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The Great Plains Black History Museum marked its 50th anniversary Friday, celebrating five decades of preserving and sharing African American history in Omaha and across the Great Plains.The milestone celebration coincided with Juneteenth, a holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Museum leaders said the pairing was intentional, bringing together a day of reflection on Black history with a celebration of the institution dedicated to preserving it.Founded in 1976 by educator and historian Bertha Calloway, the museum remains Nebraska’s only museum devoted exclusively to African American history. Since opening, it has collected thousands of artifacts, photographs and oral histories documenting the contributions of Black Americans throughout the region.The Rev. Portia Cavitt, board chair, said the anniversary is a testament to the museum’s resilience and continued impact.”Who would believe in 1976 when Bertha Calloway started the Great Plains Black History Museum that we have survived these 50 years,” Cavitt said during Friday’s celebration.Museum leaders also used the occasion to highlight plans for the future. The organization is working toward construction of a new multimillion-dollar facility adjacent to the current museum. Plans call for expanded exhibit space, educational programming, community gathering areas and interactive technology designed to engage future generations.Executive Director Eric Ewing said the museum’s mission remains the same today as it was 50 years ago: educating visitors about the contributions African Americans have made to Omaha, the Great Plains and the nation.Leaders say community support will be critical as they work to ensure the museum continues serving the region for the next 50 years.Make sure you can always see the latest news, weather, sports and more from KETV NewsWatch 7 on Google search.NAVIGATE: Home | Weather | Local News | National | Sports | Newscasts on demand |
The Great Plains Black History Museum marked its 50th anniversary Friday, celebrating five decades of preserving and sharing African American history in Omaha and across the Great Plains.
The milestone celebration coincided with Juneteenth, a holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Museum leaders said the pairing was intentional, bringing together a day of reflection on Black history with a celebration of the institution dedicated to preserving it.
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Founded in 1976 by educator and historian Bertha Calloway, the museum remains Nebraska’s only museum devoted exclusively to African American history. Since opening, it has collected thousands of artifacts, photographs and oral histories documenting the contributions of Black Americans throughout the region.
The Rev. Portia Cavitt, board chair, said the anniversary is a testament to the museum’s resilience and continued impact.
“Who would believe in 1976 when Bertha Calloway started the Great Plains Black History Museum that we have survived these 50 years,” Cavitt said during Friday’s celebration.
Museum leaders also used the occasion to highlight plans for the future. The organization is working toward construction of a new multimillion-dollar facility adjacent to the current museum. Plans call for expanded exhibit space, educational programming, community gathering areas and interactive technology designed to engage future generations.
Executive Director Eric Ewing said the museum’s mission remains the same today as it was 50 years ago: educating visitors about the contributions African Americans have made to Omaha, the Great Plains and the nation.
Leaders say community support will be critical as they work to ensure the museum continues serving the region for the next 50 years.
Make sure you can always see the latest news, weather, sports and more from KETV NewsWatch 7 on Google search.
NAVIGATE: Home | Weather | Local News | National | Sports | Newscasts on demand |
