Douglas County Historical Society - Nebraska

Douglas County Historical Society - Nebraska We preserve and enliven historical insight in Douglas County, NE.
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We preserve and enliven historical insight in Douglas County, Nebraska.

What an incredible afternoon!A huge thank you to Dave Arch and everyone who joined us for today’s Second Sunday Talk, Se...
06/14/2026

What an incredible afternoon!

A huge thank you to Dave Arch and everyone who joined us for today’s Second Sunday Talk, Secrets of the House of Mystery: Omaha’s Hidden Magic & Legendary Visitors. From stories of Harry Houdini’s visits to Omaha to the fascinating history of David P. Abbott’s legendary House of Mystery, attendees were captivated from beginning to end.

One of the greatest joys of the Douglas County Historical Society’s Second Sunday Talks is discovering the stories hiding in our own backyard. Time and again, we’re reminded that Omaha’s history is filled with remarkable people, surprising connections, and fascinating chapters that deserve to be remembered.

If you missed today’s presentation, don’t worry. Another exciting journey into local history is just around the corner.

Join us on Sunday, July 12, from 2:00-3:00 PM as Douglas County Historical Society Executive Director Thomas Neal takes us on a photographic journey through Omaha’s past. Using a historic photograph as a starting point, Tom will explore how the city has evolved over the years, revealing what has changed, what remains, and the stories hidden within the landscape we see every day.

Have you ever looked at an old photograph and wondered what became of the buildings, streets, and people captured in that moment? This presentation will bring Omaha’s past and present together in a way that is both enlightening and thought-provoking.

Whether you’re a lifelong history enthusiast or simply curious about the city you call home, Second Sunday Talks offer an opportunity to learn something new, connect with others, and experience history in a fresh and engaging way.

We hope you’ll join us on July 12!

Antique Lovers, This One's for You!Before Facebook friend requests, LinkedIn connections, and even telephone calls becam...
06/13/2026

Antique Lovers, This One's for You!

Before Facebook friend requests, LinkedIn connections, and even telephone calls became common, people introduced themselves with beautifully designed calling cards.

But where did those cards go once they arrived?

Join us next week for History & Appreciation of Antiques as we explore the fascinating world of Calling Card Trays and the social customs that surrounded them.

These elegant decorative pieces once sat proudly in Victorian parlors, silently announcing who had visited and reflecting the etiquette, status, and social expectations of the era. Discover how a simple tray became an important part of 19th-century society and what these antiques can still tell us today.

Whether you're a longtime collector, a history enthusiast, or simply curious about antiques, this is a wonderful opportunity to learn, share, and connect with fellow antique lovers.

✨ Don't forget to bring an antique for Show & Tell!

Class Times
📅 Tuesday, June 16
• 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

📅 Thursday, June 18
• 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

💰 $8 Members (with RSVP)
💰 $10 Members (drop-in)
💰 $15 Non-Members

Space is limited and RSVP with pre-payment is required.

📞 Register: (402) 455-9990 ext. 102
📧 [email protected]

History isn't just found in books. Sometimes it's sitting on a parlor table, waiting to tell its story.

🎉 Father's Day Book Sale! 🎉Use code FathersDay20 to receive 20% off all books through the end of June in our bookstore!A...
06/12/2026

🎉 Father's Day Book Sale! 🎉

Use code FathersDay20 to receive 20% off all books through the end of June in our bookstore!

As Father's Day approaches, we want to honor all the dads, grandfathers, stepdads, and father figures who have helped shape the stories of our lives. ❤️

From teaching life's lessons and sharing family stories to passing down traditions that connect generations, fathers play an important role in preserving the memories that become our history.

Whether Dad enjoys local history, exploring the past, or discovering new stories, a good book makes a thoughtful gift that can be enjoyed for years to come.

📚 Offer valid through June 30
📚 Use code: FathersDay20
📚 Available at the Douglas County Historical Society and online at DouglasCoHistory.org

Thank you to all the fathers and father figures in our community, and Happy Father's Day from all of us at the Douglas County Historical Society!

Step inside one of Omaha’s best-kept secrets, there’s still time to reserve your seat for one of the city’s most fascina...
06/11/2026

Step inside one of Omaha’s best-kept secrets, there’s still time to reserve your seat for one of the city’s most fascinating hidden stories!

At the height of the golden age of magic, Omaha became an unlikely destination for some of the most famous magicians in the world.

Join us on Sunday, June 14, as Dave Arch, Executive Director of the Omaha Magical Society, reveals the incredible story of the David P. Abbott "House of Mystery", a modest Omaha home that became a destination for some of the most famous magicians in the world.

Why did legends like Harry Kellar, Howard Thurston, and Harry Houdini travel to Omaha? What was so extraordinary about Abbott’s illusions that even master magicians struggled to explain them?

Through rare photographs, fascinating stories, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of the home’s restoration, you’ll discover a remarkable piece of Omaha history that seems almost too incredible to be true. Hidden in an ordinary Omaha neighborhood, the House of Mystery captivated generations of magicians and remains one of our city’s most remarkable and little-known treasures.

This is a unique opportunity to uncover a fascinating chapter of local history that few people know exists right here in our own city. Whether you’re interested in history, magic, mystery, or simply love discovering hidden stories from Omaha’s past, this promises to be an unforgettable presentation.

📅 Sunday, June 14
⏰ 2:00 PM
📍 Metro Community College, Fort Omaha
Building 10, Room 110

Seats are still available, but don’t wait too long. Don’t miss your chance to experience the wonder and intrigue of the House of Mystery. Register today while space is still available!
https://tinyurl.com/yc228stc

Looking for a peaceful way to spend your Sunday afternoon? 📚✨Silent Sunday returns to the Crook House Museum this Sunday...
06/05/2026

Looking for a peaceful way to spend your Sunday afternoon? 📚✨

Silent Sunday returns to the Crook House Museum this Sunday!

Bring your current read, find a cozy spot inside the historic house (main level) or out in the garden, and enjoy a few uninterrupted hours with a good book.

No assigned reading. No pressure. No discussions required.

Just books, beautiful surroundings, and the company of fellow readers.

📖 BYOB (Bring Your Own Book)
📖 Optional Book Swap Table
📖 Arrive anytime between 1:30pm–3:30pm
📖 Socialize as much or as little as you'd like

Have a book you've recently loved? Bring it along and swap it for another from our community book table.

Join us this Sunday and discover why Silent Sunday is quickly becoming a favorite new tradition at the Crook House Museum.

📍 General George Crook House Museum
🕜 1:30pm–3:30pm

A quiet new tradition, returning the first Sunday of every month.

One of the things we love most about the Crook House Museum is the people we meet.Today, we had the pleasure of welcomin...
06/04/2026

One of the things we love most about the Crook House Museum is the people we meet.

Today, we had the pleasure of welcoming Jody from Florida. Like so many of our visitors, she and her husband share a love of history, and she was excited to spend part of her day exploring the General George Crook House Museum.

As we chatted, she shared that her husband, Jerry, is currently riding his bicycle across the United States.

Not around the block. Not across a state... but across the United States.

And he's doing it at 64 years old!

While Jerry pedals his way across America, Jody is following along, exploring the communities, landmarks, and historic sites she encounters along the route. Their daughter even created an Instagram account so family, friends, and now complete strangers can follow along on this incredible journey.

We were inspired. Not just by the miles Jerry is covering, but by the reminder that adventure doesn't have an expiration date. Dreams don't come with age limits. There are still mountains to climb, roads to travel, and new stories to write.

With Jody's permission, we'd love to share his journey with our followers. If you're on Instagram, consider following and leaving a word of encouragement.

Let's show Jerry that a whole community of history lovers is cheering him on from Omaha!

And to Jerry: Keep pedaling. Keep exploring. Keep inspiring. We're rooting for you!

What if one of the most fascinating chapters in the history of magic was hiding in an ordinary Omaha home?Not in a grand...
06/04/2026

What if one of the most fascinating chapters in the history of magic was hiding in an ordinary Omaha home?

Not in a grand theater. Not on a vaudeville stage. Not behind the bright lights of New York or Chicago.

Right here in Omaha.

Behind the doors of an unassuming house on Center Street, some of the greatest magicians in the world gathered to witness something extraordinary. They came seeking answers. They left with even more questions.

Join us for our June Second Sunday Talk as Dave Arch, Executive Director of the Omaha Magical Society, takes us inside the legendary David P. Abbott "House of Mystery", a place that once drew some of the greatest magicians in the world.

Hidden away on Center Street, this remarkable house welcomed famous visitors including Harry Kellar, Howard Thurston, and even Harry Houdini himself. They came to witness Abbott's astonishing illusions and, like so many others, left wondering how he did it.

Through rare photographs, restoration images, and incredible stories from the golden age of magic, you'll discover why this little-known Omaha landmark continues to captivate historians, magicians, and curious minds alike.

Secrets. Illusions. History. Wonder.

Sunday, June 14
2:00 PM
Metro Community College, Fort Omaha
Building 10, Room 110

This is more than a presentation. It's an invitation into a hidden world that once existed right here in Omaha.

Register below:
https://tinyurl.com/yc228stc

What really happened when Lewis and Clark traveled through what is now Nebraska and Iowa? And what mysteries from their ...
06/01/2026

What really happened when Lewis and Clark traveled through what is now Nebraska and Iowa? And what mysteries from their journey remain unsolved more than 200 years later? 📖

Our June Book of the Month, Rulo to Lynch with Lewis and Clark by Orville Menard, Ph.D., takes readers along the Missouri River corridor, retracing the famous expedition through journal excerpts, campsite locations, historical insights, and modern-day points of interest.

Written by former Douglas County Historical Society board member Orville Menard, this fascinating guide blends documented history with the lingering questions that continue to intrigue historians today.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, road tripper, or armchair explorer, this book offers a unique way to experience one of America's greatest journeys.

✨ June Special: Just $7.50 + tax (regularly $9.95)

Available throughout June at the Douglas County Historical Society and https://douglascohistory.org/shop/.

🛍️ Our Annual Garage Sale is Coming Back... and it's time to start clearing out those closets! 🛍️Ready to reclaim some s...
05/29/2026

🛍️ Our Annual Garage Sale is Coming Back... and it's time to start clearing out those closets! 🛍️

Ready to reclaim some space in your home and give your gently used treasures a second life?

The Douglas County Historical Society's Annual Garage Sale will be here before you know it, and now is the perfect time to start setting aside items you'd like to donate. As you're spring cleaning, organizing, downsizing, or tackling those closets, keep us in mind!

From household items and decor to books, collectibles, tools, kitchen gadgets, and holiday decorations, your unwanted treasures could become someone else's exciting find.

While we're not accepting donations just yet, we wanted to give everyone a head start. Start a box, claim a corner of the garage, or designate a closet shelf and begin collecting items for donation. We'll announce donation drop-off dates, our location, and sale details as soon as they're finalized.

Every donation helps support the Douglas County Historical Society's mission to preserve and share the rich history of our community through exhibits, educational programs, collections, and special events.

Please note that we cannot accept:
• Clothing
• Cribs
• Car seats
• Mattresses
• Upholstered furniture

This annual fundraiser is one of our favorite community events of the year, and with your help, this year's sale can be our best yet.

Start setting those treasures aside today... history will thank you for it!

Today, we pause to remember and honor those who gave everything for our country.In observance of Memorial Day, the Crook...
05/25/2026

Today, we pause to remember and honor those who gave everything for our country.

In observance of Memorial Day, the Crook House Museum will be closed today.

We look forward to welcoming you back tomorrow.

Address

5730 N 30th Street, # 11B
Omaha, NE
68111

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 1pm - 4pm
Sunday 1pm - 4pm

Telephone

+14024559990

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