A Vision of the Good Society in Stone: The Nebraska Capitol as Aspirational Memory Node

Abstract This article outlines the notions of aspirational memory and nodal memory, then uses the combined concept of aspirational memory node to illustrate how the Nebraska capitol’s architecture and aesthetics draw upon the past to inspire Nebraskans to enact a moral vision of “noble living.” The capitol imagines this future good society by gathering a collection of public memories and molding them into (1) a political vision of democratic and just government as a sacred obligation and (2) a social vision of caring, harmonious living.