The Amazing Library of Thomas Jefferson Fitzpatrick
By Jim McKee
Thomas Jefferson Fitzpatrick, longtime resident of Bethany, was a bibliomaniac. This college professor began with a solid collection of rare books inherited from his illustrious namesake. A lifetime of collecting later, he was living entirely in the kitchen of his house while the rest of the property was packed floor to ceiling and wall-to-wall with books. Only after his death in 1952 was the full extent of his obsession uncovered.

Changing Attitudes in Nebraska's Public Policy for those in Need
By State Sen. Lowen Kruse
Sen. Kruse describes the changes in public attitudes about persons and families in crisis, using accounts from the past 150 years in Omaha and Nebraska. This program provides background for current discussions about the use of public funds to provide human services.

Country Tales and Truths
By Richard Kimbrough
This is a look at the residents of a small Nebraska town during the 1930's and 40's--­examining both their sense of humor and their values. The stories include Bessie Wemple, the town's do-gooder, Esty Brace, the egg man at the Co-Op, Old Olaf, the self-­appointed town's jokester, and Ken and Grace Moore, both amputees who farmed and prospered by helping each other. The program is based on a nationally syndicated column carried by nearly 200 newspapers.

Cowboy Rhythm
By Leigh Anne & Ron Frame & Sarah Kovar
This presentation mixes songs of the West, cowboy poetry, yodeling and history in a blend that is entertaining and educational. Audiences learn about Western heritage, from nostalgic cowboy ballads to silver screen favorites. Cowboy Rhythm combines harmony and western-style yodeling with toe-tappin’ banjo and acoustic guitar, to create sometimes swinging, sometimes soulful renditions of a variety of cowboy and western favorites.  Audiences are urged to join in the discussion afterward.

Darryl Zanuck: Nebraska-Born Movie Tycoon
By Thomas A. Kuhlman
Kuhlman assumes the role of a behind-the-scenes Hollywood assistant to Darryl Zanuck, the Nebraska-born tycoon in the Golden Age of American movies. He tells of Zanuck's climb to the top at Twentieth-Century Fox, with many anecdotes. From silent films to Cinemascope, Zanuck gave the public what it wanted and more, including epics like "The Grapes of Wrath" and "The Longest Day."

The Epic of Nebraska Courthouses: 1854-2000
By Oliver B. Pollak
Pollak takes a look at Nebraska courthouses and their many uses. Professor Pollak covers such topics as the architectural and political evolution of the courthouse and early fights for county seats.

Hartley Burr Alexander: A Living History
By Robert Haller
Those who quote “Not the victory but the action; not the goal, but the game; in the deed, the glory” or “The Salvation of the State is Watchfulness in the Citizen” may not know that the author of these inscriptions is Hartley Burr Alexander.  He was nationally prominent as a philosopher and educational theorist, but put much of his energy into Nebraska institutions—the Capitol Building for which he was thematic consultant, the Pageants of Lincoln, Ak-Sar-Ben, the culture of native peoples, and prairie populism. For this program I impersonate Alexander, presenting in his own words, reflections on his upbringing in Syracuse and his years as a philosopher, educator and professor active promoter of pageants, architectural symbols, poetry and psychology.

He Ain't Heavy, Father...He's M' Brother!: A History of Girls & Boys Town
By Charlotte M. Endorf
The journey of refuge, Father Flanagan's Boys' Home, from its beginnings to its role as a leading national force in youth care. Ninety dollars opened a home for boys in Omaha.  The first five boys taken off the streets began a legacy. Learn the interesting history of Boys Town, which is now under the banner of Girls and Boys Town.

Hildreth Meiere: The Woman Artist Who Had Eight Commissions for the Nebraska State Capitol
By Evelyn Haller
As a designer in tiles, Hildreth Meiere worked in a durable medium of architectural magnitude, including the original mosaics in the Nebraska State Capitol. Meiere is not as well known as many artists of her generation because her works are affixed to walls, ceilings and floors. They cannot be transported, and slides only partially convey the wonder of these achievements. Meiere's life (1892-1961) was filled with significant work accomplished when there were few women in her field. Haller talks about what Meiere did before and after she completed the eight commissions for the Nebraska State Capitol.

The History of the Nebraska State Capitol
By Jim McKee
This slide-illustrated program tells the story of Nebraska's two territorial capitol buildings in Omaha and three state capitols in Lincoln. Nebraska's present capitol, built between 1922 and 1932, is discussed in detail from the design contest ultimately won by Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue, through its being named one of the ten most beautiful buildings in the world, one of the ten best built buildings in the world to one of the 50 most memorable works of architecture in the world.

The History of the University of Nebraska
By Jim McKee
The location of the University of Nebraska in the state's capital may seem like a foregone conclusion now, but in the 1860s the new state's senators chartered 14 other locations before finally settling on Lincoln. The state's academic stronghold might well have been the "University of Nebraska at Wyoming." McKee takes a look at the university's past.

J. Sterling Morton, Author of Arbor Day
By Darrel W. Draper
This history program introduces the audience to the life of J. Sterling Morton, from his birth in upstate New York to his rise to power and fame in Nebraska.Within five years after his arrival at Bellevue, Morton was twice elected to the Territorial Legislature, appointed Clerk of Supreme Court, became Territorial Secretary and was made acting Governor at the age of 26. The founder of Arbor Day would later become secretary of agriculture. The presenter, in costume and in character, uses humor and pathos to give us new insight into Morton's failures and successes, educating and entertaining audiences of all ages.

The History of Nebraska as Told by Peter A. Sarpy
By Darrel W. Draper
Dressed in period costume and speaking in his native French accent, "Peter Sarpy" describes the transformation of Nebraska from French colony to statehood. This dramatic one-act play uses humor, interactive audience participation and factual historical anecdotes to captivate youth and adult audiences alike. This living-history presentation is appropriate for schools, civic groups, churches, museums and festivals.

Lincoln's Diverse Past
By Ed Zimmer
An illustrated survey focusing on some of the ethnic and religious groups who settled early in our state's capital city--a vibrant African-American community, thousands of Germans from Russia, early settlers from Mexico and others. Architectural historian Ed Zimmer uses historic photographs, cemetery records, existing buildings and other sources to offer a visible heritage of these Lincolnites.

Lincoln's Historic Neighborhoods
By Ed Zimmer
Lincoln is made up of neighborhoods with a distinct character and history. This presentation can take the form of a walking tour (depending upon the weather and the sponsoring group) in one of the Capital City's historic neighborhoods: The Haymarket, the Near South, Woods Park or other neighborhoods. Zimmer examines the interrelationship of local history, architects and architecture, urban growth and redevelopment. He explores neighborhoods and their buildings to raise (and sometimes answer) historical questions. Visit with Zimmer about options in the focus and format of this program.

Looking at Lincoln: Images From the MacDonald Studio
By Jim McKee
For almost 50s years the MacDonald Studio in Lincoln photographed all aspects of life in the Capital City, including its people, architecture, social and cultural institutions, enterprises and political events. Nearly 30,000 photographs taken by the studio between 1920 and 1957 are in this family album of Lincoln.

The Making of a Monument
By Robert C. Ripley
An exploration of the history, art and architecture of the Nebraska State Capitol, "a jewel among historical monuments," this program explores the complex history of the Capitol, the symbolism embodied in its sculptures and mosaics, the philosophical integration of elements and the building's place in 20th-century architectural design. The presentation helps audiences better understand and appreciate the powerful message embodied in this prairie monument.

Memorial Day: Its Origins, Its Heritage, Its Legacy
By David Wells
This program traces the development of the Memorial Day holiday, beginning with its significance in the wake of the Civil War. Using slides of holiday mementos and photographs of Memorial Day parades and ceremonies, the presentation shows how the Grand Army of the Republic rallied support for the holiday. The presentation contrasts the relative insignificance of the holiday today with the mania and reverence of earlier years, seeking to understand why these changes occurred.

Music of the Plains
By David Marsh
Pioneers who settled Plains traveled from far and wide, yet endured many similar joys and hardships.  David’s goals with this program are twofold: 1) to demonstrate the various cultures represented by these courageous folks, and 2) to share stories and sing songs that arose out of their common experience of early life here.  Though music, audiences learn about homesteading, cowboys, children’s games, and the wonders of the wide open prairie. 

Nebraska Folklore, Folk-lies and Fakelore
By Winfield Delle
In this presentation a variety of visuals are used to illustrate a wide range of popular Nebraska folklore and show how folklore has been utilized for people's benefit—and sometimes to their detriment. Included are stories and songs about weather, fertility, animals and people, as well as a 19th-century stock scandal that began as a rumor and grew to monstrous proportions.

Nebraska History in Cemeteries
By Winfield Delle
Ben Franklin said, "Show me your cemetery, and I'll know the [history] of your community." With Franklin's comment in mind, this presentation explores how cemeteries reflect our culture and provide a new slant to Nebraska history. Information on a variety of topics can be gleaned from a study of cemeteries, including demographic patterns, discrimination and segregation, religious beliefs and practices, forms of art and medical practices. This presentation can be tailored to group type and community and gives Nebraskans of all ages a greater understanding of their local history.

Nebraska Jails: The History and Evolution of Local Nebraska Jails--150 Years of Change
By Kurt Sandquist
This presentation chronicles the development of local jails from 1850 to the present. Factors that influenced the location, design, and operational needs are charted with a video display of jails through Nebraska. It also examines the development of current jails in light of historical events and decisions by the courts, legislature and local governing officials.

Nebraska Territory Stories
By David Seay
Performing as a mid-1800's entertainer, multi-instrumentalist Seay sings and plays popular folk music of the period. Between tunes he regales his audience with stories of everyday life for the pioneers and of important events that occurred during those 13 years before Nebraska became a state. This cheerful show is suitable for the entire family.

Nebraska Through Song and Story
By Dan Holtz
Nebraska has not only a rich tradition in literature but also a rich, less-publicized tradition in music. This program interweaves songs, accompanied on guitar and harmonica, with excerpts from works by Willa Cather, John Neihardt, Mari Sandoz and Bess Streeter Aldrich. In a narrative from about 1850 to 1904, it tells the stories of the people who came to and through early Nebraska, the pioneers who crossed the overland trails, the settlers and the Native Americans. This program can be tailored for either a young audience or an adult audience. 

Nebraska's Rich Heritage
By Donald Hickey
This program looks at what makes Nebraska's history and cultural heritage unique. It focuses on institutions such as the Unicameral, Boys Town, the State Capitol, Arbor Day and Big Red football. Hickey also takes us on a tour of notable state landmarks, including the Nebraska National Forest, the Ogallala aquifer, Lake McConaughy and the Sandhills. The presentation closes with a discussion about Nebraskans who have achieved national prominence, including soldiers, statesmen, writers, athletes and entertainers.

On Defining a Plains Fiddle Style
By Dave Fowler & Carolyn Johnsen
Live examples of fiddle tunes illustrate this presentation on the origins and development of the musical style common to Nebraska fiddlers. Tunes from ethnic groups who settled in Nebraska and music of Cajun, ragtime and bluegrass origins are contrasted with the distinctive traditional Plains fiddling—in ornamentation, bowing styles and other musical elements. The presentation explores the role of music in an age when people created their own entertainment and discusses the social significance of the fiddle in pioneer times. Accompaniment on piano and spoons enhances the examples.

Ordinary Heroes
By Dale Clark
In our modern world, young people have few genuine heroes to emulate. Most of the heroes they have chosen are either sports superstars who make millions of dollars, violent movie characters or TV cartoon characters. This presentation illustrates that real heroes often are ordinary people who find themselves in situations that require them to perform heroic acts. Most of the stories are set in Nebraska and the West.

The People Who Made It Work: A Centennial History of the Cushman Motor Works
By Mary Kay Quinlan & Douglas R. Beals
Based on a 2001 project for the Cushman Motor Works centennial celebration, this presentation tells the history of the Lincoln, Neb., company from its beginnings when the Cushman cousins perfected a modification of a two-cycle engine to its end in 2002 when the product line was moved out of the state. The speakers use quotes from oral history interviews and a Power Point slide show.

Photographing the American Dream
By John E. Carter
The last half of the 19th century saw an incredible migration to America's Great Plains. Thousands of people left ancestral homelands to answer the siren call of free land. This illustrated presentation explores the social and cultural forces that pushed people onto the Plains, and the life they found when they got here. Images by pioneer photographer Solomon D. Butcher bring us face to face with those who broke the sod and settled the Plains in this presentation by Carter, author of an acclaimed study of Butcher's work and times.

Quilting Your Legacy
By Janie York
This program begins with stories about the men and women who helped shape Nebraska's early quilt history and continues with a discussion of quilting as both a form of artistic expression and storytelling medium in our own culture. This program also demonstrates quilting as a method of recording family history. This program can be customized for any age group.

The Role of the Church and School in Rural Nebraska
By Paul V. Campbell
Churches and schools provide essential functions to rural communities, functions way beyond the religion and the school curriculum. This talk examines the variety of roles of schools and churches, what happens to a community when the school or church closes and how small-town revitalization is based in these two community institutions. 

Sandhills Song
By Otto Rosfeld
This program combines songs, stories, chants and poems to describe prairie life before "easy energy" such as electric power and hydraulic pumps entered the lives of settlers on the Great Plains. Beginning with the "last frontier" in the 1870s and extending to the 1950s, this program transports audiences back in time through the eyes of a prairie boy. Rosfeld performs original songs on acoustic instruments. A collection of old-time, hand-powered equipment is used as visual background for the stories and poems.

The "Tradition" in Traditional Folk Music
By David Seay
This fast paced presentation features snippets of traditional folk tunes from various cultures played on a variety of folk instruments including harmonica, penny whistle, tabor pipe, Lakota flute, ocarina, pan pipes, bugle, musical saw, and banjo. Each instrument is accompanied by a historically or culturally relevant story and observations on how over the generations such instruments and songs have become part of our shared traditions. This show is very flexible and works for audiences of any age.

The Trans-Mississippi Exposition of 1898 in Omaha
By David Wells
The Trans-Mississippi Exposition of 1898 is celebrated with this presentation of rare photographic images. Hailed as a showcase of technology west of the Mississippi River, the exposition was designed to show that life beyond the mighty river was civilized and forward-thinking. Wells describes the construction of the exposition, the use of the lagoon and the sophisticated buildings at their zenith, and their dismantling.

William Jennings Bryan: A Nebraska Enigma
By Donald B. Fiedler
In this living-history presentation, Fiedler attempts to set the record straight about William Jennings Bryan. Bryan ran for president three times. Unfortunately, Bryan's place in history is anchored in the film "Inherit the Wind," a fictional account of the "Scopes Monkey Trial" in which he is cast as a buffoonish zealot.

Why Is Lincoln the State Capitol and Not Yankee Hill?
By Jim McKee
Nebraska's original territorial capital was located in Omaha. Why, when statehood arrived, was the seat of government relocated to the tiny and insignificant village of Lancaster? Located on the edge of the "Great American Desert," with a population of just 30, Lancaster was renamed Lincoln and selected as the site for the new state's capitol building, the university, the insane asylum and the penitentiary. The reasons are complicated, fascinating and—according to McKee—it all boils down to mosquitoes and ice cream.