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Omaha’s Home to History

Explore our extensive permanent galleries, which capture the remarkable history of our region

 

 

THE GREAT HALL

 

The Durham Museum’s most important artifact is the building itself – Omaha’s Union Station. Originally built in 1931, this gem of art deco architecture looks much like it did back then thanks to years of restoration work. The station’s original waiting room is now home to fifteen sculptures by acclaimed artist John Lajba, depicting scenes from the days of train travel. During Christmas at Union Station, the Suzanne & Walter Scott Great Hall welcomes Omaha’s official Christmas tree. The 35+ foot Christmas tree is the centerpiece of a season of celebration, a tradition dating back nearly a century.

TRACKSIDE GALLERY

 

Union Station’s original Track 1 is now The Trish and Dick Davidson Trackside Gallery, home to three passenger cars for visitors to explore, a caboose and a locomotive. Train enthusiasts can also enjoy an O-scale model railroad, A restored Omaha streetcar is also available for exploration, and guests can view several different trucks, cars and a beer wagon from the past century. Little ones are also encouraged to play and learn on our Platform, featuring activities just for them.

PERMANENT EXHIBITS

  • Buffett Grocery Store

    Explore a recreation of Dundee’s Buffett Grocery Store, part of a family legacy and the city’s history. See how 1930s prices compare to those of today and learn a bit about the grocery business.

  • Lewis & Clark Story

    The Nebraska Territory was added to the United States in 1803 for about 3¢ an acre. Learn about the expedition appointed by President Jefferson to explore the Louisiana Purchase and find a route to the Pacific Coast.

  • Scout the Buffalo

    Is it Buffalo or BIson? The correct scientific name is Bison but Buffalo has been used and accepted for many years. In 1800 before Omaha was a city you would have seen 30-70 million Buffalo on the Great Plains.

  • Conestoga Wagon

    Omaha was a critical outfitter town supplying half a million pioneers as they journeyed westward in wagons like this. Learn more about the dangers they faced and provisions they packed for the long journey.

  • Omaha Sports Hall of Fame

    Omaha’s history features deep roots in the world of sports, such as hosting the College World Series since 1950. Check out highlighted artifacts, their history and the teams, athletes and coaches that have been inducted into Omaha’s Sports Hall of Fame throughout the years.

  • Baright Home & Family Gallery

    Step through time and see what a typical home looked like at the turn of 20th century and in the middle of it. Look closely – have you seen any of these furnishings in your attic or an antique shop?

  • Trans-Mississippi Expo

    During the summer of 1898, the world came to Omaha to learn what the land west of the Mississippi River had to offer. The Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition highlighted new inventions, industries and art. It also entertained the masses with a midway full of rides and games and a Grand Court full of grand, white buildings.

  • Omaha Business Hall of Fame

    Omaha has been home to generations of innovative businesses, from stockyards to telecommunications and from finance to food. Discover the stories behind major companies whose names you know and influential Omaha businesses you may be surprised to meet.

  • Conflict & Change

    Omaha’s history includes powerful stories of people who stood up against racism and injustice. Discover the ordinary people who did extraordinary things for their communities and learn about the discrimination and racial violence that made their courage necessary.

  • Indigenous Peoples

    Omaha takes its name from the Indigenous people who lived here long before the city’s founding in 1854. Explore what this area looked and sounded like before it became a city. Gather in an Umoⁿhoⁿ Earth lodge and learn about other Nations connected to this region.