ORLEANS – Two historic buildings in Orleans have now landed inclusion into the National Register of Historic Places. The Orleans Hotel and the Cordelia B. Preston Memorial Library have now been included from a nomination into the National Register of Historic places.
The Memorial Library was constructed in 1917 and continues to operate as the community’s needs with meeting spaces and new technologies available. The Orleans Hotel has been through many owners since its original construction in 1930, but now continues to operate as a space for visitors to reside and for other events and gatherings.
Age is not the only factor that allows for inclusion into the National Register of Historic Places, however. Kelli Bacon, Outreach Coordinator of History Nebraska explains:
Bacon also further explained that to be included in the National Register of Historic Places, the original buildings must not have been significantly altered since their original construction.
Bacon describes the significance of the Orleans Hotel:
Finally, Bacon defines the significance of the Memorial Library:
Inclusion in the National Register of Historical Places can provide further context for locations that are included, as well as bring recognition for communities. The Orleans Hotel has also been included onto the 2021 Nebraska Passport Program as a “hidden gem” for visitors across Nebraska to visit.