Durham museum partnership rings in an activity-packed 2008

Leo Smith

UNMC and The Durham Western Heritage Museum are once again teaming up to provide medical center employees with an activity-filled year through the Time Travelers partnership.

The year’s partnership activities kick off with a noon presentation from the museum’s executive director, Leo Smith, on Wednesday, Jan. 30 in the Eppley Science Hall Amphitheater.

Last year, the museum completed a million dollar renovation to its permanent exhibits that resulted in a colorful and interactive world that brought the past to new life.

November also marked the grand-opening of the new Stanley and Dorothy Truhlsen Lecture Hall. This state-of-the-art facility is complete with theater-style seating for 256 people and distance learning capabilities.

Partnership calendar The following is a list of upcoming events held through the partnership between the medical center and the Durham Western Heritage Museum: Jan. 30 — “Museum’s History and Program Offerings” by Leo Smith, noon to 1 p.m., Eppley Science Hall Amphitheater March 11 — “In the Footsteps of a Female Settler” by Barbara Mayhew of the Nebraska Humanities Council, noon to 1 p.m. , Wittson Hall Amphitheater (Room 3034) March18 — “Nebraska through Song and Story” by Dan Holtz of the Nebraska Humanities Council, noon to 1 p.m., College of Nursing Rooms 1011-1012 April 22 — “Millionaires and Mansions,” a Gritty City Tour on Ollie the Trolley, noon to 1 p.m., $5 cover charge for the tour, which will begin outside the Durham Research Center May 20 — “National Geographic Ogalala Aquifer” by the museum’s scholar in residence, Jim Richardson, noon to 1 p.m., College of Nursing, Rooms 1011-1012

During his campus presentation, Smith will present an in-depth look at what the new facility and renovations mean to the Omaha community. Learn about lecture opportunities as well as what exhibits are in store for the upcoming year.

The Time Travelers partnership allows medical center employees, students and their immediate families to visit the museum free with valid identification. The partnership also provides lectures, workshops and other events on campus.

Smith is an Omaha native and retired United States Air Force Lieutenant General. Following his retirement, he joined the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce as coordinator of the Target Omaha project. Smith also has served as the director of Planned Giving and Major Gifts at the United Way of the Midlands and was directly involved with fundraising, contracting and construction of the Strategic Air and Space Museum.

Smith was named executive director of the Durham Western Heritage Museum in 2004.

Employees are encouraged to bring their lunch to his campus presentation.