Held in the majestic building of the former Union Station, the Durham Museum has many fascinating collections. Partly from its links to the acclaimed Smithsonian Institution, the complex has an eclectic array of permanent and temporary exhibits on science, culture, industry and other themes. Make your way through the various galleries for a glimpse into the customs, traditions and foundations of the Nebraska region.
Among the highlights of the permanent collection is the Baright Home and Family Gallery, which reveals the interesting history of the Omaha Indian tribe. Enter the replicas of the rawhide tepee and the earth lodge. Inspect the Worker’s Cottage, typical of those made for working-class families and settlers at the start of the 20th century.
Admire the range of transportation and commerce displays in the Trish and Dick Davidson Gallery and learn about the 1898 fair from the Trans-Mississippi Exposition Gallery. The latter has photographs and souvenirs from the expo, which showcased the latest products and infrastructure developments. Piece together the history of the region’s economy via the coins, tokens and gold in the Byron Reed Gallery.
As the site of the city’s old train station, the museum has a railroad theme. Bring your kids to look at the Model Trains section. Walk alongside the train cars from the 1940s and ’50s in the Harriman Family Line.
The complex is open Tuesday through Sunday from morning until late afternoon, with longer hours on Tuesdays and later opening on Sundays. Purchase a ticket and get discounts for kids. Toddlers enter for free.
The Durham Museum is in the southeastern corner of the Old Market district in eastern Omaha. Arrive at the Omaha railway station and walk north for a few minutes to get to the museum. Make sure to see some of the other nearby sights, such as the Rail and Commerce Building, St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church and Heartland of America Park.