Niobrara in Knox County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Our Ponca Tribal Community Building
A Social Hub, Then and Now
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 7, 2021
1. Our Ponca Tribal Community Building Marker
This building was constructed in 1936 by the Indian Emergency Conservation Work (IECW) force. Like the Civilian Conservation Corps, the IECW was part of the country's New Deal program aimed at providing economic relief during the Great Depression.
From the day its doors opened, the building has been a cultural and social hub for the Ponca tribal community. In early days it was bustling with women canning garden vegetables and sewing. Tribal Council members met here to carry out their duties. Traditional dances were held in the main room and education was at the heart of most activities.
Today the community center remains a central fixture in Ponca life. People still gather here for weddings and funerals. The Culture Department and Tribal Museum is now located here. Because this special place embodies the resiliency and determination of the Ponca Tribe, it was nominated to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.
This building represents tribal community strength, and history.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Charity & Public Work • Native Americans • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1936.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Pow Wow! (within shouting distance of this marker); An Ocean of Grass (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Symbol of Our Spirit (about 400 feet away); Water Invites Reflection (about 400 feet away); The Buffalo's Gift (about 500 feet away); Our Village Homes (about 500 feet away); I Carry My Home With Me (about 500 feet away); Water's Edge (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Niobrara.
Regarding Our Ponca Tribal Community Building. National Register of Historic Places #03000106. Listed as Ponca Tribal Self-Help Community Building Historic District.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Ponca Educational Trail
Also see . . .
1. Ponca Tribal Self-Help Community Building Historic District. Wikipedia entry:
The 5-acre historic district includes two contributing buildings: the Ponca Tribal Self-Help Community building and a caretaker's cottage, both built in 1936. It also includes(Submitted on February 26, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)five contributing structures and one contributing site. The building construction was funded by the Indian Emergency Conservation Work (IECW) program, sometimes termed the "Indian CCC", less well known than the related Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) program. The IECW was a program of the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
2. Marker detail: Historic First Meeting, 1936
2. Ponca Tribe of Nebraska’s Powwow Grounds, Museum, and Educational Trail. National Park Service website entry:
The building where the museum is located was built in the 1930’s with the help of the Civilian Conservation Corps to serve as the headquarters for tribal government and as a community building for the Northern Ponca members. It has since been repurposed as an office site and museum displaying Ponca artifacts from different eras to tell our story.(Submitted on February 26, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
3. Marker detail: Historic Interior
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 7, 2021
4. Our Ponca Tribal Community Building Marker
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 7, 2021
5. National Register of Historic Places Marker
NPGallery Digital Asset Management System website entry:
(mounted on right side of Community Building entrance)
This property
has been placed on the
National Register
of Historic Places
by the United States
Department of the Interior
Click for more information.
This property
has been placed on the
National Register
of Historic Places
by the United States
Department of the Interior
Click for more information.
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 7, 2021
6. Ponca Tribal Community Building (front/east elevation)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 7, 2021
7. Ponca Tribal Community Building (west elevation)
Credits. This page was last revised on May 17, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 26, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 181 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on February 26, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
