Tag: Durham Museum

Omaha Interview: Kristine Gerber, Speaker and Arts Series: Omaha Green Book Sites

 

Kristine Gerber seated in auditorium before her talk in the Stanley and Dorothy Truhlsen Lecture Hall at the Durham Museum

OmahaNebraska.com here with…

Kristine Gerber.

Tell me a little bit about what you’ve done before and then about your involvement in the project.

I’m a local historian, so for the past 25 years, I have worked to tell Omaha’s stories. I’ve worked at the Omaha World Herald doing books. I’ve worked at Restoration Exchange Omaha, trying to save old buildings. And so now for the last five years, I’ve worked for Omaha Public Schools, helping students and teachers uncover and share Omaha’s diverse history.

Something I’ve been very interested and excited about is following the history of people here, the area, the buildings, what happened and then what’s going on and then where maybe the future is going. Tell me about your involvement in this project…how you got involved.

I’ve been working with ¨¨Making Invisible Histories Visible¨¨ for five years now, and every year we have a different subject or project and I get to pick it, which is always fun.

Wow.

So in 2023, I decided to do the Green Book project. And I picked that because I had seen the Green Book movie, but I also knew the Smithsonian had a Green Book exhibit going around and I had seen it and it was amazing. and I just was curious. I’m, like, well, I’m sure Omaha had some Green Book sites, but where were they and how many? And I thought this would be a good project for our kids and our teachers to do.

I understand Omaha’s Green Book sites had some unusual pieces to it compared to the rest of the country.

Candace C. Taylor, who’s a national scholar of the Green Book, will say that in most communities, 80% to 85% of the properties were African American owned. But in Omaha, only 60% of the properties were African American owned. And the reason for that is in North Omaha, where a majority of African Americans live, there was also a large Jewish community. These Jewish-owned businesses included delis and liquor stores that were open to African Americans. And so there was some Jewish, but then there were also just some also European immigrants, that knew that they should be open and welcoming to African Americans. And there were Green Book sites in North Omaha, but there also was an African-American community just across from the stockyards around the 30th and Q area, so there were three sites in that area.

Do you have a favorite section or exhibit or something that people should not miss when they go visit?

You know, what I really like is the trunk. So the trunk shows what an African American family had to pack for a trip. Unlike white Americans who could just go and not think about these things, African Americans had to think about “What if we can’t get something? We have to be prepared.” So in the trunk is a gas can filled with gas in case they couldn’t find a place to stop. They had things to cook with, like a big pot and some food. They had tents or sleeping bags in case they couldn’t find a place to stay. And they had a big cooler with food that they had made in case they couldn’t find a restaurant. So all of these things they had to think through. One of the lessons that we had our kids do is we gave them a Green Book, and we said, “You need to plan a two-day trip, but you can only stop at Green Book sites.” I had them start in New York because I wanted to give them a fair chance and have it so there would be lots of places. So they had to take a two-day trip starting from New York and going in any direction, okay? And they could only stay, gas up, go to Greenbook sites. Within like 5 to 10 minutes, they’re, like, “Oh, my God, Mrs. Gerber, this is really hard.” I’m, like, “I know.” They’re, like, “I’m going to run out of gas.” I’m, like, “Well, you have to think ahead. And when you can find gas, you’ve got to fill up your gas can, you know?” I think I could just see the light bulbs going off. And it just was a key moment for my students to realize how unfair it was and how hard it was. It shouldn’t have been so hard.

It’s important that history becomes something more than just you read.

Yeah.

That however it is, you can try to experience it, that you can.

Yeah.

And this is a very clever idea.

Yeah, exactly.

Is there a question you would have liked me to ask that I haven’t asked?

Let’s see.

Because I feel like I’m missing…

Well, no, no, no. So one really fun thing is when we found out the Smithsonian had an exhibit, as part of my programming, the Smithsonian actually was involved. I got to know their education person, and she gave us some lessons, and they have the exhibit online because they developed it during COVID so you could look at it online. And I kept saying, “You need to bring the exhibit to Omaha.” And I am really involved in the Durham…have been forever. I’m, like, “You need to bring it to the Durham.” And they’re, like, “No, no, it’s already full. And we’re retiring it, and blah, blah, blah.” So after we were done with the project, I sent all the kids’ projects to the Smithsonian. And they were like, “We have never known someone so persistent,” and they decided to send their exhibit to Omaha, and this is the last place it’s going to be shown, and then it is going to be retired.

And then there’s a whole Omaha section.

Yeah.

So more livable moments connecting with the actual area we live in.

Yeah, because we were able to share all this great information with them.

Thank you.

 

 

Omaha Interview: Eric L. Ewing,  Speaker and Arts Series: Omaha Green Book Sites

 

OmahaNebraska.com here with…

Eric L. Ewing.

Please tell me a little bit about things that you’ve done before in your life and then how this project started.

Well, I’ve been having the honor of serving as the executive director for the Great Plains Black History Museum for the last nine years. I come from a health care background, having served in the military for 20 years where I worked in healthcare. I currently still teach health care management. I’ve been having the fortunate opportunity to work here for the Great Plains Black History Museum and  serving as its executive director where we’ve had an opportunity to tell some stories that may have either never been told or have been undertold through others. And so we’ve been having an opportunity to bring more awareness to the rich history of African Americans and what it brings not only to the city of Omaha, but throughout the Great Plains and throughout America.

Thank you. Tell me a little bit about how this project got started and then your involvement here.

Well, Ms. Kristine Gerber worked for “Making Invisible History Visible” a few years ago. That project works with high school students. Back in 2023, she had a group of students who did some research to locate the Green Book sites that were here in Omaha.  There were a total of 30 Green Book sites here in Omaha. The students found those spots and researched them, and they found old pictures of the buildings and then newer pictures of those buildings that were still standing. The interesting thing about it is that with other Green Book sites throughout America, maybe 20% of the buildings are still standing. But here in Omaha, it’s unique, where 36% of the buildings that served as Green Book sites are still standing. And also, not all the Green Book sites were located in North Omaha. There were three Green Book sites in South Omaha on Q Street.

I know you’re going to talk some more about those later, but tell me some of your favorite ones for the area.

My favorite two, as far as hotels, is the Broadview Hotel, also referred to as the castle, because it does look like a castle. It was in the Green Book a few years. It’s one of the more noticeable places in North Omaha. And also, even though it’s no longer standing, the other place that was really intriguing was the Patton Hotel, because the Patton Hotel served as a place where the black porters could stay, musicians would stay as they were traveling throughout America and had any time to spend overnight, as well as the chefs that worked for Union Pacific. So those are my two favorites.

Your involvement in the project here… tell us a little bit about that.

When the Durham got an opportunity to get the Smithsonian’s Green Book story, we collaborated with them to be able to tell the Omaha story. That way, Omaha folks could see that while all these things were happening throughout history, they also got a chance to see that Omaha wasn’t just on the sidelines: Omaha was a part of that history.

So, you brought Omaha to life within this exhibit.

Yes.

Please tell us a little bit about why this is so important and everyone should come see the exhibit or learn more about the Green Book.

Well, I think it’s important because it’s a part of history. Again, it’s a part of history that a lot of times goes untold, and it’s an opportunity for folks to see, as I mentioned earlier, as things were happening throughout America, they were also happening here. So it’s important for folks to know these things because it helps them see their role, in particular, in history.

Is there a question you would have liked me to ask that I didn’t ask?

“How can folks learn more about the Great Plains Black History Museum?”

I was going to ask you a separate one on that later, but yes, go for it. Tell me more about the…

Well, the Great Plains Black History Museum has been in existence…this year we’re celebrating our 50th anniversary. It was started by Mrs. Bertha Callaway, and it started in the old historic Webster Building. We’re now currently operating out of the historic Jewel Building, which was the home of the Dreamland Ballroom and other venues. We currently occupy part of the first floor, and we’ve had the fortunate opportunity to be there for almost nine years. We’re open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 1 to 5 pm.

And that website and phone number?

The website is GPBlackhistorymuseum.org. Our phone number is 402-932-7077.

Thank you.

You’re welcome.

 

 

 

Omaha Interview: Dawn Myron of the Durham Museum

Dawn Myron with holiday sweater in front of the Durham Christmas Tree

OmahaNebraska.com here with…

Dawn Myron. My title is the Senior Manager of Marketing and Brand.

Please tell me a little bit about yourself and how you came to be in your position.

I have been working in the non-profit world for quite some time, and in 2016 I came to the Durham Museum from the Salvation Army Kroc Center here in Omaha. I started as a graphic artist here, and I’ve held a few different roles in my time in the marketing area. One of the things that I love about this place is how generations connect. I think that the traditions that the museum helps to cultivate just are so heartwarming, and of course, the history that we tell. It’s so important to share that history and to get all generations excited. It’s work that I really love doing, and I love how there’s always something new at the museum, whether it be a new exhibit, a new event, or a new education program. I’m just really excited to be here.

Tell us a little bit about the lighting event today.

Okay. So tonight is the kickoff to our Christmas at Union Station, presented by FNBO. It’s an annual event. This will be the 50th year that the Durham Museum is doing Christmas at Union Station, but it is an event that predates the museum. The museum opened in 1975, but our home, Union Station, Union Pacific has been bringing in a tree to be the centerpiece of the Suzanne and Walter Scott Great Hall—that’s what it’s called now—a live tree has been brought in to be the centerpiece of the Christmas festivities since Union Station was a train depot in the 1930s, so it’s pretty special. Union Pacific, when they started the tradition, they would actually go to the Pacific Northwest and they would get a tree from the Pacific Northwest, bring it by rail here to Omaha. But today we don’t go as far to find our tree. We actually search for nominations here in the metro area. We usually have about 30 to 40 families who nominate their tree, and we go out and we look at them. We find the one that is the perfect tree.

A full view of the Durham Christmas Tree bedecked with ornaments, snowflakes and lights

 

We really got a special one this year for the museum’s 50th anniversary. It’s big, beautiful tree, and tonight we are actually going to light it up with over 1,000 feet of LED lights, and it’s got a beautiful tree topper on it with a big 50 on it to celebrate our anniversary. And at 7:00 we are going to light the tree, and that will be the start of Christmas at Union Station.

A box of sugar cookies waiting to be decorated

This season we have a lot going on. We’ve got cookie decorating.

Side view of Jordi and the Jitterbugs performing in front of the Durham Christmas Tree

We’ve got Jordi and the Jitterbugs, who are going to entertain us and help us rock around the Christmas tree tonight.

A Christmas Elf poses for us by the Durham Switchboard. She helps Santa and takes calls from visitors.
The Jolly Old Elf himself, Santa, waves at the photographer for a great picture. Thank you Santa!

And we’ve got Santa. So if kids want to share their wish list with Santa, they can meet him down in Santa’s cabin and share everything that they’re looking forward to this Christmas. Also, new for our 50th, we have a brand new activity, and that is a sock skating pond.

I am quite curious about that.

People of all ages wait in line for the Sock Skating Pond
Children sock skate happily on the treated floor piece amongst pictures of Christmas trees with parents photographing this special moment.
A child peeps out of the slippery surface warning sign with the reason for its placement to the right (fallen skater)

Yeah, so it’s pretty fun, and it’s kind of a new twist on an old tradition, and we’re all about tradition here at the Durham Museum. We’re super excited about that. And then throughout the season, we’re going to have Santa every day. You can slide and glide on the sock skate pond all season long.

A split poster style sign with the white gown and text (WOVEN WITH HISTORY: TIMELESS TEXTILES FROM THE AK-SAR-BEN COLLECTION, THIS WAY ) for the Aksarben gown exhibit and the image of a hockey player wit text (HOCKEY FASTER THAN EVER, THIS WAY ) on the right

We’ve got some really fun exhibits too, some really interesting exhibits. A traveling exhibit, we have a hockey exhibit. It’s really interactive. And then we have a local exhibit that we curated that talks about Omaha’s history with hockey and kind of our trifecta of the Mavericks, the Lancers, and the Knights. And if sports is not your thing, we also have a beautiful exhibit that features the Aksarben gowns. It’s gorgeous, yeah. So a little something for everyone this season at the Durham Museum.

Thank you. A little bit about the tree and the family?

Yeah, so this year’s tree was donated by C.J. and Stephen Carr. They are from La Vista and just a really fun nugget at their home, which they are new homeowners.  They just moved in a couple months ago, and when we had selected the tree, the previous owner had nominated it for Christmas at Union Station. When we selected it and found out that the home was being sold, we weren’t sure that we were going to get the tree, but when they heard about the tradition and what it means to be a Christmas at Union Station tree, they were completely enamored and wanted to participate as well. Plus, the tree was gigantic and just dwarfed their house. They didn’t have any space in between really their front door and the tree. It had totally overgrown its space in the yard and was starting to become problematic for the homeowners, so it was kind of a win-win for both of us. But we talk about history, and one of the really cool things about their home is that it was one of the first houses built in La Vista. A lot of tradition and history there too, which of course we love, being a history museum.

La Vista has a very interesting history all to its own, too.

Let’s see what else there is at the Durham. What’s coming up next?

After Christmas?

After Christmas.

Okay. So we are going to be announcing our 2026 exhibition lineup very, very soon. I’ll give you a little sneak peek as to some of the things. One of them that we’ve already announced is the Negro Motorist Green Book. And so that delves into the history of blacks traveling in America and kind of using the Green Book and the stories there. And we also are tying that in locally and talking about the locations here in Omaha that were part of that. We’re actually partnering with a few other entities to tell that story here in Omaha. In addition to that, we’re going to have some exhibits that, like the Green Book exhibit, are very history-focused, one related to the 250th anniversary of the United States. And then we’re going to also delve into some pop culture and the history related to pop culture. We’ve got a Disney exhibit we’re bringing in. We’re going to be doing something with Legos this year. And then we’re also planning on bringing back the White Christmas exhibit that was so popular, but we’re going to expand that. So quite a few fun things and interesting things we’re bringing into the new year.

Thank you very much. And are there any questions you wish I would have asked that I didn’t yet?

Let’s see… You know what? I would love to tell you a little bit about a few more activities that we’re going to be having in December. So this December, one of the things, if someone’s interested in stories like how Christmas at Union Station came to be, or how the museum kind of renewed this tradition, I really encourage people to check out our new “behind the scenes” tours. One of our museum educators will walk people through the hidden history behind that activity so you can get to learn a little bit more about it. So that’s a great thing if you want to come and sign up for that. In addition to that, we’ve got great winter camps for kids. I also would highly recommend that folks check out the Holiday Cultural Festival, which is December 5th. That is a tradition that in some form or another has been going on for 34 years, and it’s an opportunity to celebrate all the different cultures that make up the people of Omaha and the region. We have 35 cultural groups who are going to be joining us for that. There will be music, there will be gifts, there will be food. It’s just a really special event.

That’s one of my favorite events.

Oh, have you been to that?

I love that event.

Yeah, so very cool. I’m glad you have enjoyed that.

So many things here too. I was glad that I finally became a member.

Thank you for being a member. We really appreciate that.

Durham Museum
801 S 10th St.
Omaha, NE 68108
(402) 444-5071
https://durhammuseum.org

Check out events here!
https://durhammuseum.org/calendar

Omaha Event: Holiday Cultural Festival, 6 December

The Holiday Cultural Festival is a celebration of many different countries and cultures.

This Omaha event has crafts, musicians and dancers performing and holiday treats available for purchase.

It’s best to purchase tickets in advance and is free for museum members.

The Durham Museum
801 S 10th St.
Omaha, NE 68108

More at:
https://www.facebook.com/TheDurhamMuseum
https://durhammuseum.org

Durham Museum: Becoming Jane: The Evolution of Dr. Jane Goodall

From our friends at the Durham Museum:

“Becoming Jane: The Evolution of Dr. Jane Goodall
Now – October 13, 2024
Vacations. Family Barbecues. Sun rays. Be sure to add Becoming Jane: The Evolution of Dr. Jane Goodall to your list of summer musts. Explore the life and extraordinary work of one of the greatest champions of the natural world in this hands-on, transportive multimedia exhibition, which celebrates the discoveries of Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE. Jane braved the unknown to give the world a window into humankind’s closest living relatives: chimpanzees.

View iconic photos of Jane’s early years and venture on an immersive projection of Tanzania’s Gombe Stream National Park, where Jane did her famous behavioral research on chimpanzees. See a life-size hologram of Dr. Goodall, enter a replica of her research tent, learn about the famous chimpanzees of the Gombe Stream and their fascinating behaviors, and view rare artifacts.”

Durham Museum
801 S 10th St.
Omaha, NE 68108-3207
(402)444-5071

Omaha Museum: Durham Museum Announces Reopening Plans, 18 July Members, 1 August Public

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 6, 2020
THE DURHAM MUSEUM CONTACT
JESSICA BRUMMER – Director of Communications
O: 402-444-5071, x560 E: jbrummer@DurhamMuseum.org

DURHAM MUSEUM ANNOUNCES REOPENING PLANS
Opening July 18 for Museum Members and August 1 to the General Public

OMAHA, Neb. – Beginning on Saturday, July 18, 2020, The Durham Museum will be reopening for museum members only. The Museum will open to the general public on Saturday, August 1, 2020. Museum hours will be Tuesday-Saturday, 10AM-4PM, Sunday 12-4PM and closed Mondays. As part of its ongoing effort to assist the community in preventing the spread of COVID-19, The Durham Museum has implemented a phased reopening approach that includes new protocols and procedures, including timed tickets.

Each person visiting, including children and museum members, must secure a ticket (for a specific date and arrival time) in advance at DurhamMuseum.org. The non-refundable tickets will be available online on a first-come, first-served basis, and can be purchased 5 days in advance of visiting. There will not be an option to purchase admission tickets onsite. Members may reserve their free tickets online starting on July 13 and tickets will be available for purchase online by the general public on July 27.

An email confirmation of this transaction will be sent to the email address provided at checkout. Upon arrival, attendants at the main entrance will check the online or printed receipt with a barcode, as well as a valid ID and membership card. Guests are asked to have tickets and cards ready to show the front desk attendant upon arrival. Museum admission must correlate to the printed date and time on the ticket.

Some of the museum’s exhibits and interactives will remain closed for the first phase of reopening, including: Train Cars, Streetcar, Caboose, Platform, Mutual of Omaha Theater, Photo Archive and touchscreens/hands-on interactives throughout.

Guests will be encouraged to follow CDC recommendations and practice social distancing while they visit the museum. We are highly encouraging visitors to wear masks.

The reopening also marks the extension of the museum’s current travelling exhibition, Pulitzer Prize Photographs, on display through September 20.

The Durham will be extending membership expiration dates to ensure that guests will not miss out on any of the full 12 months of membership benefits. This applies to memberships active during or purchased during the Museum closure.

“We have been preparing to welcome visitors back to the museum since our closure nearly 4 months ago. We are here to serve our community and are working hard to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone,” said Christi Janssen, Executive Director.

Other items in place for the health and safety of museum staff and guests:
– Water fountains are not in service, but guests may bring their own water.
-Protective barriers have been installed at the front desk, museum shop and soda fountain.
-Hand sanitizing stations will be available for visitor use.
-We have reduced touchpoints for guests and staff and have increased the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting throughout the museum (using a CDC approved disinfectant).
-Some areas may be noted as a one-way experience for the safety of all.
-In line with recommendations from the CDC, potential visitors are asked to stay home if they are ill or think they may have been in contact with someone who is/was ill.

Full details, as well as a list of frequently asked questions, may be found on the museum’s website, DurhamMuseum.org.

About The Durham Museum
The Durham Museum in Omaha’s beautiful art deco Union Station is home to permanent exhibits that preserve Omaha’s vibrant history, traveling exhibits covering subjects ranging from history and culture, to science and industry, and many entertaining, educational, family-oriented activities. The Durham Museum is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and has strong ties with national and international museums and lending institutions. Admission is $11 for adults; $8 for seniors; $7 for children 3-12; and free for members and children age 2 and under. For information about The Durham Museum please visit the museum’s website at DurhamMuseum.org.
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Omaha Event: Railroad Days, 15-16 July

This Omaha event celebrates Omaha’s history as a railroad hub. A $15 pass gets you admission to and transportation between the Durham Museum, Lauritzen Gardens, Union Pacific Railroad Museum, RailsWest Railroad Museum, and the General Dodge House.

(402) 444-5071

Durham Museum needs your help to crowdsource a new project!

This just in from the Durham Museum!

“Good morning! The Durham Museum is embarking on its first ever crowdsourcing* project and we hope you will help us spread the word! The Durham is celebrating all things 1970s this spring and we invite the community to be part of it! The museum will host, Searching for the Seventies: The Documerica Photography Project, an exciting exhibition developed by the Smithsonian Institution’s Traveling Exhibition Service in partnership with the National Archives. We’re searching for pieces that complement this exhibition. For such a recent decade, it’s amazing how much has changed. To document this, we need your help. Raid your closets, basements and attics for objects you think would be a gas to have on display. See the attached press release or click the link below for full details.”

http://durhammuseum.org/experience/exhibits/temporary/exhibit-details.aspx?ID=386

*Crowdsourcing is a term used to describe the goal in modern day marketing that uses various means including social media to ask or entice your audience for help to spread the word of that fantastic new endeavor you are embarking on, a product or service that you wish to sell or an event to connect with more people in a meaningful way through others and your brand advocates.

To learn more about crowdsourcing, brand advocates, and online Omaha marketing and what it can do for you in or outside Omaha, contact us, Little Mountain Web Design, at 402.932.7243 or info@littlemountainwebdesign.com or visit http://littlemountainwebdesign.com

Omaha Event: Durham Museum Ethnic Holiday Festival, 2 December

Learn how the world celebrates this joyful time of year during the Ethnic Holiday Festival! More than 40 local cultural organizations, including the Scottish Society of America, the Omaha Lithuanian American Community, the Nebraska Chinese Culture Association, Santa Lucia Festival and African Cultural Connection, proudly display their crafts and traditional dress, while musicians and dancers perform throughout the evening. Hard-to-find ethnic foods and gifts will be available for purchase.

Event runs from 5 to 9 pm. Admission $11 for adults, $8 for ages 12 and older and seniors, $7 for ages 3-12.

Durham Museum
801 S. 10th St.
Omaha, NE 68108
(402) 444-5071
http://www.durhammuseum.org

Omaha Event: Durham Museum Ethnic Holiday Trees Exhibit, 1-31 December

See how cultures from around the world celebrate the holiday season by the way they decorate their Christmas trees. Admission $11 for adults, $8 for ages 12 and older and seniors, $7 for ages 3-12.

Durham Museum
801 S. 10th St.
Omaha, NE 68108
(402) 444-5071
http://www.durhammuseum.org