up to that era."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Attend Special Events

Look out for holiday events like the December 8th festive tours for a unique experience.

πŸ—£οΈ Engage with Guides

Tour guides are patient and knowledgeable, perfect for curious minds of all ages.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.5 Β· 4 reviews

Type

Museum

πŸ‘Ά Good for kidsπŸ…ΏοΈ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Italianate Architecture

Italianate Architecture

Exterior and Interior

Admire the elegant Italianate style of this 1869 mansion, a statement of early Lincoln's prosperity.

First Secretary of State's Home

First Secretary of State's Home

Throughout the house

Explore the rooms where Thomas Kennard, Nebraska's first Secretary of State, lived and worked.

Holiday Decorations

Holiday Decorations

Throughout the house

Experience the house adorned in old-fashioned holiday style during special seasonal events.

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Planning Your Visit

Step Back in Time

Discover Nebraska's oldest home in Lincoln, built in 1869. This Italianate mansion offers a glimpse into the life of Thomas Kennard, the first Secretary of State. Plan your visit to explore its historical rooms and learn about its significance to the state's capital.

Preserving History

The Kennard House is a testament to Lincoln's early days. As the oldest building in the original plat, it showcases architectural style and historical context. Consider attending special events for a more immersive historical experience.

Best Times

When
December 8th
Why
Festive holiday tours
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
Explore historical rooms
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

A 360 degree masterpiece of a very significant moment that changed everything. πŸŽ¨πŸ–ΌοΈ If you’re interesting in visiting Gettysburg with me IRL, visit my bio! #abrahamlincoln #historytok #gettysburgbattlefield #HistoryTime #everydaylincoln #USHistory
@everydaylincoln
1.2M likes β€’ 8.6M views

🎯 Attend Special Events

Look out for holiday events like the December 8th festive tours for a unique experience. Instagram+1

πŸ—£οΈ Engage with Guides

Tour guides are patient and knowledgeable, perfect for curious minds of all ages. Reddit

Built in 1869, the Thomas P. Kennard House is the oldest remaining building in the original plat of Lincoln, Nebraska. In addition to its architectural significance, the house was the site of the 1992 University of Nebraska Lincoln Archeological Field School. That excavation tested the rear wing of the house which had been demolished in 1923. Several interesting features were found, including a w...
nehistorical
143 likes β€’ 0 views
Built in 1869, the Kennard House remains the oldest home located in the original plat of Lincoln, Nebraska. Formerly home to the first Secretary of State for Nebraska, Thomas Kennard, the Italianate-style mansion stands as a statement of his faith in the success of the new capital at the cost of $14,000, about $2,000,000 today. The architect, John Keys Winchell, made liberal use of a product ca...
nehistorical
114 likes β€’ 0 views

πŸ›οΈ Appreciate the History

The house is set up to reflect its era, offering a cool glimpse into Lincoln's past. Reddit

πŸ‘» Possible Ghost Sightings

Some believe Livia Kennard's spirit lingers here; keep an eye out for paranormal activity! Instagram

The Kennard House is the oldest house still standing within the original plat of Lincoln, Nebraska. Livia Kennard is said to still be seen on the property. She died in the home in 1887. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #hauntedne #hauntednebraska #beyondlincoln #ghost #paranormal #ghosthunter #paranormalinvestigation #haunted #dark #nebraska #lincoln #ne #hauntedlocation #hauntedplaces #abandoned ...
hauntednebraska
69 likes β€’ 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Attend Special Events

Look out for holiday events like the December 8th festive tours for a unique experience. Instagram+1

πŸ—£οΈ Engage with Guides

Tour guides are patient and knowledgeable, perfect for curious minds of all ages. Reddit

πŸ›οΈ Appreciate the History

The house is set up to reflect its era, offering a cool glimpse into Lincoln's past. Reddit

πŸ‘» Possible Ghost Sightings

Some believe Livia Kennard's spirit lingers here; keep an eye out for paranormal activity! Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.5
(4 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Thomas P. Kennard House for its beautiful historical setting and the engaging, patient guides who make learning fun for all ages. It's a neat glimpse into Lincoln's past, with rooms authentically set up for the era. Some visitors also note the house's reputation for paranormal activity.

"Went there with our Cub scout troop. The girls loved it. They were asking all kinds of questions. Our tour guide was so patient and answered all of them. The house is beautiful. We will definitely visit again."

Ronnette Dovenbarger

"One of the early houses in Lincoln that is still standing. The rooms are set up to that Era and very neat house. Cool history of lincoln to see."

Bryan Martin

"Beautiful Histroical home"

Michael Smith

What People Like

Beautiful historical home
Patient and knowledgeable guides
Authentic period rooms

What People Dislike

Limited parking information

Frequently Asked Questions

πŸš‡ πŸ—ΊοΈ Getting There

The Thomas P. Kennard House is located within the original plat of Lincoln, Nebraska. While specific public transport routes can vary, it's generally accessible by car. Parking information should be checked closer to your visit date. Instagram

Information on dedicated parking for the Kennard House can be limited. It's advisable to check for nearby street parking or public lots before your visit, especially during special events. Instagram

As an historic home, accessibility can be a consideration. It's recommended to contact the venue directly to inquire about specific accommodations for visitors with mobility challenges. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Opening hours can vary, especially for special events. For instance, free tours were offered on December 8th. It's best to check the official website or social media for the most current hours. Instagram+1

While general admission might have a fee, special events like the holiday tours have been offered for free. Always confirm ticket requirements and pricing before your visit. Instagram+1

Information on private tours is not widely available. For group visits, like scout troops, it's recommended to inquire directly with the venue about booking options. Reddit

Specific discount information is not readily available. However, free tour events are sometimes hosted, so keeping an eye on their announcements is a good strategy. Instagram+1

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore the beautifully preserved rooms set up to reflect the era, learn about Thomas Kennard's life and role in Nebraska's history, and admire the Italianate architecture. InstagramReddit

Yes, children often enjoy visiting the Kennard House. They can ask questions and learn about history in an engaging way, as experienced by Cub Scout troops. Reddit

Built in 1869, it's the oldest home in the original plat of Lincoln, Nebraska. It was home to Thomas Kennard, the first Secretary of State, and played a role in selecting Lincoln as the state capital. Instagram+1

Yes, guided tours are often available, with guides who are patient and happy to answer visitor questions. InstagramReddit

Photography policies can vary. It's best to check with the venue upon arrival or beforehand to confirm if photography is permitted inside the historic home. Instagram

πŸ“Έ πŸ“Έ Photography

The exterior, with its Italianate architecture, offers great photo opportunities. Inside, the period-decorated rooms provide a charming backdrop, though photography rules should be confirmed. Instagram+1

Photography policies for historic homes can differ. It's advisable to inquire with the staff upon your visit to ensure you comply with any restrictions. Instagram

Architectural photography of the exterior and interior details, as well as lifestyle or historical reenactment photography (with permission), would be well-suited here. Instagram

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