“Woven with History: Timeless Textiles from the Ak-Sar-Ben Collection” Opening Soon

Since 1975, The Durham Museum has been collecting and safeguarding Omaha’s history. For a limited time, you can experience one of the museum’s largest and most treasured collections: gowns and objects from over a century of Ak-Sar-Ben coronation balls. These pieces not only showcase decades of style and elegance but also share the story of how The Durham carefully preserves delicate artifacts for generations to come.

“The fragile fabrics and intricate beading mean these gowns spend most of their time protected in archival storage,” said Kristen Rowley, Collections Manager at The Durham Museum. “This exhibition offers the public a rare opportunity to see these stunning pieces up close.”

The history and glamour of Ak-Sar-Ben lives on at The Durham Museum in an upcoming exhibition titled Woven with History: Timeless Textiles from the Ak-Sar-Ben Collection. Founded to entertain and improve the state, the organization was instrumental in organizing the 1898 Omaha World’s Fair. Its most iconic tradition—the annual Coronation Ball—honors families and individuals who dedicate their time and talent to strengthening their communities.

Woven with History: Timeless Textiles from the Ak-Sar-Ben Collection is on display October 11 through January 11, 2026. Museum admission is free for museum members and children ages 2 and under. Non-member admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and military/veterans and $8 for children ages 3-12 (tax not included). The Durham Museum is closed Mondays. For full museum hours, visit DurhamMuseum.org/hours.

This exhibition is developed by The Durham Museum with support from AARP Nebraska, The Aksarben Foundation, Renze Display / Doug & Dawn Buchanan, History Nebraska, Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation, Holly & Tonn Ostergard, Owen Foundation, Pape Family Foundation, Drs. Shirley & James Huerter, and Diny & Jim Landen.

New Book Release: Ak-Sar-Ben Looking Back & Leading Onward — Available October 11
In partnership with The Aksarben Foundation, and The Durham’s On Track Guild, The Durham Museum is releasing the first accessible and comprehensive book on the organization’s legacy. This richly illustrated coffee table book traces Ak-Sar-Ben’s impact through archival photographs, untold stories and rare artifacts. A must-have for history enthusiasts, business leaders and anyone inspired by Omaha’s growth. Save 20% by pre-ordering before September 30 at DurhamMuseum.org/book-aksarben.