Kunkel Building

NORTHWEST CORNER OF WEST H & RANDOLPH STREETS

The Kunkel Building is named after Dr. Lloyd Kunkel (1897-1989) who played a significant role in forming the Weeping Water Valley Historical Society. Not only did he serve Weeping Water as a doctor for 40 years, but he was also a talented violinist and violin-maker, a WW1 and WW2 veteran, and a gifted amateur archeologist. Much of his work is found in the 21 wall cases that tell the history of the area beginning with the geology strata, native American cultures, the Lewis & Clark expedition, the first settlers, the coming of the railroad and pioneer life, as well as local Limestone and agriculture displays.
Dr. Lloyd Kunkel
L to R: Mayor Byron Baker, Dr. Marvin Kivett, Dr. L. N. Kunkel
L to R: Mayor Byron Baker, Dr. Marvin Kivett, Dr. L. N. Kunkel - June 6, 1971

The building was erected in 1970 using native limestone from a house that was torn down in the country so that it would match the stone on the Heritage House. In 1971, Dr. Kunkel worked with staff from the State Historical Society to leave us this legacy of information. The museum was dedicated and opened to the public on June 6, 1971. Weeping Water native and State Historical Society Director Dr. Marvin Kivett was the guest speaker.  The Indianhead medallion on the front of the building was by Josephine Mead, a Chicago artist, and friend of the Kunkel family.  In 1980, Dr. Kunkel was the recipient of the Addison E. Sheldon Memorial Award for significant achievement in the preservation and interpretation of Nebraska History. 

The Kunkel Building is located on West H Street between Randolph and Commercial Streets.