The Nebraska Association of Professional Archeologists is pleased to announce that Nancy and Jerry Carlson have been presented with the William Duncan Strong Memorial Award in honor of their significant contributions to Nebraska Archeology. The Award was presented to them on April 11, 2026 at the 47^th Annual Flint Hills Archeological Conference. 

From the award nomination:

For decades, Nancy and Jerry Carlson have been a fixture in Nebraska’s archeological community. Their commitment has not been defined by any single role, but by a lifetime of engagement. Together, they exemplify the spirit of stewardship and service that archeology depends on.  

As a lifelong resident of the Genoa area, Jerry developed a keen interest in the archeology of his home. A farmer and CO-OP manager by trade, Jerry first became involved in archeology as many do, collecting artifacts as a child around Genoa. He remains deeply connected to the land and is a true steward. Following a career as a hospital administrator, Nancy returned to school to study archeology and anthropology, earning her master’s degree from UNL in 2002. Nancy went on to work as an archeologist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the Nebraska State Historical Society (NSHS), and for many years as an independent contractor. Dozens of reports on file at the NSHS bear her name.

The amount of time and dedication that Nancy and Jerry have given to Nebraska Archeology is hard to quantify. The Carlsons have contributed countless hours to archeological fieldwork across the state, regularly volunteering their time, even in retirement. They have served on multiple boards and organizations and are known especially for their long-standing involvement with the Nebraska Archaeological Society (NAS). They have consistently shared their knowledge with both the archeological community and the public through presentations, artifact shows, and tours, helping to broaden appreciation for Nebraska’s heritage. Their combined experiences have helped them to bridge the divide between the professional archeological community and the interested public. 

Nancy and Jerry’s contributions extend far beyond these efforts, however, as they have played a vital role in connecting Indigenous and descendant communities with their heritage and ancestral lands. After meeting with former students in the 1980s, Nancy helped promote the founding of the Genoa U.S. Indian School Foundation and is a charter member. Together, Nancy and Jerry have spent thousands of hours helping to physically preserve the school’s buildings, organizing reunions, collecting memories from former students, and gathering documents and artifacts that help raise awareness and tell the school’s history. In recognition of the need to honor all Pawnee Scouts, the Carlsons helped to initiate the dedication of the Pawnee Scouts Memorial Highway near Genoa, and they are helping to preserve Pawnee culture as contributors to the Pawnee Seed Preservation Program. More recently, they’ve contributed to the search for the Genoa Indian School cemetery by connecting with landowners, doing research, and helping with the fieldwork. 

Through these efforts, and with great humility and generosity, Nancy and Jerry have helped make Nebraska’s past more accessible and meaningful to a wide range of communities. For these and many other contributions, NAPA is delighted to present the William Duncan Strong Memorial Award to Nancy and Jerry Carlson.

Submitted by:

Nolan Johnson, Rob Bozell, and Courtney Ziska