Girls State delegates privileged with Capitol tour opportunity

By Rebecca Meusch

Following all city elections and preliminary filings for state and county positions, 398 Cornhusker Girls State citizens set out on the nearly one and a half mile walk to the Nebraska State Capitol on Monday morning for a tour to become educated about Nebraska’s government.

“I think it’s important that the girls take the tours so they not only have the experience of the visit, but so they understand the history of the landmarks,” Pierce Middle Counselor Carlin Daharsh said. “It also helps you gain a deeper understanding of the political structure in Nebraska.”

Cornhusker Girls State began in the 1930s, but this marked the first year that the tour was incorporated into the Girls State program to give delegates from other parts of the state the chance to see the Capitol, third floor Senior Counselor Kathy Mazur said. On arrival, the Girls State citizens discussed the meaning and history of the art and murals in the entrance and main hall in the Capitol.

“Of course it was cool learning about all of the history, but it was great having the time to talk and bond with other girls on the way to and from the Capitol building,” Pierce citizen Michaela Lawrence said.

To conclude the tour, all Girls State delegates traveled up 14 floors, or roughly 400 feet, to the top of the building to the look-out spots. The top floor of the Capitol offers a view of every side of the Capitol city. Completed in 1932, the 9.8 million dollar building displayed various murals and paintings including the center room of the top floor.

“They connected the tour to women and it shows how women participated in our state and continue to set good example for those to come,” Pierce Mayor Georgia Chambers said.