In Celebration of Family History Month...
Women of the West Museum Unveils Virtual Exhibit
About Women's Lives on the Sod House Frontier

"There Are No Renters Here" Shares Relevant Stories of Community, Family and Neighbors Helping Neighbors

DENVER - In a declaration of celebration and commitment to her new life, Mattie Oblinger wrote to her family "There are no renters here!" For the first time, many Americans were able to live the dream of land ownership in the American West. Mattie Oblinger and her family represent one of the many who moved from the East to Nebraska and other states in the West to establish new lives as homesteaders.

The Women of the West Museum tells Mattie's story and reveals both historical and daily life perspectives in its newly expanded and revised exhibit "There Are No Renters Here:" Homesteading in a Sod House. The exhibit highlights the experiences of19th century women and families who settled the Great Plains and who lived in sod houses. Seen through the eyes of Mattie Oblinger, the exhibit follows her move from Indiana to Nebraska in 1873, then traces her new life through the letters she wrote back to her family.

"For the Women of the West Museum, stories of the American West as told through women give us special insight into early experiences with home and community that are relevant today," said Marsha Semmel, president and CEO of the Women of the West Museum. "Through the unique perspective of Mattie Oblinger, 'There Are No Renters Here' offers a first hand glimpse at how people found the strength and skills to survive in an uncertain landscape."

Rich in historical documents that provide valuable resources for students, teachers, librarians and researchers, the site traces relevant history beginning with the Homestead Act of 1862. It includes such interesting primary sources as posters encouraging emigration to the West, maps depicting potential settlement areas in Nebraska and actual letters between Mattie Oblinger, her husband and her family.

The Women of the West Museum collaborated with the Nebraska State Historical Society to create the exhibit. Visitors can find the exhibit at the museum's Web site: www.womenofthewest.org.

The Women of the West Museum is a dynamic, collaborative museum whose mission is to discover, explore and communicate the continuing roles of women in shaping the American West. A creator and disseminator of innovative public programs, the organization offers a broad range of traveling and online exhibits, educational programs and community events.

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