These history centers offer education, especially great for older children.

Bank of Florence

The oldest bank in the state of Nebraska features the bank and vault on the main floor. Upstairs features the living quarters of the bank manager restored to the 1860s and a telephone room with an early 1900 switchboard. Hours: June 1 through Aug. 31, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission: $2 adults; free to members, children under 12 and school tours. 8502 N. 30th St.; 453-4280; www.historicflorence.org

Boys Town Hall of History

Presents the unique history of Father Flanagan's Boys' Home through interactive exhibits. Features include sports memorabilia and Spencer Tracy's Academy Award from the movie “Boys Town.” Summer hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Fall/winter hours: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Sunday hours year-round: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. 137th Street and West Dodge Road, 800-625-1400 or 498-1186; www.boystown.org

Florence Mill

Embodies the evolution of the grain industry with many technological changes from pioneer times. The first floor contains a museum, with an art gallery in the loft. During the Sunday farmers market, the mill features community presenters on topics from agriculture to history and nature. Hours: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, May through September. Suggested $2 donation. 9102 N. 30th St., 551-1233; www.historicflorence.org

General Crook House

1878 Italianate quarters of Gen. George Crook, Civil War hero; national historic site. Adjoining museum is the Victorian Heirloom Garden. Guided group tours available with appointment. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday; 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission: $5, adults ($6 mid-November through December); $4, students; $3, ages 6 to 11. 5730 N. 30th St., Building 11B. 455-9990; www.omahahistory.org/museum.htm

Gerald R. Ford Birth Site

Betty Ford Rose Garden, scale model of the former president's early home and exhibit of White House memorabilia. Open daily, 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Free. Conservation Center exhibit gallery open by appointment Monday through Friday, 595-1180. 3202 Woolworth Ave., 444-5955; www.ci.omaha.ne.us/parks

Joslyn Castle

Completed in 1903, it was the home of businessman George Joslyn and his wife, Sarah. Sited on what was once the western edge of the city, the estate was designed by prominent Omaha architect John McDonald in a Scottish Baronial style. Today, the Castle takes visitors back in time to an era of superb craftsmanship and decorative opulence. Tours available the first and third Sunday of each month at 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Student, group and private tours available by appointment. Admission: $6, adults; $4, senior citizens and college students; $3, students; free, ages 5 and younger and members of the Joslyn Castle Trust. 3902 Davenport St., 595-2199; www.joslyncastle.com

Historic General Dodge House

1869 Victorian home of Grenville M. Dodge, a Civil War general and Union Pacific engineer dubbed the “greatest railroad builder of all time.” Annual events include the Five Week Victorian Christmas, mid-November to the end of December, and the Dodge House Garden Walk in June. Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Closed Mondays in January. Admission: $7, adults; $6, senior citizens; $3, ages 6 to 16. Call for special event prices and dates. 605 Third St., Council Bluffs, 712-322-2406; www.dodgehouse.org

Nebraska Jewish Historical Society

History and culture of the Jewish people of the Omaha area since the 1860s. Re-creation of a neighborhood “shul”; history of area synagogues. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Group tours by appointment. Free. Jewish Community Center, 333 S. 132nd St.; 334-6442

St. Cecilia Cathedral Cultural Center & Gallery

Houses a history museum, art gallery and gift shop. Group tours available. Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. the third Sunday of each month. Admission is free. 701 N. 40th St., 551-4888; www.cathedralartsproject.org

Squirrel Cage Jail

The only three-story rotary jail in the United States. Features exhibits on local crimes and ghosts. Open to the public April 2 to Oct. 31. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Tours available at other times by appointment. Admission: $7, adults; $5, ages 6 to 12. Discounts available for senior citizens and AAA members. Free to members and children ages 5 and younger. 226 Pearl St., Council Bluffs; 712-323-2509