The Harlan County Historical Society Museum is presently located in Orleans, Nebraska, and has been there since the 1970’s.   Some of the artifacts from the area were previously stored in the basement of the local library.   There came a time when the then library board wanted to take back their space for library activities.   Local citizens joined with the Nebraska State Historical Society to form a board to create a county museum in the former Opera House/Movie theater which is its present location.  The original planners of this project were Winnie and Ernie Kuhl and his son. During the process they formed the Harlan County Historical Society, a branch of the state group of the same name.

The main towns and villages that make up Harlan County and the displays at The Harlan County Museum are: Alma, Republican City, Ragan, Carter, Mascot, Huntley, Orleans, Stamford, and East Oxford.  Rural areas are included as well.