Honoring the Past – Building the Future – From Laura Shiffermiller, Executive Director

As I look back at Restoration Exchange, I am thankful to the visionaries who came together and sparked new life into the preservation movement in Omaha. From its inception in 2013 until the onset of COVID-19 in March of 2020, REO’s leadership and volunteers sustained pre-established and time-honored enterprises including a conference for restoration lovers, a historic neighborhood home tour, walking tours of historic streets, and efforts to save historic properties including landmark designations and rallies. However, we no longer have the money or the manpower to continue as in the past.

In 2022, using input from you, volunteers, collaborators, and funders we have identified two key areas that are highly relevant to our mission.

• Establishing a model which enables us to physically save historic properties
• Expanding education and training in the preservation trades for all learners

To concentrate on these priorities, with an all-volunteer staff and limited financial resources, we will take a hiatus in normal operations. We are not deserting you, rather, we are shifting to resource links and online materials to help you navigate through your projects.

You have been our allies, volunteers, donors, and champions for many years. I hope you will support us as we realign our efforts. We promise to use your donation to save cultural and historic places.