Henderson Heritage & Tourism News

​The Henderson Mennonite Heritage Park received the first half of Henderson State Bank’s $55,000 donation towards completing the new Gathering Room building project at the Heritage Park.

In a generous show of community support, Henderson State Bank has donated to the ongoing development of Henderson Mennonite Heritage Park. Henderson State Bank president Kevin Postier presented the first half of a $55,000 contribution aimed at funding the construction of The Gathering Room at the Heritage Park. 

​HENDERSON – Henderson Heritage Park will be receiving a $177,000 visitors improvement grant, which will help them finish the construction of a new gathering room at the historic tourism site.

​Suzanne Ratzlaff, president of the Henderson Heritage and Tourism Committee, met with the York County Commissioners this week, asking for the grant to be approved. Joining her was Alex Saathoff, director of the York County Visitors Bureau.

The Visitors Bureau board had already approved the grant and was recommending a one-time payment for this project. The funds are generated by lodging taxes in York County, which are then held in accounts for the purpose of being spent on projects that will bring people to York County, encouraging overnight stays and retail sales. The YCVB board reviews grant applications, makes recommendations and then the county board makes the final decision as to whether the grants will be given and in what amounts. No property tax dollars are involved in this endeavor.

The project at the Henderson Heritage Park is being called The Gathering Room. It is currently under construction and the estimated completion date was subject to continued funding of the project.

A groundbreaking for the project was held last October after being in the planning stages for the previous eight years. Ratzlaff said the need had been recognized many years before that.

The completed cost of the entire project is estimated at $625,000. Ratzlaff said they had already raised $320,000 through donations, and the construction was in its second phase.

The visitor’s improvement money will get them to the end of construction, as that is what is needed to complete the building itself. More money will have to be raised in the future to purchase tables, chairs, technology, etc.

The building measures 66 x 36 feet and will seat approximately 100 people or slightly more.

One intent of the project is to encourage visitation at the park year-round, as it will be climate-controlled. It would also be available for a lot of different types of events, like family gatherings, class reunions, etc. Ratzlaff said they also hope the use of the building will allow them to host more bus tour stops.

Ratzlaff said they are expecting a big demand for this space in Henderson, as nothing of that size (outside of the school and churches) exists now. She also added they were excited to have their first booking for an alumni gathering in 2026.

“Attracting more people to York County and the town of Henderson will benefit the local economy significantly and completing this building will broaden the range and number of visitors who may spend the night in York County,” she said.

Saathoff said the vote by the YCVB board was unanimous, to pay out the grant. She said there wasn’t an opinion as to whether it should be given in one payment or several payments over time.

York County Commissioner Chairman Randy Obermier asked where the balance of funds is currently sitting in the visitor’s improvement fund. Saathoff said there was currently $465,000 in that fund.

“This would be a great addition for the Henderson community and Heritage Park,” said Commissioner Andy Bowman.

“I always find it very interesting when you provide the statistics sheet for us, about Heritage Park,” Obermier said to Ratzlaff.

According to those statistics, Heritage Park had an attendance of 1,885 people with 1,704 being from Nebraska, 176 being from other states, and five being from foreign countries, in the 2024 calendar year. There were 317 guests before Memorial Day, 859 guests between Memorial Day and Labor Day and 709 guests after Labor Day.

“The point of the visitors improvement funds is for projects just like this,” said Commissioner Daniel Grotz. “It is a rather significant amount. In the past, with larger projects like this, we have staggered the funds in multiple payments so we don’t limit the projects we can do in the future. Yes, $465,000 is a pretty good amount in there, but I just wonder if we should break it into two payments.”

They asked Saathoff if other projects are pending – she said $80,000 will be going to the press box at Levitt Stadium (which was previously approved) and this particular project, if approved, would be the only other one at this time.

The commissioners approved the entire amount requested, to be made available in one payment.

It was a beautiful fall morning for Tuesday’s groundbreaking ceremony at the Henderson Mennonite Heritage Park. The shovels and hardhats were lined up and ready for members of the Henderson Tourism Committee to throw out the first scoop of dirt for the new Gathering Room building. 

Chairman Suzanne Ratzlaff thanked everyone for coming out for this long-awaited project and emphasized how the building would meet the needs for gathering larger groups in a comfortable setting, both for the Heritage Park and the community.

Ironhide Construction did a great job setting up the ceremony’s building site, providing shovels, hard hats, and signage. President Troy Bridgford made a few remarks about the project and how they were attracted to it because of Heritage Park’s mission. 

Henderson native Ryan Quiring, Director of Field Operations at Ironhide, also spoke at the ceremony. “Growing up here, I’ve seen how the Henderson area has changed, but it’s good to see how they still preserve their heritage. I’m very excited to be a part of helping with this project.”  

Project Manager John Feney and Project Superintendent Lance Smith from Ironhide, as well as the structural engineer and architect from ACRE Design, were also present. 

“We plan on getting started moving dirt and preparing the site for footings later this week,” said Quiring. Afterward, coffee and doughnuts were provided for those gathered by Ironhide Construction. 

​In celebration of the 150th anniversary of the first Mennonite immigrants' arrival in the Henderson area in 1874, Henderson Mennonite Heritage Park will feature a reenactment of the Anabaptist story.

It will be held on Sunday, April 21, 6:30 p.m. at the Henderson Mennonite Heritage Park. "Living the Anabaptist Story" will be an event where history comes alive, featuring local performers playing various parts. The story will begin with the Reformation and end with the persecutions endured by the Anabaptists.

Visitors will receive a card with the name and information about an actual Anabaptist from the 1500s. At the end of the program, it will be revealed whether the person on their card survived a martyr's death.

Dramatic scenes will be performed at different locations in the park, featuring Martin Luther, Menno Simons, and a staged debate between Conrad Grebel and Huldrych Zwingli, who were all involved in the Reformation movement.

A reenactment of the first adult baptism will take place, with George Blaurock being baptized by Conrad Grebel and Felix Manz.

Stories will be shared about two women, Elizabeth Dirks, who suffered a martyr's death by drowning, and Hadewyck, who was imprisoned for her religious beliefs but escaped.

The last drama during the event will be "The Dungeon and Torture," where visitors will learn of the hardship and terror of those persecuted for their religious beliefs.

Come out for this unique event and enjoy a live presentation of "Living the Anabaptist Story." There is no charge for the event, although a traditional wicker basket offering will be taken.

Golf carts are available to transport guests to the different locations at the park during the program. A closing back at the church will offer a time for questions and discussion. Cookies and coffee will be available.
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The Henderson Mennonite Heritage Park is located 1 ½ miles south of the Henderson I-80 Exit #342 on spur 93A. For more information, contact Suzanne at 402-723-4252.