Current ExhibitS
BEYOND COMBAT: WORLD WAR I THROUGH THE LENS OF “DOC” COOK
NOW – JANUARY 12, 2025
In 1914, tensions throughout Europe erupted into the start of The Great War following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. The United States joined the Allied Powers in 1917 to oppose the Central Powers in a conflict remembered today as World War I.
“Doc” Cook
Rudolph “Doc” Cook, a photographer who enlisted to join the war effort, served with the 88th Infantry Division, 313th Engineers of Camp Dodge in Iowa and captured the company’s experiences with his camera. Many of these images were published in Camp Dodge’s newspaper, Camp Dodger, and official books detailing the conflict. Instead of battles, the world through “Doc” Cook’s lens included different training regimens for the American Expeditionary Forces, such as gas mask trials, boxing programs and bridge building. Overseas, Cook’s images included war-torn structures, trenches, celebrations following Armistice Day and the reconstruction of a train line by the 313th Engineers.
A century later, local resident Mollie Anderson purchased a case that belonged to Cook. The case contained his original photographic negatives. After researching Cook’s life and displaying some of the images at Fremont’s Gallery 92 West in 2022, she donated the collection to The Durham Museum.
Beyond Combat: World War I Through the Lens of “Doc” Cook is a temporary exhibition developed by The Durham Museum. The exhibit also features loans from fellow institutions including the editor of Camp Dodger Lieutenant Laurence Fairall’s uniform, copies of Camp Dodger and trench art (decorated artillery shells). The display will include a small theater area featuring additional images in which guests are invited to linger and immerse themselves in the 313th Engineers’ experience.
SUPPORTED LOCALLY BY
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D.F. Dillon Foundation |
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Gilbert M. and Martha H.
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Robert H. Storz Foundation |
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MEDIA SPONSOR
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PHOTO ARCHIVE: CHRISTMAS DAY JAILBREAK
NOW – MARCH 9, 2025
The Durham Museum Photo Archive, John Savage Collection, JS43E-574
At 7:10PM on December 25 1938, inmates Marvin Brown, Phil Erwin, Paul Romano and Fred J. Roberts escaped from the Douglas County Jail in downtown Omaha. After Roberts jumped Deputy Sheriff Joe Rosenbloom and stole his keys, the prisoners began their escape. They forced their way out of the courthouse, stole a car and fled. Within the next 48 hours a second stolen car was chased into a ditch and the escaped convicts were found in farm fields and returned to custody. Their grand attempt at an escape had failed. Told through nine photos from The Durham Museum’s Photo Archive, this exhibit details the inmates’ escape and eventual capture.
This display is curated by The Durham Museum intern DyLynn Madson, Grinnell College.
PASTIME PRINT: GRAHAM’S MAGAZINE
NOW – APRIL 6, 2025
Philadelphia businessman George Rex Graham became the owner of two magazine publications, The Casket and Burton’s Gentleman Magazine, and combined them into Graham’s Lady’s and Gentleman’s Magazine. The serial published colorful illustrations, tales and poetry featuring notable authors, travel information and much more from January 1841 to the late 1850s.
These magazines offered a glimpse into what entertainment and trends were popular for their readers at the time.
Get a peek at what fashion, recreation and stories were part of the culture for the mid-19th century in this display curated by The Durham Museum intern Michael Ermitaño, University of Nebraska at Omaha graduate.
ADMISSION
Adults: $15*
Seniors (62+): $12*
Military/Veteran: $12*
Children (ages 3 – 12): $8*
*PLUS TAX
Children 2 years and under FREE
Members: FREE!
BOOK YOUR TICKET »
Advance reservations are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome.
Members, your free admission discount is applied near the end of the online registration process.
