Running now through June 12 at The Durham Museum is Saving Places: 50 years of Preservation Success Stories.
The Preservation movement turned 50 this year. In 1966 Congress passed the National Historic Preservation Act, leading to the formation of the National Trust for Historic Preservation organization.
But Omaha had a one-year head start. In 1965 our predecessor, Landmarks Inc., started an effort to save the old Post office at 16th and Dodge Streets. It was not successful, but the organization went on to save many of Omaha’s architectural treasures, including the Kutak Rock Building and The Rose Theater.
To celebrate, Restoration Exchange has partnered with The Durham to present 50 years of preservation success stories.
Along with highlighting images of buildings saved and the history of the preservation movement in Omaha, we will bring in Jim Lindberg, senior director, Preservation Green Lab at National Trust for Historic Preservation. Lindberg will discuss preservation’s tie to sustainability and urban renewal at an event on Tuesday, May 31. Omaha historian Joni Fogarty will speak June 7 on the work of architect Thomas Kimball. Stay tuned for all of the details.