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Making Invisible Histories Visible

A group of people, some wearing masks, are gathered around a table discussing and examining various documents or photographs in a room with bright orange walls.

Working with Professionals
Students work with architects from BVH to develop their building plans (Nehemiah Barney Photo)
 

A group of young people, some with backpacks, standing together in a park-like setting with trees and grass in the background.

Walking Tours
Learning about Omah's past by walking its historic neighborhoods and listening to residents and local historians share their memories. (Nehemiah Barney Photo)

A group of people, some wearing colorful clothing, are gathered around a counter, preparing and serving food in what appears to be a kitchen or food service setting.

Sampling Local Restaurants
MIHV participants get a sampling of soul food and hearing about its history from Gladys Harrison, owner of Big Mama's Restaurant on North 30th Street. (Nehemiah Barney Photo)

The image shows a group of people sitting in a classroom, with one individual holding a diagram or schematic in their hands.

Retracing Omaha's Streetcar Route
MIHV student and teachers ride on Ollie the Trolley to discover Omaha's former streetcar stops and the history behind them (Nehemiah Barney Photo)

The image depicts a cozy and eclectic music shop filled with various musical instruments, including guitars, drums, and other memorabilia. In the foreground, two people are seated on chairs, engaged in conversation, while a third person is visible in the background, seemingly interacting with the shop's contents.

Interviewing Neighborhood Historians
Students capture the history and stories of the 40th and Hamilton building from owners John Hargiss and Mary Thorsteinson. (Nehemiah Barney Photo)

Making Invisible Histories Visible

Each summer from 2010 to 2025, Omaha Public Schools rising 9th graders and social studies teachers came together with professors, community members, and university students to create original content about Omaha and Nebraska's diverse history. Students spent time in historic neighborhoods, worked with archival materials and collected oral history interviews. Students processed what they uncovered, selected artifacts, wrote accompanying text and created short documentary films and StoryMaps about their topic. Teachers wrote accompanying curriculum, and the information became a local historical resource for students and teachers.  

Building partnerships with local universities, museums, historical societies, and members of the public, Making Invisible Histories Visible strengthened connections between Omaha Public Schools and the community. The online format of the projects also allowed community members to view them, providing public access to the often-overlooked histories of local racial and ethnic groups.

We hope you enjoy exploring the rich history of Omaha and Nebraska.

The project was made possible by founding partner, The Sherwood Foundation.