THE 2024 SEASON IS COMPLETE!
CHECK BACK IN THE SPRING FOR OUR 2025 LINEUP
The past comes alive during River City History Tours at The Durham Museum! River City History Tours are historically accurate, entertaining and share the fascinating history of Omaha. Explore the city’s vibrant past aboard a comfortable shuttle bus and hear stories that highlight the unique history of various neighborhoods and locations in Omaha, ranging from the city’s infamous bootlegging past to the site of the Trans-Mississippi Exposition. Select from several unique tours throughout the season, including our walking tours of downtown Omaha and our brand new Happy Hour History tour.
- Bus tours cost $30 for museum members and $35 for non-members. All tours last between 90 minutes to 2 hours, with the exception of our Happy Hour History tour (approximately 60 minutes). Tours take place on a shuttle or charter bus, which is climate controlled. We recommend dressing in comfortable layers and encourage guests to bring a water bottle (only water is allowed on the shuttle). Tour vehicle subject to change.
- Walking tours cost $20 for museum members and $25 for non-members. These tours last approximately 90 minutes. Comfortable walking shoes and a water bottle are highly recommended. If cancelled due to weather, guests will be notified and granted a full refund.
All tours include admission to the museum (you can visit the museum before and/or after your tour depending on museum operating hours). To reserve a seat for the tour, register below or call us at 402-444-5027. Payment is due at the time of reservation. Membership discount applies only to those in the household (Note to members: Your discount will be applied near the end of the online registration process). Full refunds will be granted for cancellations requested two weeks in advance.
(Tour vehicle subject to change)
2024 BUS TOURS
NEW! OMAHA AND THE PRESIDENTS
The Durham Museum Photo Archive, Bostwick-Frohardt Collection/KM3TV, BF398-053, 1916
2024 marks an election year, and The Durham Museum is excited to present a new two-part tour focusing on American presidents and their influence on Omaha and the wider region. As guests will learn, Omaha has played a role in shaping the world’s most powerful office and those who have held it. Sign up for both tours (Parts I & II) to experience the full story spanning 200 years of American history, or sign up for one. We can assure you, each tour is a rich experience all on its own!
- Part I – Sunday, June 2 (1PM, Sold Out!) • Tuesday, July 16 (6PM) • Sunday, October 13 (1PM, Sold Out!): From the days of Thomas Jefferson and the Louisiana Purchase to Franklin Pierce and the Kansas-Nebraska Act, to Abraham Lincoln’s vision for a trans-continental railroad, American presidents shaped Omaha’s formative years. But a number of crises developed during the 19th and 20th centuries that tested the White House as well as our local community. Join us as we discuss triumphs, trials and tribulations from Jefferson to T. Roosevelt, and how they and Omaha addressed those important moments.
- Part II – Sunday, June 9 (1PM) • Tuesday, July 30 (6PM) • Sunday, October 20 (1PM, Sold Out!): Omaha’s rise to prominence in the 20th century was marked by contradiction. Periods of incredible industry and creativity were coupled with stark divisions and deadly riots. Throughout it all, FDR brought his Fireside Chats to the Omaha household and Eisenhower built interstates through the city. Join us on a journey from Taft to Ford as we explore the paradoxes of Omaha in the 1900s and how the presidency, and the nation more widely, mirrored and shaped the local community.
From Expositions to Jazz Musicians
Saturday, May 18 (1PM, SOLD OUT!) • Saturday, July 6 (1PM, SOLD OUT!)
In 1898, Omaha hosted the Trans-Mississippi & International Exposition, an event that brought millions to Omaha to learn about life west of the Mississippi River. Visit the former site of the expo and see the stately homes, parks and jazz halls that followed in its path. Plus, enjoy a stop at the historic Florence Mill!
Last Call for Alcohol: Omaha’s Bootlegging History
Tuesday, June 25 (6PM, SOLD OUT!) • Tuesday, August 27 (6PM, SOLD OUT!) • Sunday, September 22 (1PM, SOLD OUT!)
By the time prohibition was the law of the land in the U.S., Nebraska had been “dry” for two years and organized crime syndicates had established a well-oiled machine to turn profits. Local and federal authorities spent years putting together a case that ultimately brought down the “kingpin” of Omaha’s crime scene, Tom Dennison. This tour, based on Dennison’s 1931 federal indictment, takes a look at hotels, speakeasys and other key locations in prohibition-era Omaha.
Omaha’s Parks and Boulevards
Saturday, May 11 (1PM) • Saturday, August 3 (1PM) • Sunday, September 29
Did you know that Omaha developed a beautiful parks and boulevard system beginning in the late 1800s? In fact, much of this system remains today linking popular parks like Elmwood and Hanscom with gorgeous tree-lined streets such as Happy Hollow and Lincoln Boulevard. The “Parks and Boulevards” tour will take you along the beautiful path developers laid out so many years ago.
Remember the Ladies! The Women of Early Omaha
Saturday, July 20 (1PM) • Saturday, August 17 (1PM, SOLD OUT!) • Sunday, September 8 (1PM, SOLD OUT!)
Hop on a tour with us in honor of the founding ladies of Omaha. This tour will introduce you to a few of Omaha’s first women, from factory workers and business owners to religious leaders and activists, who contributed to the growth and success of Omaha today. Destinations on this tour will include driving through Omaha’s previous “Red Light District,” the Paxton Hotel, St. Cecilia Cathedral, and so much more!
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN OMAHA WALKING TOURS
Join us on select Saturdays between May-October for a walking tour of historic downtown Omaha! Each tour begins at 10AM at The Durham Museum and proceeds to the Old Market where you’ll enjoy visiting locations ranging from the sites of speakeasys to the well-known Old Market Passageway. Hear the stories of important early Omahans such as political boss Tom Dennison and early pioneers Rachel and William Snowden, before wrapping up at the Downtown Farmer’s Market or heading back to the museum to enjoy our current exhibitions.
Private River City History Tours
Available year-round for groups of various sizes; please inquire for pricing based on group size
Grab your friends, co-workers or family members and hit the streets for a private River City History Tour. Pick a date, time and tour theme (subject to availability) and have the whole bus to yourself!
For us to provide you the best experience possible, we kindly ask that any private tour inquiries be submitted at least FOUR WEEKS prior to the anticipated tour date.
For more information or to schedule a private tour, contact The Durham Museum Education Department at 402-444-5027 or education@durhammuseum.org.
HITTING THE PATH TO OMAHA’S PAST
(Testimonials from tour attendees)
“This tour, given by an informed and passionate guide, was an exceptional means to learn and see the history of our city. It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Sign me up for the next one!”
“A pleasant way to spend a Sunday afternoon while learning about Omaha.”
“Love the tours! We have learned so much! Great tour guides!”
“I would highly recommend these tours to learn more about the history of Omaha. Time well spent.”
