Punch your Ticket! – The Durham Museum’s River City History Tours kick-off May 26
The past comes alive during River City History Tours at The Durham Museum! River City History Tours are historically accurate and educational tours that share the fascinating history of Omaha. Explore the city’s vibrant past aboard Ollie the Trolley and hear entertaining stories from knowledgeable tour guides. Select from the following six tours – each offering a unique viewpoint into the early years of the city. Sunday tours start at 2PM and Tuesday tours start at 6PM. Tours are $20 for members and $25 for non-members. Membership discount applies only to those in the household. Reserve your seat online at www.DurhamMuseum.org/tours or call 402-444-5027. Payment is due at the time of reservation.
NEW TOUR THIS YEAR! Parks and Boulevards
Tour Offered: Sunday, August 25 and Sunday, October 20
Did you know that Omaha, or “River City,” 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. Our new “Parks and Boulevards” tour will take you along the path developers laid out so many years ago.
On Tap! Omaha’s Brewing History
Tour Offered: Tuesday, July 23 and Tuesday, September 17
Omaha’s rich brewing traditions started in 1858 when Nebraska’s first brewer, Fredrick Krug, settled in our riverfront town and started his company. Over time the breweries that helped put Omaha on the map have come and gone, but that rich history and passion has remained and made a resurgence in our city. This tour will take you to the locations of these past breweries and share the stories that made them unique to our city.
Last Call for Alcohol: Omaha’s Bootlegging History
Tour Offered: Tuesday, June 18 and Sunday, September 22
The 18th Amendment to the Constitution did not stop people’s thirst for alcohol. By the time prohibition was the law of the land in 1919, Nebraska had been “dry” for two years. Organized crime syndicates had established a well-oiled machine to profit from those wanting to purchase illegal drink and be a part of the activities associated with it. The local and federal authorities spent years putting together a case that ultimately brought down the “kingpin” of Omaha’s crime scene, Tom Dennison. The information presented on this tour is based off of the 1931 federal indictment brought against some of Omaha’s largest bootleggers.
Millionaires & Mansions North Gold Coast
Tour Offered: Sunday, May 26; Sunday, September 8 and Tuesday, October 15
This tour explores the neighborhoods north of Dodge Street in mid-town Omaha. Along the way, learn about the Mercer Mansion, Joslyn Castle and the Louis Nash residence. The trolley will drive on the first curved street in the city and visitors will see many stately homes in the original “West Omaha.”
Millionaires & Mansions South Gold Coast
Tour Offered: Sunday, July 7; Tuesday, August 13 and Sunday, October 6
Take a trip to the early 1900s in the area south of Dodge Street in mid-town Omaha. Many landmarks in the city are located here including the Blackstone Hotel, the Storz Mansion and the home of Arthur and Zerlina Brandeis. Visitors will see the beauty of traditional architecture and hear the stories of the people who built these magnificent homes.
From Expositions to Jazz Musicians
Tour Offered: Sunday, June 2 and Sunday, August 4
In 1898, North Omaha hosted the Trans-Mississippi International Exposition, which celebrated technology and showed that life was civilized west of the Mississippi River. Following the Exposition, stately homes, parks and jazz halls made this area a cultural center of Omaha. The trolley will stop at the historic Florence Mill for a tour!
