Library exhibit to showcase Karrer family legacy

From left in this 1979 photo are: Frederick Merrill Karrer I (1929), Max Crawford Karrer (1954), Rush William Karrer (1938), John Karrer (1968), Robert Eugene Karrer (1936), Frederick Merrill Karrer II (1979) and Frederick William Karrer II (1956).

A new exhibit exploring the Karrer family’s history, legacy and impact on health care in Nebraska will open at the McGoogan Health Sciences Library on Aug. 8.

Over four generations, Karrer family members returned to the UNMC College of Medicine, producing a total of eight graduates. The Karrer family’s dedication exemplifies the college’s impact on medical education and reflects the family’s commitment to caring for patients in Nebraska and beyond. 

With deep roots in the small towns of central and western Nebraska, the Karrer family established a legacy of healing that eventually extended beyond the state borders.

“Legacies of Healing: The Karrer Family” will be on display through Jan. 22, 2026. 

“The story of the Karrer family of physicians is a perfect illustration of the generational connections that are the very heart of UNMC,” said Emily Glenn, dean of the McGoogan Health Sciences Library. “By preserving and sharing family histories, UNMC and the library help ensure that the dedication and service of people like the Karrers continue to inspire and shape future generations of health care providers and leaders in Nebraska.

“I am proud that the library’s special collections and archives exhibits can serve as a testament to the Karrer’s legacy in the present day.” 

UNMC graduates

  • Frederick William Karrer I, 1904
  • Frederick Merrill Karrer I, 1929
  • Robert Eugene Karrer, 1936
  • Rush William Karrer, 1938
  • Max Crawford Karrer, 1954
  • Frederick William Karrer II, 1956
  • John Karrer, 1968
  • Frederick Merrill Karrer II, 1979

In 1904, Frederick William Karrer I became the first family member to graduate from the University of Nebraska College of Medicine. Three Karrer generations followed as graduates of the college, including Frederick William Karrer II and three of his sons.

As rural family practitioners in the early 20th century, the Karrers cared for communities across central and western Nebraska, often navigating vast distances with limited resources.

As the family’s health care experience deepen, the third and fourth generations expanded their practices into various specialties and communities beyond Nebraska.

The exhibit shares their stories of how the generations of Karrers witnessed the transformation of both the College of Medicine and UNMC campus.

Artifacts include early 20th century doctors’ bags, pharmaceutical bottles and instruments, including an ophthalmology instrument that Frederick William Karrer I received as a Gifford Award prize in his senior year.

Archival materials include family photographs, college of medicine graduation announcements and Frederick William Karrer I’s medical license from 1904.

The Karrer family exhibit will be on display on Level 8 of the McGoogan Library in Wittson Hall and online at this link.

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