From the Durham Museum’s permanent galleries that highlight Omaha history and its surrounding regions, to its traveling exhibits from national partners such as the Smithsonian Institution, the National Archives, the Library of Congress and the Field Museum, there is much to be explored at this Nebraska attraction.
Permanent Galleries
Remembering Lincoln
Remembered as the “Great Emancipator” for issuing the Emancipation Proclamation and the “Great Preserver” of the Union, Abraham Lincoln was one of America’s great leaders. In Remembering Lincoln, documents, coins and books of the period demonstrate how remembering and memorializing Lincoln continually preserves the idea of unity in the nation.
Union Station Gallery
Enter through the doors of the Union Station Gallery and discover the history of Omaha’s railroad stations. In the gallery a rich history of Union Pacific’s 10 passenger depots, with particular emphasis on Union Station, await you.
Baright Home and Family Gallery
The Baright Home and Family Gallery chronicles the history of Omaha from the Native Americans who first inhabited the rolling prairie in their rawhide teepees, to the fortunate individuals lucky enough to live in English Tudor-Revival homes in the Dundee district during the 1940s. Experience the history of the Omaha Indian tribe by exploring one of the rawhide teepees they inhabited or by sitting at the fire of a replica earth lodge. Step into the past for a look into the attic, kitchen and bedroom of a reproduced “Worker’s Cottage” from the 1880s. In addition the gallery features items that reflect 1940s technology and the comforts of home.
Bishop Clarkson Community Gallery
Omaha’s community has gone through many transformations since its beginnings. The Bishop Clarkson Community Gallery chronicles the history of religion, immigration, parks and healthcare through the years. St. Cecilia’s Cathedral, Bishop Clarkson Hospital and the Brandeis Building are some of the buildings that are represented in this exhibit, each illustrating a story of its beginnings and interesting facts about Omaha.
Byron Reed Gallery of Coins and Documents
See items from Omaha real estate agent, Byron Reed’s collection of coins, documents, books, maps and other items of great historical importance donated to the city of Omaha in 1891 and now housed in the Durham Museum. Highlighted in the Byron Reed Gallery is a “Treasures Cabinet,” containing Reed’s specimen of the 1804 Dollar. In addition you will find ancient coinage; foreign coinage from early America; exonumia, America’s other money; documents, manuscripts and books; and medals.
Fraser Stryker Trans-Mississippi Exposition Gallery
Discover souvenirs, photographs, and other artifacts that recall the Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition. Held in 1898, this exposition was a time of renewed growth and prosperity for Omaha.
Trish and Dick Davidson Gallery
A number of transportation and commerce exhibits can be found in the Trish and Dick Davidson Gallery. Discover the story of Bekins Moving & Storage, one of Omaha’s great companies. Explore the replica storefront of the original Buffett Grocery Store opened in Omaha in 1915. The Drew’s Antiques exhibit features some of the finest antiques from the museum’s collection. The O Scale Model Train represents Union Pacific’s double track main line from Omaha to Ogden during the 1950s. Train cars that bring to life the elegance of train travel of days gone by include: the Union Pacific 1243 Steam Locomotive, the Union Pacific 25559 Caboose, the Union Pacific 1202 Pullman National Command Sleeper, the Southern Pacific 2986 Lounge Car and the Pullman Cornhusker Car. In addition, the Trish and Dick Davidson Gallery features an authentic streetcar from the 1940s.
Omaha at Work Gallery
Learn about the business people who have helped shape the course of Omaha’s history. The Omaha at Work Gallery honors the exemplary achievements and entrepreneurial spirit of the local business people of Omaha.
Dining at Durham Museum
Stop by the old-fashioned 1931 Soda Fountain to enjoy a hearty all-beef hotdog or freshly-prepared sandwich for lunch along with a soda made with your favorite flavoring and soda water straight from the fountain dispenser. Other treats include malts, milk shakes and sundaes. At Durham Museum’s Candy Shop, you’ll find nostalgic candies such as Sen Sen, Walnettos, Black Jack Taffy, Kits, Rock Stick and Candy Necklaces.
Gilbert M. & Martha H. Hitchcock Museum Shop
Enjoy a unique shopping experience in the Gilbert M. & Martha H. Hitchcock Museum Shop. Hard-to-find railroad memorabilia, educational children’s books and toys, gifts perfect for the history buffs and beautiful prints from Durham’s photo archives are all available to purchase.
- Be sure to explore the museum’s special exhibits. Travelling exhibits, often from the Smithsonian Institution and the Library of Congress and National Archives, provide additional interpretive opportunities that bring visitors back time and time again.