Museum in York Showcases Retro Technology in Current Exhibit
By Jon Vanderford
Published: Dec. 23, 2025, 1:10 PM CST
YORK, Neb. (KOLN) — The Anna Bemis Palmer Museum in downtown York is currently hosting a captivating exhibit titled “Analog Anthology,” which celebrates decades of retro technology that once played significant roles in simplifying everyday life.
Carrie Remmers, the coordinator at the museum, explained that the exhibit features a broad collection of vintage technological items. Among the highlights is an electric radio that once belonged to the museum’s founder, Anna Bemis Palmer. This radio holds particular significance as it was reportedly the first electric radio in York.
Visitors to the exhibit will also find a pink day bed from the 1880s, which now serves as a unique seating spot for the museum’s skeleton mascot, “Clyde.” This quirky touch adds character and charm to the display.
One of the most popular sections of the exhibit is the toy collection. According to Remmers, these vintage toys elicit nostalgic reactions and spark heartfelt memories, with visitors often sharing stories of similar toys from their own childhoods.
The exhibit further explores household technology through displays of a variety of butter churns made from wood, stone, and glass. Antique sewing machines also feature prominently. “We thought about what items we could show on a display that included technology, and sewing machines seemed like an obvious choice,” said Remmers.
In addition to household items, the museum presents the Osborne 1, a 1981 model portable computer. Remmers described the Osborne 1 as a predecessor to today’s laptops. Though it gained popularity in 1982, Osborne Computer Corporation went bankrupt in 1983 after mistiming the announcement of an updated model, which led consumers to delay purchases and left many units unsold.
Another noteworthy part of the exhibit is a collection from Leo Weiler of Hastings, which includes over 200 QSL cards from more than 95 countries. QSL cards traditionally serve as “receipts” exchanged among ham radio operators upon receiving signals, providing a window into historic global communications.
To add a personal touch, Remmers donated VHS tapes of classic Disney movies from her own collection. These tapes are helping to ignite conversations with visitors about their favorite childhood films, fostering connection across generations.
The “Analog Anthology” exhibit will be on display at the Anna Bemis Palmer Museum through February 27, 2026. The museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., though holiday hours may vary. Visitors are encouraged to check the museum’s website at palmermuseum.com for the most up-to-date information. Private after-hours tours are also available by arrangement via the site’s contact page.
For those interested in experiencing a trip down technological memory lane, this exhibit offers a rich, hands-on glimpse into the devices and innovations that helped shape daily life before the digital age.
Visitor Information:
- Location: Anna Bemis Palmer Museum, Downtown York, Nebraska
- Exhibit dates: Now through February 27, 2026
- Hours: Tuesday–Friday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (holiday hours may vary)
- Website: palmermuseum.com
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