Current ExhibitS
ABRAHAM LINCOLN: PRESIDENT, EMANCIPATOR, CORPORATE PITCHMAN
NOW – APRIL 27, 2025
Photo by: Universal Images Group via Getty Images
An immersive multi-sensory exhibition
The Durham Museum is honored to host an exhibition developed by Tactile Images in collaboration with the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Getty Images, the National Federation of the Blind and the Alliance for Inclusive Design and Experiences (AIDE) to bring a transformative tactile exhibition entitled Abraham Lincoln: President, Emancipator, Corporate Pitchman to our community. This partnership marks a significant milestone in enhancing accessibility, empowerment and inclusivity for individuals with diverse abilities.
Abraham Lincoln: President, Emancipator, Corporate Pitchman offers an innovative and immersive multi-sensory exploration of one of America’s most iconic figures. Through tactile displays and detailed imagery, the exhibition sheds light on Lincoln’s multifaceted roles – as a president who led the United States through the Civil War, an emancipator who took pivotal steps toward abolishing slavery and a corporate figure who, posthumously, became a symbol in modern advertising.
Visitors are invited to engage with Lincoln’s legacy in ways that appeal to both the senses and the intellect, with tactile images enhancing the experience for all audiences, including those who are blind or visually impaired. By merging history with contemporary cultural analysis, the exhibition encourages a critical look at how Lincoln’s image has been appropriated and commercialized over time.
The partnership with Tactile Images and NCBVI underscores The Durham’s commitment to accessibility and community enrichment. By hosting this traveling tactile exhibition, we are creating a more inclusive environment for individuals with diverse abilities, allowing them to explore, learn and engage with art, science, history and technology in new and exciting ways.
What is a “Tactile” image? A tactile image harnesses the senses of touch, sound and smell to help the blind and visually impaired community experience visual knowledge in a meaningful way. Having worked extensively with the blind community, Tactile Images’ patented technology allows the visually impaired to create accurate mental pictures of visual imagery without the need for a sighted companion.
About Tactile Images
Tactile Images, a subsidiary of 3DPhotoWorks LLC, is dedicated to breaking down barriers for blind and disabled individuals in a predominantly sighted world. Through innovative tactile printing techniques, the company provides transformative experiences for the visually impaired, offering tactile exploration of visual and graphic materials accompanied by braille text, audio narratives and scents. With a focus on accessibility, empowerment and inclusivity, Tactile Images is committed to making knowledge and experiences accessible to all.
About the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired
NCBVI is dedicated to providing Nebraskans who are blind or visually impaired with the resources and support they need to lead independent and fulfilling lives. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration with organizations like Tactile Images and The Durham Museum, NCBVI works to promote accessibility, empowerment, and inclusion for individuals with visual impairments across the state.
SUPPORTED LOCALLY BY:
JOB’S DAUGHTERS INTERNATIONAL
NOW – April 13, 2025
Ethel T. Wead Mick founded The Order of Job’s Daughters in Omaha, Nebraska, on October 20, 1920. Mick’s goal was to develop an organization that gave young women leadership opportunities. During its first year, the Order’s focus and work stayed within Nebraska. It soon grew beyond the state’s borders with groups in 20 states and over 5,000 members by 1922. The Order extended into Canada in 1931, which marked the start of an international organization. The group is known today as Job’s Daughters International and is active in five countries, including the United States. What started as a mission to further engage young women in the Omaha community grew into a notable, international cause still embodying this mission today.
We are proud to partner with Job’s Daughters International to highlight the organization’s early years in each country, their philanthropic projects, and the organization’s display ceremonial crowns and capes.
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.
