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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THE LOST WORLD OF DRAGONS
NOW – DECEMBEr 31, 2024
From Game of Thrones to How to Train Your Dragon, there is no denying that people of all ages love dragons and the magical mystique behind them. Experience them in a new way at The Lost World of Dragons. Now open at The Durham Museum, this exhibit showcases a unique, interactive experience for guests of all ages that is sure to breathe new fire into your imagination! Visitors will be immersed in stories of dragons — exploring the lore and history of them in nearly every region and culture, from Norway to China.
Created by Stage 9 Exhibits and distributed by Exhibits Development Group, The Lost World of Dragons celebrates the history of and science behind how the dragon myth has grown through the ages and cultures. Stanford University scholar Adrienne Mayor, a noted author and respected expert, provided consultation for the exhibition. Ms. Mayor has traveled the world and dusty archives to bring fascinating dragon myths and lore to life.
“This was a really fun exhibit! My 6-year-old niece really enjoyed it.”
Visitors to the exhibit will:
- Learn about dragon mythology and its origins
- Discover the connection between dragon myths and legends and scientific inquiry, literature and the arts
- Explore ideas and concepts through a variety of interactive displays
- Invent their own dragon stories by creating unique, stop-motion animated videos
The Lost World of Dragons features several components, including:
- Animatronic dragons from all different regions of the world
- Unique photo opportunities
- Creative interactive stations that inform and engage
- A dragon fossil dig
- A shadow puppet theatre
- Virtual Reality dragon flight experience with HTC Vive headset
- Custom-designed themed scenery environments
Have fun exploring the tales and tails of these ancient mythical beasts at The Durham Museum!
PAXTON & GALLAGHER COMPANY: LOCAL VALUES, NATIONAL REACH
NOW – DECEMBER 8, 2024
The Durham Museum Photo Archive, Bostwick-Frohardt Collection/KM3TV, BF426-034(01)
Built into an impressive wholesale business while supplying a multitude of goods for merchants to sell in the West, the Paxton & Gallagher Company represents the accomplishments of two Omaha pioneers. Benjamin Gallagher entered the grocery business at a young age and rose to ownership of the large and successful company. He partnered with William A. Paxton in 1879 and they ran their business based on Midwest values, respect for their customers, quality products and a keen sense of innovation. Because of this, Paxton & Gallagher Company grew into one of the largest wholesale corporations in the nation and further established Omaha, Nebraska, on the map, especially with their famous Butter-Nut® brand. They employed more than 400 people in the city and had businesses in 10 states with branches throughout Nebraska, Wyoming and South Dakota. Their success was based on their belief that, “Honest value is the best policy.”
Paxton & Gallagher Company: Local Values, National Reach highlights the company’s history through images, papers and objects – many from the Gallagher family!
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.
