Beginning Oct. 7, the public will have more opportunity to peruse the files of the Nebraska State Historical Society for research purposes.

Visiting hours at the James E. Potter Research Room are being expanded, with the room to open on weekdays, except Tuesdays, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Previously, the room had been open only one morning a week in a controversial move by former Historical Society Director Trevor Jones.

Restoring more access to the research room is among the stated goals of the recently named interim director, Cindy Drake.

In a press release, Drake said that while many of the society’s history and genealogy materials are online, “a very large portion is only available in person.”

“These new hours better serve researchers, students, and the public as a whole,” she said.

Books, maps and newspapers, as well as the Nebraska State Archives, which include unpublished manuscripts, photographs, film/audio and public records, are available at the research room. Trained staffers are available to direct researchers to materials.

For more information, visit https://history.nebraska.gov.