About the Mari Sandoz Society
From Old Jules, the stark 1935 biography of her father, to The Battle of Little Bighorn, Mari Sandoz wrote more than 20 books—some of the most memorable and realistic accounts about pioneers and Native Peoples ever written. With keen attention to detail, compelling topics, and blunt, accurate, compassionate descriptions, Sandoz created vivid stories of the last days of the American frontier. She was an internationally-known chronicler of the West and one of Nebraska’s most important writers. The mission of the Mari Sandoz Heritage Society is to encourage and promote an understanding of the literary and historical works of Mari Sandoz and to honor the land and people about which she wrote.
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The mission of the Mari Sandoz Society is to encourage and promote an understanding of the literary and historical works of Mari Sandoz and to honor the land and people about which she wrote. Learn more.
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Isolated by vast distances and the stern demands of the land, the people of the American frontier knew first hand the promise and the hardship of America’s last “free” land in the Nebraska Sandhills that was settled in the early years of the twentieth century. Learn more about Mari.
The Mari Sandoz Society works to increase the visibility of this premier writer and historian by bringing people together for the discussion of her literary works and research while supporting projects and scholarly activities that further an understanding around the land and the people about which she wrote.
The Society maintains extensive archive materials including manuscripts of Mari’s works, research she compiled in a meticulous and copious index card system, written histories, essays, short stories, maps, correspondence and personal items. The Society's collections are on loan to the Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center at Chadron State College in Chadron, Nebraska while additional material resource collections are held at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the University of Nebraska-Kearney.
Each year the Society presents the acclaimed Raleigh and Esther Pilster High Plains Lecture, and provides support for the Story Catcher Festival and a writing scholarship at Western Colorado University. The Society publishes a newsletter, maintains a website and supports a variety of other scholarly activities including a research award and support for volumes of the Sandoz Series published by the University of Nebraska-Press. Most recently, the Society has stepped up to provide support to the Northern Cheyenne Journey Home Committee and their work on the planned Northern Cheyenne Healing Trail located near Crawford, Nebraska in the northwest corner of the state.
Support the Society through Membership!
Join us in keeping the spirit and work of Mari Sandoz alive by supporting the Mari Sandoz Society with your new OR renewal membership! Memberships are valid for one-year from date of receipt. We accept memberships and donations throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have you ever had a question and didn’t know where to find the answer? If so, you’ve come to the right place.
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Are the Sandoz Society and the Sandoz Center the same?
The Sandoz Society and the Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center are not one in the same. While the Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center houses collections belonging to the Sandoz Society, the Center is a landmark on the Chadron State College campus that features displays that celebrate the life and literature of Mari Sandoz as well as the culture of the High Plains.
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Where was Mari Sandoz born?
Mari was born on a homestead along the Niobrara River, now called the “River Place,” the first home of Mary and Jules Sandoz. Unfortunately, the buildings are no longer standing on the property. The land is still owned by relatives of the Sandoz family.
The Mari Sandoz Heritage Society (DBA Mari Sandoz Society) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization making your donation applicable for tax credit in accordance with Internal Revenue Service regulations regarding charitable contributions.
