1. Nebraska becomes a state: On July 17, 1867, Nebraska officially became the 37th state in the United States. Prior to this, it was a territory for over a decade.

2. The first rodeo: In 1898, the first documented rodeo in the world was held in North Platte, Nebraska on July 17th. This event set the stage for the popularity of rodeos in America.

3. First public television station: On July 17, 1954, the first public television station in Nebraska, KUON-TV, began broadcasting on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus.

4. Tragic tornado outbreak: In 1976, Nebraska experienced a devastating tornado outbreak on July 17th, which resulted in several fatalities and caused extensive damage to the region.

5. Outdoor music festival: The Maha Music Festival, an annual outdoor music festival, began on July 17th, 2009 in Omaha, Nebraska. This event brings together a diverse range of artists and has become a major cultural event in the area.