People Drive From All Over Nebraska To The Durham Museum For The Nostalgia Alone
By Tamsen Butler|Published January 10, 2024
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Tamsen Butler
Author
A frequent contributor to Omaha Magazine, Tamsen Butler originally moved to Nebraska more than two decades ago. Though it was Offutt AFB that brought her here, it was the friendly people and low cost of living that kept her here.
Tamsen is an award-winning author with a writing career that spans nearly 20 years. And though she doesn’t use her psychology degree in a professional capacity, she finds that she uses it daily in everyday interactions.
She spent years exploring everything Nebraska has to offer with two kiddos in tow, but nowadays as an empty nester, she enjoys exploring the art and culture scene with the occasional hike thrown in for good measure.
Tamsen is a big fan of the Old Market area in Downtown Omaha but is also excited when it comes to exploring smaller towns in the state. She knows Nebraska has a lot of stories to tell, and she’s happy to search them out!
I took my grandfather to the Durham Museum in Nebraska once while he was visiting me, and his eyes lit up at the sight of the soda fountain, the streetcar, and just about every other nostalgic thing that’s from another time. Listening to him recount riding a streetcar to law school every day was one of my favorite moments with him.
Located near the Old Market in Omaha, The Durham used to be a train station and has been beautifully restored and maintained.
The art deco look of the exterior and ample parking welcome visitors to come inside and relive the past.
If wandering and exploring isn’t your style, step into one of the guided tours at The Durham, led by knowledgeable volunteers. And, don’t worry – there is plenty to explore with or without a guide!
Check out the permanent installations or visit the traveling exhibits. The Durham gets some impressive exhibits coming through, many of which are suitable for kids, but all of which have a historical aspect to them.
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Kids learn about history by recreating it at The Durham. The educational arm of the museum offers school field trips and day camps.
My kids’ favorite thing about the museum was the soda fountain, where we’d indulge in shakes and hot dogs while chatting about what it must have been like to live long ago.
Beyond this display is a cute gift shop featuring trinkets from another time and train paraphernalia that kids love.
The Durham Museum is one of my favorite places to visit in Omaha when I’m feeling nostalgic. I have some great memories there, especially of my kids asking me about what it was like to live in a pre-Internet world.
The Durham prompts questions like that, and it’s amazing. It’s worth the drive to check it out! Need somewhere to stay while you’re visiting? Check out the short-term rentals available on VRBO.
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