Omaha Driver Entertainment Guide

Every year, the region’s largest indoor Christmas tree can be found inside the Durham Museum at Union Station, 801 S. 10th Street. The tree lighting ceremony will be held this Friday, November 27th between 4:00 p.m and 7:00 p.m. Visitors to the ceremony will enjoy live vocal music performances by Michael Walker, as well as the Heartland Harmonizers. For children and adults alike, there will be special appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus. During the tree lighting, a collection of non-perishable food items and cash will be taken for donation to the Nebraska Food Bank. Through the holiday season, the Durham Museum will be hosting its annual Christmas concert series, as well as family visitation nights with Santa. Happy Motoring!

Today, I visited the Great Plains Black History Museum, located at 2213 Lake Street in North Omaha. It was “closed for renovation.” A white sign hung on the front door (photo on left). Normally, a closing is no big deal to me… this time it WAS! I was accompanied by a young man from the Sudan anxious to learn about his ancestral heritage. To understand the contributions that persons of African descent have made to Omaha culture and the trials they encountered while settling and building their homes here.  When I arrived home I telephoned Jim Calloway, the curator of the museum, to ask when the museum would be reopened and how I could help. The roof on the building must be replaced. It has a tar-paper roof on the back side that is leaking, and the museum artifacts are presently in storage. Jim said that the facility may be open by Spring 2010. Grants have been submitted… approximately $400K is required to fully renovate the facility. Call Jim at the number listed in the photo if you’d like to help out. Omaha, we can do better… Happy Motoring!

Located at 2200 Dodge Street, in downtown Omaha, the Joslyn Art Museum is one of Omaha’s most well known architectural accomplishments, and Nebraska’s largest museum. Joslyn has a large art collection of the American West, as well as European and American art from the 19th and 20th century. In addition, special exhibitions are displayed throughout the year. The museum is open daily, except Mondays and holidays. Consult the Joslyn website for hours and entrance fees. The museum has free general admission to the public on Saturday mornings, from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Happy Motoring!

Located in the “outer” city, west of Omaha near Mahoney State Park, is the SAC Strategic Air & Space Museum. With two massive hangers housing numerous historical aircraft, this is an attraction the whole family can enjoy. You’ll enjoy seeing the SR71 Blackbird, the fastest plane in history. Drive west of Omaha on I-80 to the highway 66 exit, go North (right) and take the second right to enter the museum parking lot. Look for the rockets out front! Engine running smoothly? I recommend changing your spark plugs every 30,000 miles. Happy motoring!

Interested in learning about Omaha history? Visit the the Crook House museum and the Library/Archives Center to learn about historic Fort Omaha. The Crook House is located at 30th and Fort Street, just north of 30th and Sorensen Parkway on the Metro Community College campus. The Museum is open to the public Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. Here is a map with directions. Inspect your car’s belts for cracks. If you hear a screeching noise coming from your engine, you may have a loose belt. Don’t ignore these warning signs or you may end up stranded on the side of the road. Happy motoring!

The museum, located at 801 S 10th Street, has a new exhibit opening today that will run through November 15. The exhibit highlights the 100-year art and history of Ak-Sar-Ben. Be safe while driving… stay off your cell phone.