Category: society

18th century, 19th century, 20th century, African Methodist Episcopal, Baptist, Black businesses, Black churches, Black communities, Black culture, Black History, Black people, Black spaces and places, Culture, Enslaved Person, events, Geography, History of Nebraska, Lost history, Military, Ownership, Racism, Segregation, Settlements, society, weatherLeave a comment
This is a cornfield that resembles what would have covered the Minne Lusa neighborhood before 1916.

A History of Rural Black Nebraska

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

20th century, 21st century, Black History, Buildings, business, Civic Infrastructure, Crime, Economics, Government, Historic districts, historic preservation, Lost history, Neighborhoods, Politics, Poverty, Racism, real estate, schools, Segregation, society, Streets, Wealth, White flight, White people, Wrecked buildings1 Comment
This is "A History of Gentrification in North Omaha" by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of Gentrification in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Black businesses, Black culture, Black History, Black organizations, Black people, Black spaces and places, Civic Infrastructure, Creighton University, Culture, Economics, Environment, Government, Lost history, lynching, Omaha Police Department, Ownership, Politics, Racism, Redlining, Rioting, Segregation, society, WealthLeave a comment
This is "A History of White Supremacy in Omaha" by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of White Supremacy in Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

19th century, Abolition, Activism, Americans, Black activists, Black businesspeople, Black culture, Black leader, Black politicians, Crime, Culture, Economics, Lost history, Omaha, Pioneer era, Politics, Prince Hall Masons, Racism, Segregation, society, White peopleLeave a comment
This 1868 article details how Black people joined Omaha's Republican Party after Emancipation.

A History of Black Voting in Omaha Before 1870

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

19th century, Abolition, African Methodist Episcopal, Black culture, Black History, Black spaces and places, Demolished buildings, Economics, Lost history, Neighborhoods, Politics, Racism, Segregation, societyLeave a comment
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

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Black communities, Black History, Civil Rights Movement, Economics, History of Nebraska, Lost history, Racism, Segregation, societyLeave a comment
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

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Belt Line Railway, Civic Infrastructure, General history, Military Avenue, nightlife, North Omaha, society, Theatres5 Comments
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

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Black people, business, Civic Infrastructure, Culture, Economics, Government, Immigrants, Jefferson Square, Lost history, Native Americans, North 16th Street, North Downtown, Parks, Poverty, society, White people2 Comments
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

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

21st century, Black culture, Black History, Black organizations, Black spaces and places, Carter Lake, Culture, events, historic preservation, Organizations, society2 Comments
c1979 pic of the Stone Soul Picnic by Rudy Smith

A History of North Omaha’s Stone Soul Picnic

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Activism, Black History, Black people, Civil Rights Movement, Crime, Economics, General history, Government, Lost history, Near North Side, North Omaha, Omaha Police Department, Poindexter and we Langa, Politics, Poverty, Race riot, Racism, schools, Segregation, society, White people4 Comments
This is "A History of Police Brutality in Omaha" by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

A History of Police Brutality in Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, African Methodist Episcopal, Art, Baptist, Black churches, Black culture, Black educators, Black History, Black organizations, Black people, Black performers, Black spaces and places, Books, Buildings, Churches, Civil Rights Movement, clubs, Clubs, Culture, Government, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Jazz, Lost history, music, nightlife, Religion, schools, Segregation, Social clubs, Social halls, Social services, society, Theatres, United Methodist, White flight, White people5 Comments
This is a history of the music of North Omaha, by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com

A History of Music in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

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

19th century, 20th century, 24th and Lake, American Legion, Biographies, Black dentists, Black leader, Clubs, Creighton University, doctors, Economics, Healthcare, Hospitals, Near North Side, Prince Hall Masons, SegregationLeave a comment
Doctors Make Purchase of Land, Omaha Star, June 15, 1945

Biography of Dr. Craig Morris

Adam Fletcher Sasse

One African American dentist in Omaha was a civil rights advocate, economic justice activist, and medical leader in the community. Then he simply left North Omaha. This is a biography of his life in the community. Continue reading Biography of Dr. Craig Morris

20th century, Black leader, Black organizations, Black spaces and places, Culture, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Lost history, Organizations, Segregation, Social clubs, societyLeave a comment
"Mayor of Bronzeville," Omaha, Nebraska

A History of Omaha’s “Black Mayor”

Adam F.C. Fletcher

Since its founding in 1854, the City of Omaha has never had a publicly elected Black mayor. For a period in from the 1930s through the 1940s though, there was a Black mayor competition held. This is a history of that position. Continue reading A History of Omaha’s “Black Mayor”

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Activism, Americans, Biographies, Black athletes, Black businesspeople, Black leader, Black people, Black politicians, Education, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Legislators, Lost history, society3 Comments

Notable African American Women in Omaha History

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Black women in Omaha have done all kinds of work as mothers, businesswomen, teachers, ministers, politicians, and in other roles to make the community great. This is a history of some of the notable African American women in North Omaha. Continue reading Notable African American Women in Omaha History

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Carter Lake, Demolished buildings, East Omaha, Economics, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Industry, Manufacturing, Missouri River, Parks, Public health, Wrecked buildings1 Comment
Carter White Lead Company, Omaha

A History of the Carter White Lead Company Factory in East Omaha

Adam F.C. Fletcher

For 40 years, one plant poisoned North Omaha with heinous disregard. This is a history of the Carter White Lead Company factory in East Omaha. Continue reading A History of the Carter White Lead Company Factory in East Omaha

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Architects, Architecture, Buildings, Catholics, Creighton University, Cuming Street, Healthcare, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Near North Side, North 24th Street, North 30th Street, Racism, Religion, Wrecked buildings2 Comments
1879 Creighton College, Omaha, Nebraska

A History of Creighton University

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of Creighton University, including notable people, places and events throughout its history. Continue reading A History of Creighton University

20th century, Architects, Architecture, Black History, Buildings, Civic Infrastructure, Crime, Economics, Ethnicities & Races, Historic houses, Lost history, Near North Side, North 30th Street, Poverty, Public housing, Segregation, society, Wrecked buildings3 Comments
Hilltop Projects, North 30th and Lake Streets, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of the Hilltop Projects in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of the third public housing projects built in North Omaha called the Hilltop Homes. Continue reading A History of the Hilltop Projects in North Omaha

20th century, 21st century, Architects, Architecture, Black History, Buildings, Civic Infrastructure, Crime, Economics, Historic houses, Lost history, Near North Side, North 30th Street, Poverty, Public housing, Segregation, society, Wrecked buildingsLeave a comment
A History of the Pleasantview Public Housing Project in North Omaha by Adam Fletcher Sasse for NorthOmahaHistory.com

A History of the Pleasantview Projects in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of the former Pleasantview Public Housing Projects in North Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading A History of the Pleasantview Projects in North Omaha

19th century, 20th century, Black organizations, Black people, Buildings, Civic Infrastructure, Economics, Healthcare, historic preservation, Hospitals, Lost history, Near North Side, Public health, Segregation, White flight, Wrecked buildingsLeave a comment

A History of Segregated Hospitals and Segregated Healthcare in Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Omaha was de facto segregated for more than 75 years. Jim Crow affected employment, education, housing, religious institutions, and more throughout the city. It also meant that African Americans would routinely and frequently be denied healthcare throughout the city. This is a history of Black hospitals in Omaha, Nebraska. Continue reading A History of Segregated Hospitals and Segregated Healthcare in Omaha

20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Black businesses, Black people, Black spaces and places, Demolished buildings, Historic houses, Lost history, Restaurants, society6 Comments
Hillcrest Mansion, 2711 Caldwell Street, North Omaha, Nebraska.

A History of the Hillcrest Mansion in North Omaha

Adam F.C. Fletcher

This is the story of a mansion in North Omaha built as a home to a wealthy real estate mogul that eventually became the site of a decades-long Black-owned business. Continue reading A History of the Hillcrest Mansion in North Omaha

20th century, Black organizations, Buildings, doctors, Healthcare, Hospitals, Lost history, SegregationLeave a comment
People's Hospital, 1844 N. 20th Street, North Omaha, Nebraska, 1948 to 1953.

A History of the People’s Hospital in North Omaha

Adam F.C. Fletcher

For almost a century, it was widely known that hospitals in Omaha were for whites only. Defacto segregation made doctors apply for birth certificates at hospitals where African American mothers weren’t allowed to birth their babies, while African American doctors … Continue reading A History of the People’s Hospital in North Omaha

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Biographies, Buildings, business, Crime, Culture, Economics, Ethnicities & Races, Food, historic preservation, Lost history, Neighborhoods, North 16th Street, Organizations, Politics, Poverty, Racism, Religion, Restaurants, Ryan Roenfeld, Segregation, society, storytelling, Wrecked buildings2 Comments
This is a map showing Omaha's Chinatown, which was "4 blocks surrounding 12th and Dodge." There are other notable sites included too.

A History of Omaha’s Chinatown by Ryan Roenfeld

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Adam’s Note: This is a special exposè on a rarely-acknowledged but vitally important part of Omaha’s history. Written by local historian Ryan Roenfeld, I believe this history of Omaha’s Chinatown is necessary, vibrant and just a beginning, albeit a deep one! Share your thoughts in the comments section! Continue reading A History of Omaha’s Chinatown by Ryan Roenfeld

20th century, Black History, Black organizations, Civic Infrastructure, historic preservation, Lost history, Near North Side, Organizations, Segregation, society2 Comments
North Side YWCA, North 22nd and Grant Street, North Omaha, Nebraska,

A History of the Negro Women’s Christian Association of Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

A social force, culture builder, educational center and powerful advocacy base, the Negro YWCA was vital to African Americans advancement in Omaha. Continue reading A History of the Negro Women’s Christian Association of Omaha

20th century, 21st century, Activism, Black History, Civil Rights Movement, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Near North Side, Organizations, Politics, Segregation, society3 Comments
Omaha Urban League North Side Community Center, 2213 Lake Street, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of Omaha’s Urban League

Adam Fletcher Sasse

A hallowed history unlike any other organization in the state, the Urban League of Nebraska is committed to, “…lead Nebraska in closing the social economic gap in the African American, other emerging ethnic communities and disadvantaged families in the achievement … Continue reading A History of Omaha’s Urban League

19th century, 20th century, Architecture, Buildings, Culture, Economics, Healthcare, Hospitals, Lost history, Near North Side, North 16th Street, North 24th Street, Poverty, Public health, society, Wrecked buildings39 Comments
Booth Memorial Hospital, Omaha, Nebraska

A History of the Salvation Army Hospital in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

The Omaha Salvation Army Women’s Hospital was home to many babies in the city’s history. This is a history about the facility. Continue reading A History of the Salvation Army Hospital in North Omaha

18th century, 19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Architecture, business, Civic Infrastructure, Cuming Street, Economics, Ethnicities & Races, Food, History of Nebraska, Industry, Lost history, Military, Missouri River, Near North Side, Neighborhoods, North 16th Street, Omaha Claim Club, Pioneer era, Politics, Railroads, real estate, Segregation, society, Transportation, Wrecked buildings7 Comments
North Downtown Omaha, Nebraska

History of Omaha’s North Downtown

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of Omaha’s North Downtown neighborhood. Continue reading History of Omaha’s North Downtown

21st century, Amusement parks, Architecture, business, Carter Lake, Civic Infrastructure, East Omaha, Economics, historic preservation, Lost history, Missouri River, Parks, society, Wealth, Wrecked buildings3 Comments
Lakeview Amusement Par, East Omaha, Iowa

A History of Sand Point Beach and Lakeview Amusement Park

Adam F.C. Fletcher

A lost amusement park haunts nobody’s memories, and some even deny it ever existed. This is Lakeview Amusement Park and the Sand Point Beach. Continue reading A History of Sand Point Beach and Lakeview Amusement Park

20th century, Carter Lake, Culture, Demolished buildings, East Omaha, Economics, History of Nebraska, Lost history, Missouri River, music, Organizations, Prairie Park, Segregation, Social clubs, societyLeave a comment
Prairie Park Clubhouse, 2605 Ames Ave, Omaha, NE 68111

A History of the Prairie Park Club

Adam F.C. Fletcher

In the late 1900s, Omahans formed social clubs like the Prairie Park Club to enhance community ties. Established in 1909, it hosted numerous social events and activities. Learn what happened to it here. Continue reading A History of the Prairie Park Club

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, 24th and Lake, Architecture, Black History, business, Cafes, Culture, diners, doctors, Economics, Food, historic preservation, music, Near North Side, nightlife, Race riot, real estate, society1 Comment
Blue Lion Center, 2423 N. 24th St., North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of the Blue Lion Center

Adam Fletcher Sasse

The Blue Lion is one of North O’s most iconic buildings, holding business, services and opportunities for a century! Continue reading A History of the Blue Lion Center

20th century, Biographies, Black History, Crime, Economics, Ethnicities & Races, Government, History of Nebraska, Lost history, Michael Richardson, Near North Side, OPD, Poindexter and we Langa, Politics, Poverty, Racism, self-published, society2 Comments
This is the cover of "Framed: J. Edgar Hoover, COINTELPRO and the Omaha Two Story," a series by Michael Richardson for NorthOmahaHistory.com.

“FRAMED” Chapter 22 by Michael Richardson

Adam Fletcher Sasse

In this chapter, Mondo we Langa is quoted saying “…they simply could not let an African man who called police “pigs” get away with that.” Continue reading “FRAMED” Chapter 22 by Michael Richardson

20th century, Black History, business, Civil Rights Movement, Crime, Education, Ethnicities & Races, Food, Government, Lost history, Near North Side, Neighborhoods, North 24th Street, Organizations, Politics, Racism, Religion, schools, Segregation, society, White flightLeave a comment
The Omaha Bus Boycott was led by the DePorres Club from 1953 to 1954, in Omaha, Nebraska.

A Timeline of the Omaha DePorres Club

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a timeline of a 1950s-era civil rights group in Omaha called the DePorres Club. Continue reading A Timeline of the Omaha DePorres Club

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Americans, Architecture, Black History, Civic Infrastructure, Culture, Economics, Education, Ethnicities & Races, Government, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Long School, Lost history, Monmouth Park, Near North Side, North Omaha, Politics, Poverty, Race riot, schools, Segregation, society, White flight, Wrecked buildings11 Comments
This is a 1968 pic of a mother and daughter at Saratoga School during a parent night program.

A History of Segregated Schools in Omaha, Nebraska

Adam Fletcher Sasse

There were and are many segregated schools in Omaha, and this is an account of their history. Continue reading A History of Segregated Schools in Omaha, Nebraska

20th century, 21st century, Culture, Economics, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Long School, Lost history, Near North Side, Organizations, Politics, Racism, society, Wealth, White flight2 Comments

A History of Ak-Sar-Ben in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Examining the rise and fall of North Omaha requires a long and complicated journey through politics, culture, economics and more. One of the important early anchors of the community demonstrated the ability of one organization to steer things astray. Opening … Continue reading A History of Ak-Sar-Ben in North Omaha

20th century, 24th and Lake, Black History, Book review, historic preservation, music, society, storytellingLeave a comment
Cover of A Thousand Honey Creeks Later by Preston Love, Sr.

NORTH O BOOK REVIEW: “A Thousand Honey Creeks Later: A Life in Music from Basie to Motown” by Preston Love, Sr. 

Adam F.C. Fletcher

This is a book review of the autobiography of North Omaha’s Preston Love. Continue reading NORTH O BOOK REVIEW: “A Thousand Honey Creeks Later: A Life in Music from Basie to Motown” by Preston Love, Sr. 

20th century, 21st century, 24th and Lake, Architecture, Black History, Churches, Culture, historic preservation, Long School, Lost history, Near North Side, Organizations, Racism, Religion, society6 Comments
St. Benedict's parish church and school at 24th and Grant in North Omaha, Nebraska.

A History of North Omaha’s St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Parish

Adam Fletcher Sasse

North Omaha’s Saint Benedict Catholic Church has been a bastion of hope for the Near North Side for almost a century. Here’s their story. Continue reading A History of North Omaha’s St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Parish

1898 Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition, Black History, Civic Infrastructure, Culture, Economics, Expo Grounds, Government, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Kountze Place, Lost history, Parks, Politics, society, White flight1 Comment
Kountze Park, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of North Omaha’s Kountze Park, Once Called Malcolm X Park

Adam F.C. Fletcher

Malcolm X Memorial Park sits in the heart of North Omaha’s Kountze Place. Discover why you don’t hear about it anymore. Continue reading A History of North Omaha’s Kountze Park, Once Called Malcolm X Park

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, business, Carter Lake, Culture, East Omaha, Economics, Food, History of Nebraska, Lost history, Missouri River, Neighborhoods, North 16th Street, Poverty, society, Water15 Comments
Truck farm, East Omaha, Nebraska

A History of Truck Farms in East Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

One part of Omaha has stayed in touch with its agricultural roots for more than a century. This is a history of small family farms and the changing landscape in East Omaha. Continue reading A History of Truck Farms in East Omaha

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Belt Line Railway, business, Civic Infrastructure, Culture, Economics, General history, History of Nebraska, Industry, Lost history, Missouri River, society, Transportation67 Comments
Nicholas Street Viaduct, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of Railroads in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Its an understatement to say that railroads helped build North Omaha; they were absolutely vital. Here’s a summary of their history. Continue reading A History of Railroads in North Omaha

20th century, 21st century, Architecture, business, Churches, Civic Infrastructure, Culture, Economics, General history, Grocery store, historic preservation, Intersections, Lost history, Miller Park, nightlife, North 24th Street, Racism, society, Theatres, White flight9 Comments
Northeast corner of 24th and Fort Streets, Miller Park neighborhood by Adam Fletcher Sasse.

A History of the Intersection of North 24th and Fort Streets

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a history of the buildings at North 24th and Fort Streets in the Miller Park neighborhood. Continue reading A History of the Intersection of North 24th and Fort Streets

20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Black History, Culture, Economics, General history, historic preservation, Lost history, Near North Side, Organizations, Poverty, societyLeave a comment
Gene Eppley Boys' Club, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of the North Omaha Gene Eppley Boys Club

Adam Fletcher Sasse

The North Omaha Gene Eppley Boys’ Club was the cradle of youth engagement for a generation of young men. This is a history of the facility. Continue reading A History of the North Omaha Gene Eppley Boys Club

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Culture, Economics, Florence, Historic houses, society, Wealth6 Comments
Lantry-Thompson Mansion, 3524 State St., North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of the Lantry – Thompson Mansion in North Omaha

Adam F.C. Fletcher

Land speculators snatched up a lot of North Omaha legally and illegally in the 1900s. Victor Lantry was one of them, and built a massive mansion to celebrate his wealth. Here’s his story. Continue reading A History of the Lantry – Thompson Mansion in North Omaha

20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Black churches, Churches, Culture, historic preservation, History of Nebraska, Religion, society12 Comments
Goodwill Spring Musical Choirs, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of Black Churches in Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Omaha’s tradition of Black churches started less than a decade after the founding of the city in 1865. With de facto segregation the norm in the city by then, African Americans were denied seats in white churches. Not to be without a spiritual home, the city’s pioneer Blacks founded their own places of worship. This is an introduction to Omaha’s historic Black churches. Continue reading A History of Black Churches in Omaha

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Black History, Churches, Culture, historic preservation, Near North Side, Politics, Poverty, Religion, society3 Comments
Zion Baptist Church, 2215 Grant Street, North Omaha, Nebraska

History of Zion Baptist Church in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

A leader among the bedrock institutions of North Omaha is Zion Baptist Church. One of the oldest congregations in Omaha, it was founded in 1884 and became the largest Black church in Omaha by 1900. It’s landmark building at 2215 Grant Street was designed by North Omaha native “Cap” Clarence Wigington, and its mission is still distinctly relevant more than 125 years after it was founded. Continue reading History of Zion Baptist Church in North Omaha

21st century, Civic Infrastructure, Culture, General history, Military, society, Streets3 Comments
John J. Pershing, Omaha, Nebraska

A History of North Omaha’s J.J. Pershing Drive and Monument

Adam Fletcher Sasse

On Veterans Day, 1941, there was a giant parade for the dedication of a new monument to honor the life of John J. Pershing, General of the Armies during World War I. The City of Omaha named a new roadway leading from Abbott Drive to River Drive after him, as well. This is the story Continue reading A History of North Omaha’s J.J. Pershing Drive and Monument

1898 Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition, 20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Biographies, Buildings, Civic Infrastructure, Culture, Expo Grounds, General history, North 16th Street, North Omaha, societyLeave a comment
Robert C. Strehlow (1862 to 1952), North Omaha, Nebraska

A Biography of North Omaha’s Robert Strehlow

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Robert Strehlow helped build the 1898 Trans-Mississippi Expo and several others, then the Strehlow Terrace apartments. Continue reading A Biography of North Omaha’s Robert Strehlow

20th century, 21st century, Architecture, Biographies, business, Culture, historic preservation, Houses, society1 Comment
Architecture by Joseph P. Guth, North Omaha, Nebraska

A History of North Omaha’s Joseph P. Guth

Adam F.C. Fletcher

North Omaha’s has A LOT of unsung architectural heroes, and one of them is Joseph P. Guth. Guth moved from Germany to Omaha in 1884 and designed business blocks, breweries, factories and warehouses, fire stations, schools, houses and multifamily residences, churches … Continue reading A History of North Omaha’s Joseph P. Guth

20th century, 21st century, Architects, Architecture, Black businesses, Buildings, business, Crime, Culture, Economics, Historic houses, Houses, Lost history, Near North Side, Racism, society, Wealth, White flight3 Comments
This is 2060 Florence Boulevard in the 1970s. Photo from the City of Omaha Meyer Collection.

A History of North Omaha’s Burkenroad House aka Broadview Hotel aka Trimble Castle

Adam Fletcher Sasse

The home at 2060 Florence Boulevard has a reputation as a mansion for the social elite; an apartment house; a brothel, a hotel and as apartments again. Here is a history of North Omaha’s Broadview Hotel. Continue reading A History of North Omaha’s Burkenroad House aka Broadview Hotel aka Trimble Castle

20th century, Black History, Culture, Racism, societyLeave a comment
"Omaha, Nebraska: The New Mood Shocks the City" article from LOOK magazine, December 17, 1963. https://northomahahistory.com/look-magazine-article-on-omaha-racism-12-17-1963-oct-4-2016-12-23-pm-1/

“The Negro Faces North. Omaha, Nebraska: The New Mood Shocks the City” by Sam Castan for LOOK magazine

Adam F.C. Fletcher

On December 17, 1963, LOOK magazine included a story about segregation in Omaha. Following is a section of the article; there is a link to a PDF of the story under “Related Articles” that follows. THE NEGRO FACES NORTH OMAHA, NEBRASKA: THE NEW … Continue reading “The Negro Faces North. Omaha, Nebraska: The New Mood Shocks the City” by Sam Castan for LOOK magazine

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Civic Infrastructure, historic preservation, Near North Side, North 24th Street, society, Transportation3 Comments
The 26th and Lake Streetcar Maintenance Shop was built in 1905 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2016.

A History of the 26th and Lake Streetcar Shop in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Imagine a time when riding a streetcar was interesting, respected and almost a little glamorous. On the dusty, granite-covered streets of Omaha, that time was during the 1870s and 1880s. That new technology needed fanciful buildings to go along with the times, and the streetcar barn at 2606 North 26th Street in North Omaha was one of those buildings. Continue reading A History of the 26th and Lake Streetcar Shop in North Omaha

21st century, Black History, Crime, Culture, General history, Government, Lost history, Near North Side, North Omaha, Politics, Racism, society7 Comments
This is Ed Poindexter and Mondo we Langa. ©2016 Michael Richardson.

A History of the Case of Rice and Poindexter in North Omaha

Adam Fletcher Sasse

Omaha, Nebraska, was founded on white supremacy. Since then, both formal and informal forces throughout the city have worked continuously to impose, maintain and expand white supremacy throughout the city, state and nation. The stories of Mondo we Langa and Ed Poindexter are examples of what that looks like. Understood in the context of North Omaha history, it is easy to see they aren’t the only examples; however, they are among the most powerful. Continue reading A History of the Case of Rice and Poindexter in North Omaha

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Americans, Black History, Culture, North Omaha, Politics, society1 Comment
This is a group of historical figures from North Omaha, Nebraska, including Rev. Anna R. Woodbey (1855-1901); James C. Mitchell (1809-1896); Rev. John Albert Williams (1866-1933); Manuel Lisa (1772-1820); Ophelia Clenlans (1852-1907); Dr. Rodney Weed; Vivian Strong (1954-1969); and Robert Strehlow (1862-1952).

People from North Omaha History

Adam Fletcher Sasse

This is a timeline of people from the history of North Omaha. They include people from political, legal, religious, medical, and other professions who transformed the community in countless ways. There are also creative leaders, sports figures, and others, too. Continue reading People from North Omaha History

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Civic Infrastructure, Culture, Economics, General history, historic preservation, Industry, Monmouth Park, society, White flight30 Comments
This is a colorized image from the Ames Bar and Grill at North 30th and Ames, looking north towards Fowler Avenue in 1971. Some of the businesses here include Pat's Beer, the Koffee House and Gatchell's Hardware. Original pic courtesy of Durham Museum.

A History of the North 30th and Ames Commercial District

Adam F.C. Fletcher

The intersection of North 30th and Ames Avenue was an important suburban crossroads in North Omaha as early as the 1890s and going all the way into the 1960s. Then, with white flight in full force and North Omaha divestment underway, the intersection started to struggle. Today, it continues to flounder, but many businesses stay open, overcoming the negative, challenging and demeaning perceptions many Omaha’s have about the community. Continue reading A History of the North 30th and Ames Commercial District