Steele is new manager of Larsen Tractor Museum

Jeremy Steele
Jeremy Steele

Jeremy Steele has been named manager of exhibits and collections of the University of Nebraska's Lester F. Larsen Tractor Test and Power Museum.

The appointment began Jan. 1 and follows the retirement of longtime director Bill Splinter, who played a vital role in developing the museum, said Ron Yoder, biological systems engineering department head.

Steele said he looks forward to continuing the growth and progress of the museum, established in 1998. The Larsen Tractor Museum occupies the former Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory building on UNL's East Campus.

Steele served as museum development associate for the Larsen Tractor Museum from 2005 to 2008 and has served as educational communications associate since 2008.

During his employment with the museum, Steele introduced a number of innovations in the display and restoration of historic tractors and pioneer American agricultural farming tools. He organized the Tractor Restoration Club in which students have assisted in the restoration of antique John Deere "D," Co-op E-3 and Twin City KTA tractors. He organized and directed the "Antique Tractors" exhibit at the Nebraska State Fair in Lincoln and the Lancaster County Super Fair. He has been effective in using the professional expertise of the volunteer Friends of the Lester Larsen Tractor Test and Power Museum in building exhibits and displays. The museum was recognized as a "Hidden Treasure for 2010" by Heritage Nebraska.

Steele was born and raised in Arnold. He received his bachelor's and master's degrees from UNL. He is an active member of the Mountain Plains Museums Association, the American Association of Museums, the Lincoln Area Museums and Attractions Association and the Nebraska Museums Association.

For more information on the museum, go to http://tractormuseum.unl.edu/.

- Sandi Alswager Karstens, IANR News Service