Jeff Barnes is a fifth-generation Nebraskan and long-time student and writer of Great Plains history. A former newspaper reporter and editor, he is the author of eight books of Great Plains subjects, including two winners of the Nebraska Book Award. His newest book is Forts of the Northern Plains, published last year by the University of Nebraska Press and which he has available today. His topic today in on the forts of our immediate area.

Jeff is among the most frequently requested speakers of Humanities Nebraska, and is the first of its speakers to present in all 93 Nebraska counties. Since beginning as a public speaker in 2008, Jeff has made more than 900 appearances for groups in ten states.

Jeff is a past trustee of the Nebraska State Historical Society, a present trustee of the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation, past chair of the Nebraska Hall of Fame Commission, and former marketing director of the Durham Museum.