james cameron – challenging the deep
NOW – October 3, 2021

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Join The Durham Museum in welcoming the North American premiere of James Cameron – CHALLENGING THE DEEP! Immerse yourself in an underwater world in an exhibition that traces explorer and filmmaker James Cameron’s passion for deep ocean science, technology and exploration, including material on his record-breaking dive to the bottom of the planet in the DEEPSEA CHALLENGER, the submersible he co-designed and engineered.

Experience how James Cameron’s passion for understanding and exploring the ocean has shone a light on one of the most important and least explored parts of the Earth. The exhibition immerses you in an underwater environment using cinema-scale projections, artifacts and specimens from his expeditions. Explore the spectacular and mysterious abyss and discover the shipwrecks of Titanic and the German battleship Bismarck. See artifacts from the design and construction of the DEEPSEA CHALLENGER, which was built to withstand water pressure of 16,000 pounds per square inch.

Learn about how technologies pioneered by Cameron for underwater recording, lighting, communication and diving are employed both in his filmmaking and exploration. You’ll also see original film props and costumes from The Abyss and Titanic, including the iconic Heart of the Ocean diamond. Discover the world of a man driven to explore and meet the challenges of the deep.

James Cameron – CHALLENGING THE DEEP is a traveling exhibition produced by the Australian National Maritime Museum, in association with the Avatar Alliance Foundation and is toured internationally by Flying Fish.

exhibit programming

Supported Locally by
			Media Support Provided by

Omaha uncovered: Revealing History through art and story
NOW – november 21, 2021

History is revealed to us in many ways. Artifacts, photographs and personal memories can help us make connections to our past. The Durham Museum presents Omaha Uncovered: Revealing History Through Art and Story, an exhibit focused on uncovering the vast and fascinating history of our city. The exhibition highlights both preservation and conservation, giving visitors an up-close look into how history can come to life. During the exhibit, art conservator Kenneth Bé from the Ford Conservation Center will periodically be “on exhibit” actively conserving a historic mural from 1905 entitled Aerial View of Omaha that once hung in the lobby of the Omaha Bee newspaper office. The beautifully painted mural, which is part of the museum’s permanent collection, looks west from the Missouri River towards the western horizon and elegantly captures the layout of the Omaha of the past and present. Lovers of maps, history and art will enjoy seeing the faded mural brought to new life over the duration of the project. Guests can also see preservation in action in our working lab of the Photo Archive. Museum staff will be in the exhibit actively digitizing historic photographs from the museum collection as well as highlighting stories of iconic Omaha photos through the personal memories of long-time Omaha resident and retired museum employee/volunteer, Bill Gonzalez.

exhibit programming

Supported Locally by
	D F Dillon Foundation
Ramona and Deryl Hamann	Gilbert M. and Martha H. Hitchcock Foundation	Whitmore Charitable Trust

Media Support Provided by

Education Alley

Beyond the Vote
NOW – january 30, 2022

Over 100 years ago, women got the right to vote. The Durham is pleased to present a unique exhibition experience exploring the lasting impact of the 19th Amendment. Beyond the Vote blends iconic images of the past from our partners at the Smithsonian Institution and Library of Congress with original contemporary artwork created by five local artists. The exhibit explores the themes at the heart of the suffrage movement—both for and against—and how those same themes about a woman’s place in the world continue to resonate today.

Photo: 1954, John Savage/Omaha-World Herald Collection | The Durham Museum Photo Archive | JS13-045

Byron Reed

19th century celebrities: a modern translation
NOW – october 3, 2021

Throughout the 19th century, standards for women were enough to be called rules. She must not only be a woman but be a lady too. To be a lady one must marry and have children, depend on her husband financially and stay out of the public sphere. Some women opposed this thinking, especially those who became performers. This exhibit highlights a few such women who persisted with their art and rose to fame despite the prejudices against them.

Photo: Portrait of Lotta Crabtree  |  circa 1900-1920  |   The Byron Reed Collection  |  BR5C13