Abraham Lincoln, Antarctic dinosaurs headline Durham's 2025 lineup: Short Takes

The Durham Museum has announced its 2025 featured exhibition lineup, starting with "Abraham Lincoln: President, Emancipator, Corporate Pitchman" on Jan. 25.

The exhibit runs until April 27. It offers an innovative and immersive multi-sensory exploration of one of America's most iconic figures. Through tactile displays and detailed imagery, the exhibition sheds light on Lincoln's multifaceted roles: as a president who led the United States through the Civil War, an emancipator who took pivotal steps toward abolishing slavery, and a corporate figure who, posthumously, became a symbol in modern advertising.

"In celebration of our 50th anniversary, the Durham is thrilled to present a 2025 schedule filled with diverse world-class exhibits designed to spark curiosity and engage visitors of all ages," said Dawn Myron, director of communications. "During this milestone year, we'll host our first tactile image experience and explore everything from the life of a U.S. president to dinosaurs — as well as the art of storytelling and the exciting world of hockey. There will be something for everyone to enjoy."

From Feb. 15 to May 4, dinosaurs will take over the Durham with the arrival of "Antarctic Dinosaurs," which delves into the history of the "lost continent" and the animals that inhabited it millions of years ago.

An "animated" summer awaits with the arrival May 31 of "Animation Academy: From Pencils to Pixels," which takes visitors on an immersive ride through their favorite cartoons and the fascinating realm of animation. That will go until Aug. 31.

The year ends with "Hockey, Faster Than Ever," an exhibition that will have sports fans and science enthusiasts cheering from the front-row seats. That starts Oct. 4 and ends Jan. 11.

Handkerchiefs a keepsake for Lucy Spielman

Lucy Spielman, who died Oct. 27 at the age of 96, had a hard time using tissues. The wispy fibers would trigger a cough.

So for years, she instead used handkerchiefs, preferably floral ones.

Caregivers and friends like Jill Lary, Amy Barlow and Melissa Delaney would pick them up when they spotted them at estate sales or while they were out thrifting.

Spielman, an active member of the Dundee-Memorial Park Association who was instrumental in the creation of its flower basket program, had quite the collection.

For her funeral service Monday at 10 a.m. at St. John's Church at Creighton University, her children have something special planned.

Siblings Mary Ann Spielman McNally, Jean Spielman Housh, Kate Spielman, John Spielman, Tom Spielman and Bob Spielman rolled and tied more than 100 handkerchiefs for those who attend as a keepsake to remember their mom.

"She loved sharing cut flowers from her garden, and here she is again, with the floral handkerchiefs, sharing her joy when we need it most," Kate Spielman said. "We hope she likes the sentiment."

NU Foundation

announces top awards

The University of Nebraska Foundation has conferred its top awards on Omaha philanthropist Ruth Scott and her late husband Bill and retired University of Nebraska leader Susan M. Fritz, Ph.D.

The awards were announced Nov. 1 during a Celebration of the University of Nebraska at the Coliseum on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus.

The Scotts were recognized with the Perry W. Branch Award for Distinguished Volunteer Service. The award is named for Perry W. Branch, the first employee and executive director of the University of Nebraska Foundation. The honor serves to commemorate the importance of volunteers to the organization.

The Scotts have been among the most transformative donors in the University of Nebraska's history. In 2009, the University of Nebraska Board of Regents presented Ruth and Bill Scott with the Regents Medal, which honors individuals whose service to the university has provided exceptional benefits in furthering the goals and mission of the institution.

Through personal gifts and support from the William and Ruth Scott Family Foundation, the couple's generosity has benefited students, faculty and programs on all campuses of the University of Nebraska System. Just a few examples of their giving include the Ruth and Bill Scott Student Plaza at the University of Nebraska Medical Center; the UNMC Student Life Center redevelopment and expansion; the Munroe-Meyer Institute; the College of Nursing facility in Lincoln; the Frederick F. Paustian Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center; the leadership gift for the Health Science Education Complex at the University of Nebraska at Kearney; the leadership gift for the Douglas A. Kristensen Rural Health Education Complex (or what Bill Scott affectionately named "The Doug"); the Dreamer's Pathway Scholarship and Project Achieve to support first-generation students, students with limited incomes and students with disabilities at the University of Nebraska at Omaha; the Jan and John Christensen Concert Hall in the redeveloped Strauss Performing Arts Center; the Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center; the Biomechanics Research Building and its expansion; the Barbara Hibner Soccer Stadium in Lincoln; the Gnotobiotic Mouse Facility and the Nebraska Food for Health Center at UNL; and the Cherish Nebraska exhibit space at Morrill Hall.

Both are alumni of the University of Nebraska and Ashland natives.

"Ruth and the late Bill Scott are a treasure to Nebraska and its only public university," said Brian F. Hastings, president and CEO of the University of Nebraska Foundation.

Fritz received the Harlan J. Noddle Award for Distinguished Development Service. The Noddle Award is named in honor of Harlan J. Noddle, a longtime University of Nebraska advocate and former chair of the foundation's Board of Directors. The award is given to a university or foundation employee who provides exemplary service in development while demonstrating the values of initiative, honesty, integrity, compassion, commitment, foresight, tolerance and diligence.

Fritz was the first woman to lead the university system after being appointed in 2019. During her tenure as interim president, Fritz championed universitywide priorities of student access and success, launching a statewide partnership focused on timely graduation, advocating to elected leaders for greater investment in scholarships and presiding over gains in student diversity. She also has been actively involved in Women Investing in Nebraska, including serving as chair in 2022-23. She was instrumental in planning for the University of Nebraska's current fundraising campaign, Only in Nebraska: A Campaign for Our University's Future.

During the Nov. 1 celebration, the University of Nebraska Foundation also announced a new award, the Ruth and Bill Scott Medal.

The Ruth and Bill Scott Medal is named in honor of the Scotts, celebrating their generosity and vision in advancing the University of Nebraska. This award will perpetually recognize their exemplary lifetime achievements in philanthropy by honoring others who embody a philanthropic spirit.

Magician will perform

at Mahoney Park

Enjoy family-friendly Omaha magician Ryan Chandler as he performs at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park on Nov. 30 for the first of several dates.

Chandler, who has appeared on television with magicians Penn and Teller, will perform his show "Up Close & Magical" at 7:30 p.m. at Kountze Memorial Theater.

Other performances at the theater will be Dec. 1, 2:30 p.m.; Dec. 28, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 29, 2:30 p.m.; Feb. 1, 7:30 p.m.; Feb. 2, 2:30 p.m.; March 8, 7 p.m.; and March 9, 2:30 p.m.

The March 8 show is the Midwest Magic Showcase. Chandler will partner with the Omaha Magical Society to bring in multiple top magic acts. The theater will be full of magicians on and off stage from Des Moines, Kansas City and the Omaha area.

Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for ages 12 and under. Reserve tickets by calling 402-944-2957.

A park entry permit is required of each vehicle entering the park.

Learn more about Chandler and the shows at OldMarketMagician.com .

AIM, Silicon Prairie holding startup week

AIM Institute is once again teaming with Silicon Prairie News and will help support Silicon Prairie Startup Week Nov. 11-16.

This inaugural week-long celebration will focus on the startup and entrepreneurial community in Nebraska. Events will be held in Lincoln, Omaha, Council Bluffs and Ashland.

Entrepreneurs, community members and supporters are welcome to participate in this multi-day, multi-location event series. Meet fellow startup founders, shake hands with investors, connect with support organizations and learn more about the resources available to the community. More information can be found at siliconprairienews.com .

Tamayo to speak at Homestead Park

Today at 2 p.m., Homestead National Historical Park will welcome Steven Tamayo from the Bluebirds Cultural Initiative. Tamayo will present a program on the deer skin Lakota winter count he created for Homestead National Historical Park's Winter Festival of Prairie Cultures. This program will take place at the Homestead Education Center.

Tamayo, cultural programs director at Bluebird Cultural Initiative, is a traditional Sicangu Lakota artist whose family originates from the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota. Bluebird Cultural Initiative's mission is to provide meaningful programming to the community that enriches their understanding of the history and cultural traditions of Native American peoples of the Great Plains. They strive to revitalize the past through the arts and culture to energize the future for our youth.

Zoolightful returns to Omaha's zoo

Zoolightful returns on Nov. 22, transforming Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium into a captivating world of dazzling lights and unforgettable holiday experiences for all ages.

It will feature returning favorites like the igloos at Peppermint Pines and the larger-than-life light sculptures down Holiday Way, plus added experiences of a snowball toss and an extended footprint.

Polar Plaza, Holiday Way, Reindeer Game Zone, Gingerbread Village, Santa's North Pole, Peppermint Pines and the Merry Magic Theater are among the fun places to explore.

Go to OmahaZoo.com/Zoolightful for information. The event will not be held on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

Exhibit looks at housing crisis

The "OurStory: Creating Aging-Ready Housing" exhibition by the University of Nebraska College of Architecture's FACT Studio runs Dec. 16 through Jan. 10 at Dundee Bank's Benson Branch at 6073 Maple St. in Omaha.

"OurStory" takes aim at the housing crisis and silver tsunami with a new concept for infill housing and accessory dwellings in the Omaha metro and beyond.

The exhibition will be open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. An opening reception and design reveal are set for Dec. 16 from 4:30 to 6 p.m.

All events are free and open to the public. The exhibition is made possible with support from Partners for Livable Omaha, Actual Architecture Co., Build Your Fortress and Dundee Bank.

Short Takes is a compilation of lightly edited press releases from various organizations. If you'd like to have your information included, send it to at least 10 days before the item needs to run. Photos are welcomed with a photo credit and caption.

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