The purpose of the Steinauer Community Heritage House (SCHH) is to preserve the pioneer history of Steinauer, Nebraska, and the surrounding community by the display of photos, artifacts, and memorabilia. Additionally, saving an historic building from deterioration and neglect.

In the early 1850’s, the first settlers arrived in southeast Nebraska to find an area rich in farm land and grazing land. Most were immigrants from Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Germany. In 1862, the U. S. government opened the area to homesteaders under the Homestead Act. The history of the area is filled with stories of the pioneers’ determination, hard work and their desire to start new lives for their families. By the end of the 19th century, the residents had built a thriving community that grew with the railroad. The community was centered on faith, farming, enterprise, and education. Time and the loss of the railroad stymied its growth in the mid-1900s, yet the community still exhibits pride in its heritage.

The museum is housed in the former post office. The building was constructed in 1874, and used as a post office, bank and newspaper. In 1888, the bank moved to a new location, and the building was used solely as a post office. In 2011, the U. S. Postal Service permanently closed its branch and sold the building to a local family who was interested in keeping this historic building intact. In 2013, several residents of the village of Steinauer approached the owners about repurposing the building as a museum. Since then, the building has received a new roof and exterior paint. One of the two interior rooms has been painted, rewired, and had new flooring installed. Most of the work was done by volunteers.

In January 2014, the owner started to receive artifacts and memorabilia from area families. At that time, volunteers started to organize the material, which included: photos, artifacts, and scrapbooks. The group organized a committee to determine the focus of the museum and to develop a plan to achieve its goals. A board was created to fulfill the requirements of incorporation by Federal and State governments. Once the organization was approved, the Board filed for 501(c)(3) designation and it received a Nonprofit Private Foundation determination on July 31, 2014.

The grand opening of the museum was held on August 30, 2014, and was well received by the community.