MARCH 2026 NEWSLETTER
February proved that Preserve Omaha is not standing still.
We testified at the State Capitol.
We hosted a town hall at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral.
We brought preservation into the rooms where decisions are made and gave our members a voice in shaping what comes next.
This is why you belong here.
This is what your membership makes possible.
And we are just getting started. JOIN TODAY
An Afternoon at the Trinity Episcopal Cathedral
In February, members and friends joined us inside Trinity Episcopal Cathedral for guided tours and an open town hall conversation.
Omaha was founded in 1854. Trinity’s original parish dates back to 1856. The cathedral was completed in 1883, and to stand inside that soaring Gothic space is to feel how deeply preservation anchors us to our beginnings.
The turnout was strong. The discussion was thoughtful. Members asked questions, voiced concerns, and shared ideas about where Preserve Omaha should focus next.
That kind of engagement strengthens our organization and our city.
The Spring Social Season is On: A Gilded Age Gathering at the General Crook House Museum
Sunday, March 29, 2026 | 3:00–5:30 PM
If you love Downton Abbey or The Gilded Age, this is your afternoon.
Step into the late 1880s, when Omaha’s spring social season shaped civic life. Calling cards announced arrivals. Gloves signaled propriety. Parlor conversations quietly influenced a growing city.
Through immersive historical vignettes unfolding throughout the house, champagne and light refreshments, and period-inspired music, we bring that world to life inside one of our region’s most iconic historic homes.
This is your opportunity to lean into elegance.
To honor the social graces of the era.
To wear your best and embrace the ritual of showing up well.
Florals. Gloves. Tailored suits. Polished shoes.
Or perhaps an 1880s silhouette worthy of a grand entrance.
The social calendar of 1888 moved quickly, and so will this guest list.
As the ladies of the Gilded Age might say,
One simply must attend.
Capacity is intentionally limited to preserve the intimacy and refinement of the afternoon. If you intend to join us, it would be wise to secure your place without delay.
Why It Matters
At a recent board meeting, we asked a simple question: Who benefits from Preserve Omaha?
Three clear answers emerged.
Homeowners benefit. Education and practical guidance give people confidence to care for their historic properties.
Neighborhoods benefit. Well-maintained historic homes strengthen property values, stability, and community pride.
The city benefits. Advocacy for historic places supports tourism, economic vitality, and the architectural character that makes Omaha distinct.
The educated homeowner builds a stronger neighborhood.
Strong neighborhoods build a stronger Omaha.
That is why this work matters.
March in Omaha History
When Omaha Was the Capital
On March 1, 1867, Nebraska officially became the 37th state in the Union.
At that moment, Omaha was the capital.
More than a decade earlier, on January 16, 1855, Acting Governor Thomas B. Cuming convened the First Territorial Legislature in Omaha, officially designating it the capital of the Nebraska Territory.
Those early legislative sessions were held in a two-story brick building located on Ninth Street, between Farnam and Douglas. From that modest structure, lawmakers debated the future of a vast frontier territory.
When statehood was achieved in March 1867, Omaha was still the seat of government. However, within months, a political compromise relocated the capital south to Lancaster, which was soon renamed Lincoln.
Omaha lost its title as the capital city.
But it did not lose its ambition.
Instead, it became the commercial engine of Nebraska. Railroads surged. Stockyards expanded. Immigrants built neighborhoods that still shape our city today. Brick by brick, Omaha reinvented itself.
The original territorial capital building no longer stands. Yet the ground it occupied remains part of our civic foundation.
Preservation allows us to remember that Omaha once stood at the political center of Nebraska’s birth.
Other Preservation Happenings
A Call for Volunteers
Looking to get more involved with preservation in the Omaha area? Preserve Omaha is looking for enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers to help us with our mission of recognizing, celebrating, and advocating for Omaha's historic places. Scheduling is flexible and we have a wide range of opportunities available, including research, event help, outreach, communication, and hands-on tasks. Take our survey to be the first to know about upcoming needs and events!
Please note: volunteer opportunities are limited to Preserve Omaha members. Not yet a member? Register on our website today!
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Be Part of What Happens Next
Preserve Omaha is growing, and your involvement matters.
If you are not yet a member, we invite you to join us.
If your membership has lapsed, now is the perfect time to renew.
If you believe in this work, consider making a donation to help us expand our advocacy and education efforts.
Your support allows us to testify, host town halls, create meaningful events, and advocate for the historic places that define Omaha.
We also want to hear from you.
Have a question, concern, or suggestion?
Reach out. Call. Email. Connect with a board member.
This organization belongs to its members.
And if you are looking to get more involved, we are always seeking volunteers. Whether your interest is events, advocacy, research, or neighborhood outreach, there is a place for you here.
Join us. Stay engaged. Help shape what comes next.
Warmly,
The Preserve Omaha Board
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