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Monday 10am - 4pm Tuesday 10am - 4pm Wednesday 10am - 4pm Thursday 10am - 4pm Friday 10am - 4pm Saturday 1pm - 4pm Sunday 1pm - 4pm

Douglas County Historical Society - Nebraska

Name: Douglas County Historical Society - Nebraska
Address: 5730 N 30th Street, # 11B, Omaha, NE, 68111, US
Telephone: +14024559990
Price range: $
Rating: 4.8

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Douglas County Historical Society - Nebraska

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We preserve and enliven historical insight in Douglas County, NE.
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We preserve and enliven historical insight in Douglas County, Nebraska.

10/15/2026

Omahans! This colorful chronicle of RFK's whistle stop tour through Nebraska, seeking the 1968 Democratic Primary for the US Presidency is now available the the Douglas County Historical Society!

10/15/2026

📸 It’s , and we’re turning the clock back 40 years!

This 1986 photo captures the Douglas County Courthouse facing southeast at 1701 Farnam Street.

Construction began in the spring of 1909, and the courthouse officially opened on Oct. 1, 1912. Designed by architect John Latenser Sr. in the French Renaissance Revival style, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places on Oct. 11, 1979.

What memories do you have of downtown Omaha in the 1980s?

Share them in the comments below! 👇

10/15/2026

THE CROOK HOUSE AFTER DARK RETURNS NOVEMBER 5!

The sun goes down. The doors open. And the Crook House Museum takes on a whole different atmosphere!

Tickets are officially ON SALE NOW for our next Crook House After Dark experience, happening Thursday, November 5, from 7:00–8:30 PM!

If you've been curious about our After Dark events but aren't quite sure what to expect, here's a little peek at what makes these evenings so fascinating!

Built in 1879, the historic Crook House has welcomed generations of residents, visitors, employees, and volunteers. And over the years, some have shared experiences they simply couldn't explain.

Unusual sounds. Unexpected sightings. Moments that left people wondering what exactly they had witnessed.

Join Jamie Nestroyl of Midwest Paranormal History Tours as we explore the Crook House Museum and its grounds after hours, bringing together documented history and firsthand accounts of unexplained experiences.

You'll discover fascinating stories about the people who lived here, the history surrounding this remarkable home, and some of the unusual experiences reported by those who have spent time here.

But here's something important to know: This is NOT a ghost hunt!

We aren't investigating or trying to summon spirits. This is an immersive, 90-minute historical storytelling experience that explores both the documented past and the mysteries that have become part of the Crook House's story.

You get to hear the accounts, explore the history, and decide for yourself what you believe!

AND WE HAVE SOMETHING NEW!

We've switched to a brand-new ticketing platform, making it easier than ever to reserve your spot. And now, while purchasing your tickets, you can also shop some amazing DCHS and After Dark merchandise!

Whether you're looking for something to remember your experience or just want to show your support for local history, be sure to check out the merchandise options during checkout!

CROOK HOUSE AFTER DARK

Thursday, November 5
7:00–8:30 PM
Crook House Museum | Fort Omaha Campus Building 11B
Tickets are on sale NOW!

Scan the QR code on our graphic or grab your tickets here:
https://our.show/tbiqqpzzfk

Our After Dark events have been incredibly popular, and tickets are limited.
If you've been wanting to experience one, now is your chance!

Come for the history. Stay for the stories. And discover why the Crook House is just a little different after dark.

10/15/2026

HAVE YOU PICKED UP OCTOBER’S BOOK OF THE MONTH YET?

If you have a little history lover in your life ... or you’d like to create one ... this month’s pick is such a fun way to start!

Westward Ho With Ollie Ox! by Melanie Richardson Dundy takes kids ages 4–10 on a 2,000-mile journey along the Oregon Trail, but this time, they’re seeing the adventure through the eyes of one of the hardest workers on the trail: Ollie Ox!

Along with his rather grumpy ox friend, Herb, Ollie helps pull a covered wagon from Independence, Missouri, toward Oregon while introducing young readers to the challenges, surprises, and adventures of westward travel.

And with colorful illustrations on every page, kids aren’t just reading about history ... they’re invited to imagine themselves right there on the trail.

This would make such a fun:

📖 Read-aloud with the kiddos
🎁 Gift for a child or grandchild
🏫 Addition to a classroom or homeschool library
🧳 Companion book for learning about the Oregon Trail
❤️ Way to introduce a young reader to a love of history

And during October, you can grab it for less!

Regular Price: $12.95
October Book of the Month: $10.95

Pick up your copy at the Crook House Museum or order online before October rolls away. https://douglascohistory.org/shop/westward-ho-with-ollie-ox/

Because sometimes all it takes is one great story to make a child realize that history is actually pretty exciting.

So hitch up the imaginary wagon and head west with Ollie!

10/14/2026

Anthony Michael Hall is coming to Omaha for the sold out The Breakfast Club event at the Omaha Community Playhouse! If you missed out on tickets to the event or its Meet & Greet portion, here’s another chance to meet him in a relaxed, low key setting at the Crook House Museum!

You may know him as Brian Johnson, “the brain,” in The Breakfast Club, but his memorable movie roles span decades. He made us laugh as Rusty Griswold in National Lampoon’s Vacation, Farmer Ted in Sixteen Candles, and Gary Wallace in Weird Science. He also played Jim in Edward Scissorhands, reporter Mike Engel in The Dark Knight, and Tommy Doyle in Halloween Kills. Whether you love ’80s classics or discovered him through his later films, you’ll recognize a familiar face!

A Casual Afternoon with Anthony Michael Hall is just that: light snacks, easygoing conversation, and time to sit and visit. Enjoy the welcoming surroundings of our historic 1879 home as we give Anthony a warm Omaha welcome before the evening excitement.

Come spend the calm before the storm with us!

Friday, October 23, 2026 | 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
The Crook House Museum
5730 N. 30th Street, Building 11B, Omaha
$75 per person | Limited tickets available
https://our.show/zm9ewmm8y3

Reserve your spot and join us for an afternoon to remember!

Your ticket includes admission to the afternoon reception and light snacks. It does not include admission to the evening movie event at the Omaha Community Playhouse.

10/12/2026

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ DAY | MONDAY, OCTOBER 12

Some of the most powerful moments in American history happened right here in Omaha. And one of those stories is forever connected to the very grounds where the Crook House Museum stands today.

In 1877, Chief Standing Bear and the Ponca people were forcibly removed from their Nebraska homeland and relocated to Indian Territory in present-day Oklahoma. The journey brought tremendous suffering and loss.

When Standing Bear's son, Bear Shield, died, his final wish was to be buried in the land of his ancestors along the Niobrara River.

A father made a promise to his son. And he was determined to keep it.

Early in 1879, Standing Bear and a group of Ponca began the grueling 600-mile journey home. Before reaching their destination, they were detained at Fort Omaha under orders carried out by General George Crook.

But their story did not end there.

Crook was empathetic to their plight and helped bring attention to their situation. Standing Bear's fight for freedom eventually reached a federal courtroom in Omaha, where he delivered words that would echo through history:

“God made me, and I am a man.”

On May 12, 1879, Judge Elmer S. Dundy ruled that Native Americans were considered persons under the law and could challenge unlawful detention through habeas corpus.

It was a landmark victory for Standing Bear and his followers, although the ruling did not immediately extend those protections to all Native Americans.

And it all began with a father's promise, a people's determination to return home, and the courage to demand recognition of their humanity.

Today, on Indigenous Peoples' Day, we honor Chief Standing Bear, the Ponca people, and the generations of Indigenous peoples whose histories, cultures, resilience, and contributions continue to shape our communities.

Here at the Crook House Museum on the historic Fort Omaha Campus, we have the privilege of sharing a special exhibit featuring Umo`ho (Omaha Tribe) artifacts generously entrusted to us by the Sarpy County Historical Society.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Sarpy County Historical Society for trusting us with these remarkable pieces of history and allowing us to share them with our visitors.

We invite you to visit, explore the exhibit, and reflect on the history that unfolded right here at Fort Omaha.

Because history is more than dates in a book. It is the lives, struggles, courage, and stories of real people. And when we take the time to understand those stories, history truly comes alive.

Visit the Crook House Museum
Fort Omaha Campus

Monday–Friday: 10 AM–4 PM
Saturday & Sunday: 1 PM–4 PM

10/11/2026

What a fantastic afternoon at our Second Sunday Talk! 👏

We had a wonderful turnout today as Gary Kastrick took us on a journey through the history of the Omaha Stockyards and the incredible impact they had on South Omaha!

From the rise of the stockyards to the many different ethnic groups who came to the area seeking opportunity, Gary shared how this booming industry helped shape not only South Omaha’s economy, but its neighborhoods, cultures, and communities. So much of the rich diversity and heritage we recognize in South Omaha today has roots in that history!

There was fascinating information, wonderful stories, and plenty of great laughs along the way! Gary has such a gift for bringing local history to life while keeping everyone entertained.

A HUGE thank you to Gary for sharing his time, knowledge, and humor with us, and to everyone who joined us today! We love seeing such a great turnout and so much enthusiasm for the stories that shaped our community.

This is exactly why we preserve and enliven history! ❤️

10/08/2026

29.

TWENTY-NINE.

That’s it, Omaha! ONLY 29 TICKETS REMAIN for THE BREAKFAST CLUB with ANTHONY MICHAEL HALL IN PERSON!

We knew this was going to be a BIG night, but WOW! You all have absolutely blown us away with the excitement surrounding this event!

On Friday, October 23, we’re taking it back to the 1980's at the Omaha Community Playhouse for an unforgettable evening with Bruce Crawford’s Omaha Film Events, a screening of The Breakfast Club on the big screen, and a special appearance by one of the film’s iconic stars, Anthony Michael Hall!

And judging by how quickly these tickets have been disappearing, Omaha is MORE than ready!

HERE’S WHERE THINGS STAND:

🎟️ 29 event tickets remaining!

Meet & Greet upgrades: SOLD OUT!

Reserved Parking upgrades: ONLY ONE LEFT!

And while you’re grabbing those last tickets, be sure to check out our Douglas County Historical Society merchandise available during checkout!

Not only can you take home some great DCHS goodies, but proceeds from our merchandise sales go directly back to DCHS, helping support the renovation of our Archives building, educational programming, community events, and the work we do to preserve and share Douglas County's history.

So you're not just getting ready for a fantastic night at the movies. You're helping us keep local history alive!

29 tickets. One iconic movie. One incredible special guest. And one night you won't want to miss!

If you've been thinking about going, THIS IS YOUR SIGN!

Get your tickets NOW at: douglascohistory.org/tickets

We cannot WAIT to see everyone on October 23!

10/07/2026

There’s Still Room for Crook House Creations: Impressions of the Past!

Something old. Something hidden. Something waiting to be discovered.
Join us Wednesday, October 28 from 5:30–6:30 PM for Impressions of the Past, our next Crook House Creations!

We’re keeping the actual project a secret for now, but here’s your hint: the Crook House itself is going to help us create it.

We’ll be wandering through the house and taking a closer look at some of those beautiful little details you may have walked past a dozen times without really noticing. Doors. Walls. Fireplaces. Decorative details. Nearly 150 years have left their mark throughout the Crook House... and this time, you may just leave with a few of those impressions of your own.

Add in some fall mocktails, a little history, plenty of creativity, and you’ve got a pretty fun way to spend an autumn evening at the Crook House Museum!

Wednesday, October 28 | 5:30–6:30 PM
$10 per person
All supplies are included.
There’s still room, but space is limited!
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/crook-house-creations-october

Come for the creativity, stay for the Crook House history, and leave with a little piece of the past.

10/06/2026

A quick update for our History & Appreciation of Antiques friends!

Both of today’s Tuesday class sessions are canceled. We’re sorry for the change in plans, but don’t worry… we’ll see you Thursday!

Thanks for understanding, and we look forward to seeing everyone then!

Address

5730 N 30th Street, # 11B
Omaha, NE
68111

Opening Hours

Monday	10am - 4pm
Tuesday	10am - 4pm
Wednesday	10am - 4pm
Thursday	10am - 4pm
Friday	10am - 4pm
Saturday	1pm - 4pm
Sunday	1pm - 4pm

Telephone

+14024559990

Website

http://www.DouglasCoHistory.org/

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