This is the location of the Village of Briggs, Nebraska.

A History of the Village of Briggs, Nebraska

Briggs was once a layover village established in 1885 and has nearly vanished. Key features included a post office, a railroad stop, and churches. Today, few remnants remain, reflecting its lost significance and history. Continue reading A History of the Village of Briggs, Nebraska

This is a cornfield that resembles what would have covered the Minne Lusa neighborhood before 1916.

A History of Rural Black Nebraska

The history of African Americans in rural Nebraska encompasses a resilient existence from the territorial period through the early 20th century. This article shares stories of migration, homesteading, and the establishment of all-Black towns. and explores the systemic racism and environmental challenges ultimately dismantled these communities. Today, the heritage of Black pioneers in Nebraska is largely forgotten. Continue reading A History of Rural Black Nebraska

This is "A History of Gentrification in North Omaha" by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of Gentrification in North Omaha

From the 1910s through today, there have been various agendas, plans and schemes focused on fixing up North Omaha. This is a history of gentrification in the community. Continue reading A History of Gentrification in North Omaha

This is "A History of White Supremacy in Omaha" by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of White Supremacy in Omaha

This article examines Omaha’s “doctrine of white supremacy” as a deliberate, engineered system rather than random prejudice. From 1850s enslavement to modern redlining and carceral pipelines, the city’s geography and institutions were built to extract Black wealth and agency, ensuring white success through a durable, structural architecture of exclusion. Continue reading A History of White Supremacy in Omaha

This is a jar of soil collected in honor of George Smith, who was lynched in Omaha in 1891. Image courtesy of the Omaha World-Herald.

A Biography of George Smith by Alan Welsh

Adam’s Notes: Alan Welsh privately researched and wrote the following article and shared it with me so we can enrich, deepen, and otherwise learn more about the actual life of the first recorded lynching victim in Omaha. Shortly after the … Continue reading A Biography of George Smith by Alan Welsh

This 1868 article details how Black people joined Omaha's Republican Party after Emancipation.

A History of Black Voting in Omaha Before 1870

Before Omaha’s founding in 1854, white supremacy suppressed Black political participation. This is a story of how Black people in the city were betrayed by white leaders and still thrived, regardless of white supremacy. Continue reading A History of Black Voting in Omaha Before 1870

In 1865, a so-called “colored school” was open by the new Omaha school district and served at least twenty-seven students annually from 1865 to 1872. Shown here is an 1888 picture of 9th Street north from Farnam. The school was on 9th Street north of Dodge Street until 1872.

A History of Omaha’s First Black Neighborhood

Before 24th and Lake existed, Omaha’s first Black neighborhood was established in the 1850s. It was around 10th and Dodge, and was a segregated enclave known as the Near North Side. It housed significant community leaders and institutions, witnessing early civil rights struggles and eventually leading to the area’s integration by 1872. Continue reading A History of Omaha’s First Black Neighborhood

A History of African Americans in Grand Island, Nebraska, by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of African Americans in Grand Island, Nebraska

Grand Island, Nebraska, holds a rich history of African American communities since the 1870s, establishing thriving neighborhoods and institutions. This story shows the community continues to be resilient with ongoing struggles for equality and acknowledgment. Continue reading A History of African Americans in Grand Island, Nebraska

This is Nebraska Black History by Adam Fletcher Sasse.

Nebraska Black History

The history of African Americans in Nebraska showcases resilience amidst systemic racism and violence. Despite facing persistent discrimination, Black people have contributed significantly to civil rights, economic growth, cultural achievements, and much more, shaping Nebraska’s identity and legacy. This is Nebraska Black History by Adam Fletcher Sasse. Continue reading Nebraska Black History

Club Harlem, 2410 Lake Street, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of Burlesque Theatres in Omaha by Iona Fortune

Adam’s note: There were many burlesque theatres in Omaha’s history. According to Wikipedia, burlesques had three parts, including 1) songs and ribald comic sketches by low comedians; 2) acts like acrobats, magicians and solo singers; 3) chorus numbers and sometimes … Continue reading A History of Burlesque Theatres in Omaha by Iona Fortune

This is "A History of Early Laws Enforcing Racial Discrimination in Omaha" by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of Early Laws Enforcing Racial Discrimination in Omaha

This is a history of early laws enforcing racial discrimination in Omaha. Continue reading A History of Early Laws Enforcing Racial Discrimination in Omaha

Minne Lusa Historic District, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of the Minne Lusa Historic District in North Omaha

Starting in 1916, one North Omaha neighborhood became a bastion for middle-class suburban lifestyles. Today, it is integrated, urban and surviving. This is the history of North Omaha’s Minne Lusa Historic District. Continue reading A History of the Minne Lusa Historic District in North Omaha

Located at N. 18th and Emmet Streets in North Omaha, this is Plymouth Congregational Church in 1939. It has been home to Second Baptist Church since 1981.

A History of North Omaha’s Second Baptist Church

Located at 1802 Emmet Street in North Omaha, this is a history Second Baptist Church. Before 1981, it was home to Primm Chapel AME and Plymouth Congregational churches. Continue reading A History of North Omaha’s Second Baptist Church

Saratoga Belt Line Historic District, North Omaha, Nebraska

Focus: Saratoga Belt Line

In 2021, the Omaha City Council named the area around North 24th and Ames Avenue as an Economic Vitality Preservation District, a local building owner stepped forward to call it the “Saratoga Belt Line Historic District.” This article is a compilation of articles I’ve written about the area and other locations I’ve identified. Continue reading Focus: Saratoga Belt Line

York (1770 – before 1832) was the first African American in Omaha. He was a slave belonging to William Clark of the 1804 Lewis and Clark expedition.

A History of Black People in the Omaha Area Before 1850

Black trappers, traders, pioneers, and farmers were in the Omaha area before the city was founded. This is a history of Black people in the Omaha area before 1854 by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com. Continue reading A History of Black People in the Omaha Area Before 1850

This is the North 24th Street Church of God at 2021 N. 24th Street in North Omaha. Founded in 1923, this building was constructed in 2001.

A History of the North 24th Street Worship Center

There are a number of historical Black churches in North Omaha. A few have illustrious, long stories packed with hard times and fascinating outcomes, all the while growing and shrinking, suffering and aspirations. Other congregations are built entirely on faith … Continue reading A History of the North 24th Street Worship Center

This is a history of the Bank of Florence by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of the Bank of Florence

This is a history of the Bank of Florence in North Omaha, including its usages as a bank, newspaper office, Old West Saloon and horse stable, and as a museum today. Continue reading A History of the Bank of Florence

These are some of the historic churches of the Kountze Place neighborhood in North Omaha.

The Historic Churches of Kountze Place in North Omaha

This is a history of the historic churches in the Kountze Place neighborhood of North Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading The Historic Churches of Kountze Place in North Omaha

The Mercer Mansion in North Omaha, Nebraska.

A History of the Mercer Mansion in North Omaha

This is a history of North Omaha’s Mercer Mansion, built in 1885 at N. 40th and Cuming Street and still standing today! Continue reading A History of the Mercer Mansion in North Omaha

This is a July 16, 2023 presentation called "North O's Planes, Trains & Automobiles - AND MORE!" by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

North O’s Planes, Trains & Automobiles – AND MORE! Presentation by Adam Fletcher Sasse

On June 16, 2023, Adam Fletcher Sasse made a presentation to Mt. Olive Lutheran Church called “North O’s Planes, Trains & Automobiles – AND MORE!” In this slideshow, I showed how the railroads, interstates, boulevards and more influenced, drove and transformed the history of the community for the last 170+ years. Continue reading North O’s Planes, Trains & Automobiles – AND MORE! Presentation by Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a circa 1946 pic for "A History of North 45th and Military Avenue" by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of the Intersection of North 45th Street and Military Avenue

Here’s the history of the convergence of a passenger railroad, several neighborhoods and streetcars that made N. 45th and Military a vibrant intersection in North Omaha for decades! Continue reading A History of the Intersection of North 45th Street and Military Avenue

National Register of Historic Places NRHP plaque

National Register of Historic Places in North Omaha

These are official historic sites in North Omaha, extending from Dodge Street to the Washington County line, and from North 72nd Street to the Missouri River in Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading National Register of Historic Places in North Omaha

An April 16, 2023 presentation to Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in North Omaha called "Losing North Omaha's History" by Adam Fletcher Sasse of NorthOmahaHistory.com.

Losing North Omaha’s History Presentation by Adam Fletcher Sasse

Losing North Omaha’s History—Little towns, forgotten schools, lost cemeteries and other missing elements have left big holes in the history of North Omaha. Drawing on his original research, Adam will highlight the bizarre, boggling, and benign past of big dreams, good intentions, and abandoned possibilities of the community with pictures and more, much of which nobody remembers or shares anymore. Continue reading Losing North Omaha’s History Presentation by Adam Fletcher Sasse

A History of St. Vincent's Home for the Aged by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com (c)2022 All rights reserved.

A History of St. Vincent’s Home for the Aged

Caring for seniors was hard in Omaha for almost a century. Over the decades, several organizations tried to solve the situation. Just after World War II, Omaha Catholics took a major step towards promoting healthy aging for the oldest citizens … Continue reading A History of St. Vincent’s Home for the Aged

This is part of the Jefferson Square looking towards North 16th and Cass Streets in Omaha, Nebrsaka, in 1950. Courtesy of the Durham Museum.

A History of Jefferson Square Park

This is a history of the Jefferson Square Park, the first park and the site of the first school in Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading A History of Jefferson Square Park

North Downtown Omaha, Nebraska

A History of the Jefferson Square Neighborhood

This is a history of Omaha’s first public park; first public school; it’s Native American neighborhood; and it’s “Hobo Park,” all wrapped up in one. This is a history of Jefferson Square in Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading A History of the Jefferson Square Neighborhood

This is a comparison of the George F. Shepard House at 1802 Wirt Street in the Kountze Place neighborhood of North Omaha, Nebraska, in 1907 and in 2015. 1907 image courtesy of Sam Swanson.

A History of the George F. Shepard House

Fancy homes used to line certain streets throughout North Omaha, and one of those was Wirt Street. Business leaders, influential socialites, and high-minded politicians lived up and down the block, building the neighborhood along the way. This is a history … Continue reading A History of the George F. Shepard House

This is a history of the Native Omaha Festival, formerly called Native Omaha Days, by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of the Native Omahans Festival

This is a history of the Native Omaha Festival, which has happened biennially in North Omaha, Nebraska since 1976. Continue reading A History of the Native Omahans Festival

This is a history of North 42nd and Redman Avenue in North Omaha, Nebraska, by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com

A History of the Intersection of North 42nd and Redman Avenue

This is a history of the intersection of N. 42nd and Redman Ave. in North Omaha, Nebraska. It discusses the development, businesses, and demise of the intersection including factors affecting it. Continue reading A History of the Intersection of North 42nd and Redman Avenue

Explore North Omaha's Clifton Hill Historic Neighborhood established in 1887 as researched and written by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com

A History of the Clifton Hill Neighborhood in North Omaha

This is a history of the Clifton Hill neighborhood in North Omaha, Nebraska, founded in 1885. Continue reading A History of the Clifton Hill Neighborhood in North Omaha

A History of the Military Road in North Omaha

This is a history of Military Road aka Military Avenue in North Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading A History of the Military Road in North Omaha

c1979 pic of the Stone Soul Picnic by Rudy Smith

A History of North Omaha’s Stone Soul Picnic

Black people in Omaha have celebrated, uplifted and empowered Black culture in the city for more than 150 years. Sometimes there are events and places that become synonymous with these celebrations. One of these happened for more than 25 years. … Continue reading A History of North Omaha’s Stone Soul Picnic

Faith Temple Church of God in Christ, 2108 Emmet Street, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of First United Presbyterian Church

For only 40 years, a longtime congregation was at home in the Kountze Place neighborhood. They built a huge church, had a successful run, but couldn’t keep going. This is a history of the First United Presbyterian Church in North … Continue reading A History of First United Presbyterian Church

This is "A History of Police Brutality in Omaha" by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of Police Brutality in Omaha

This article is a history of police brutality in Omaha, Nebraska, from 1887 to present. Continue reading A History of Police Brutality in Omaha

North Omaha Boulevard System

A History of Boulevards in North Omaha

This is a history of the boulevard system in North Omaha, Nebraska. Established in 1889, it is currently experiencing a renaissance from interested groups and might possibly be refurbished by the City of Omaha. Continue reading A History of Boulevards in North Omaha

This is a history of the music of North Omaha, by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com

A History of Music in North Omaha

This is a summary of a LOT of music in North Omaha over the last 150 years, including jazz, soul, blues, hip hop, gospel, pop, and so much more. Get introduced some of the people, places, events, and more from North Omaha’s musical history. Continue reading A History of Music in North Omaha

Rabbi Arthur J. Lelyveld speech 1968

A History of Relations between Jews and African Americans in Omaha

This is a history of relations between Black people and Jews in Omaha, Nebraska. It details instances, occasions, places and spaces where the Jewish community interacted with the Black community in the city. Continue reading A History of Relations between Jews and African Americans in Omaha

Imperial Sash and Door / Oliver Farm Machinery / Lozier Corporation / Omaha Housing Authority, 4402 Florence Boulevard, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of 4402 Florence Boulevard in North Omaha

Today it looks like a bland industrial space along a decrepit street in a rundown part of Omaha. However, once this gigantic building was a foothold into the middle class for hundreds of workers; and again it was a warehouse to store parts for the homes of thousands across the community. Soon it will have a new future as a tribute to a community scion and African American icon for all times. This is a history of 4402 Florence Boulevard in the Saratoga Belt Line Historic District of North Omaha. Continue reading A History of 4402 Florence Boulevard in North Omaha

Welcome to a history of the Beford Place neighborhood in North Omaaa,a

History of the Bedford Place Neighborhood

This is a history of the Bedford Place neighborhood in North Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading History of the Bedford Place Neighborhood

This is a history of department stores in North Omaha by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

History of Department Stores in North Omaha

Department stores once dotted the area north of Dodge and east of North 72nd Street. This is a history of department stores in North Omaha. Continue reading History of Department Stores in North Omaha

History of Bakeries in North Omaha by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com

History of Bakeries in North Omaha

Once located all over North Omaha, there are few bakeries left — but lots of memories! This is an account of some of the bakeries from the community’s history. Continue reading History of Bakeries in North Omaha