Welcome to the
Friend Historical Society
ON SECOND STREET WHERE FRIENDS MEET
We provide a community gathering place in the historic Warren building, pursue diverse educational, historical, and cultural experiences, and produce economic benefit by making Friend an inviting place.
Upcoming Events
Get Involved
Help Us “Move Up” to the Opera House Renovation!
Friend, NE is home to the Warren Building, a national treasure built in the 1880s by Joshua Warren, featuring a second-floor Opera House that has remained unchanged since 1920. In 1988, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, highlighting its historical significance.
Become a Member of the Friend Historical Society
Members of the Friend Historical Society are essential in preserving our community's history and ensuring its future through projects like the Warren Building and Opera House. Join us to stay updated on events and play an active role in this important mission!
12 APR
26 JAN
26 JAN
12 APR
2-6 JUN
Theatre Arts for Kids Presented Fairy Tale Forest!
The Friend Historical Society and Theatre Arts For Kids held a week-long camp for youth ages 7-15.
On Friday, June 7th, an amazing performance of Fairy Tale Forest was given for over 120 parents, relatives, and community guests. Did you ever wonder what happened to Cinderella after the ball? Watch the video on the Friend Historical Society Facebook Page to find out.
The camp was attended by 30 youth from 10 schools. Many parents commented how excited their kids were to have this arts opportunity and how much they had learned about presenting in front of a group. Just imagine how wonderful it will be to hold this performance in the renovated Opera House theater upstairs.
Thank you to all our supporters for making this opportunity available in Friend!
Special Occasion Dates
BY RESERVATION ONLY
Archive
2-6 JUN
Our Location
Physical Address
511 2nd St, Friend, NE 68359
Mailing Address
PO Box 174, Friend, NE 6835
Join Us At Our Upcoming Events!
Our Moving Up Gala 2024
We are very grateful to everyone who made the 2024 Gala a success!
We are excited to use this year’s Gala proceeds to begin the South addition with funding support from the NE Dept. of Economic Development and our local match.
Gala highlights included easy listening music from the Morris Duet, our hosts Jon & Taryn Vanderford sharing stories from Pure Nebraska, fabulous food provided by Coffey’s HogWild BBQ, and of course our live and silent auctions. Thank you to our auctioneer William Yokel and to those who provided auction items.
A special treat this year was entertainment from Theatre Arts for Kids. Two amazing young ladies (ages five and ten) who have participated in Theater Arts for Kids performed “Sisters” from White Christmas and “I’ve Got the Sun in the Morning and the Moon at Night” from Annie Get Your Gun. It was a special night of making memories for our guests!
Of course, the best part of the Gala is seeing and enjoying our many friends who continue their support for the Friend Historical Society! Again this year, we are thankful to those who were unable to attend but provided donations. A special thank you to our amazing volunteers who work tirelessly to make our events possible.
You are the wind beneath our wings as we continue “Moving Up to the Opera House”—our possible dream!