Past Events

Join us for birthday cake and a free talk by Dr. Robert Thacker, president of the Willa Cather Foundation Board of Governors at the National Willa Cather Center in Red Cloud, Nebraska! 

Acclaimed mystery novelist Alex Kava will be on hand to talk about her impressive career as a Nebraska author who writes in the tradition of other Nebraska mystery novelists such as the late Mignon Eberhardt. Mystery of Hunting's End, Eberhart's 1930 book set in the Nebraska Sand Hills is the 2023 One Book One Nebraska selection. 

With a voice rising “out of the Nebraska plain like cool summer swell,” Rascal Martinez blends rockabilly, folk, country and Latin sounds into covers, standards and heartfelt originals. Although still in his mid-twenties, the young Martinez’ unique roots music awakens memories of early rock artists with a sound that has been described as “resonant and fresh, yet familiar.” Martinez‘ deep, raspy country twang is mixed with strong lead guitar licks, a pounding bass guitar, strong drum beats and backup vocals.

Celebrate the 150th birthday of one of Nebraska’s treasured authors, Willa Cather, with a pictorial exhibit of intimate portraits of scenes and objects from Cather’s beloved hometown of Red Cloud. Willa Cather: A Sesquicentennial Reflection features photographs by Betty Kort. Viewers will be able to consider this collection in juxtaposition with Cather’s timeless words.

Join us for this sesquicentennial celebration of Willa Cather, one of the most singular and treasured American writers of the 20th century. Cather’s story is one defined by a lifetime of determination, struggle, and gradual emergence. Cather’s groundbreaking fiction (O Pioneers!, My Ántonia, One of Ours, The Professor’s House, Death Comes for the Archbishop) set a new standard in American literature. This overview of her life and work will explore her turbulent biography and uniquely American voice.

—Livestream option available—

Explore the intersections between Willa Cather’s life and literature in this special presentation by Ashley Olson, executive director of Nebraska’s National Willa Cather Center. In her discussion about the life and history of Willa Cather, Olsen will detail how the writer’s early years in Frederick County, Virginia, and formative years in Nebraska influenced the novels Sapphira and the Slave Girl and My Ántonia.

MSV members: $5; all others: $10. Please register by October 20.

Kaatsbaan and the National Willa Cather Center host this sesquicentennial celebration of Willa Cather, one of the most singular and treasured American writers of the 20th century. Cather’s groundbreaking fiction (O Pioneers!, My Ántonia, One of Ours, Death Comes for the Archbishop) set a new standard in American literature.

UNL Opera presents Tyler Goodrich White’s O Pioneers! based on Willa Cather’s 1913 novel--her first masterpiece and one of the most compelling tales of the Great Plains.  Presented in connection with the 2023 Cather Sesquicentennial, the production features student and alumni singers of UNL Opera, the UNL Chamber Singers, and a sextet of live musicians.  Conducted by the composer, this production's stage direction is by William Shomos. 

Discussion #4: Death Comes for the Archbishop

As part of National Willa Cather Center's efforts to commemorate acclaimed novelist Willa Cather’s 150th year, we are pleased to conclude a special virtual event series with acclaimed writer and biographer Benjamin Taylor! Join us in honoring Cather’s prolific writing career and contributions to American letters by attending this special study focusing on a selection of Cather's most famous and beloved novels.