John Schleicher credits his love of history to his grandmother, who immigrated from Russia when she was a child.
As a boy, Schleicher was captivated by stories of Ellis Island and her other experiences. As he grew, his interest in history continued — so much so that, after completing an undergraduate degree in education, he took his master’s in history.
Today, Schleicher — the head of special collections for the McGoogan Library of Medicine since 2002 — uses his expertise to explore the history of UNMC in monthly columns in UNMC Today. With Robert Wigton, M.D. — “He’s the man!” Schleicher said — he’s one of UNMC’s unofficial campus historians, finding and sharing tales from UNMC’s long and storied history.
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“I had always worked in museums and archives before I came to UNMC, but I never had any medical history background before I came here,” Schleicher said.
“There are a lot of different stories that we have that can be told from the archives,” he said. In the past, he’s written or contributed to stories about a series of tornadoes that rocked the city and the campus, the First World War’s effect on the college, and two medical students’ long-distance romance in the 1930s.
“There are a lot of true stories out there that can be told.
“I don’t think people realize some of the medical and institutional history, how connected it all is down through the years,” he said.
For example, Schleicher can trace his former Plattsmouth doctor — who treated him from when he was 9 months old until he left for college — to Robert Ramsay Livingston, M.D., an important figure in UNMC history.
Growing up, Schleicher would sometimes visit the Cass County Museum. Outside the museum was a historical marker featuring information about Dr. Livingston — one of the founders of The Omaha Medical College and a signee of the college’s original charter.
Dr. Livingston’s sons took over his practice in Plattsmouth, and later passed it on to another graduate. That doctor, who graduated from the medical college in 1917, eventually turned the practice over to the man who was Schleicher’s own doctor when he was growing up in Plattsmouth.
“So I call that my clinical genealogy,” he said with a smile. “I can trace back from that Plattsmouth doctor’s office to this figure in UNMC history — essentially the first dean of the Omaha Medical College — right up on that big brass marker outside the Cass County Museum.”
I can't thank John enough for all he does to preserve UNMC's history. It takes a special person to assume this role. I'm glad to see John get the recognition he deserves!
As an MSIA PhD student in the history of medicine, I cannot say enough about how great John has been in terms of helping me find obscure sources. I could not complete this degree program without his assistance and knowledge of all the amazing historical resources we have available here at UNMC. And his portrayal of Dr. Livingston is tremendous. Thanks John, for all you do for the history of medicine!
I too want to thank John for his love of history and his willingness to share it. It is especially fascinating to learn about where "our" institution came from and gain an understanding of how we came to be the historic and respected entity we are today. Thanks John
Wonderful to read a great story about my friend John. We became well acquainted while I was at UNMC. Not only was he a tremendous resource for us in Alumni Affairs; the alumni loved him too! I appreciated John sharing his historical knowledge of UNMC and willingness to help out at all times. Plus, his sense of humor makes learning about history fun. Cheers to you John!
Mr. Schleicher, thank you so much for all your work in preserving the rich history of our Medical Center and the people who made it what it is today. You are truly one of the special people who take the time to enlighten us and I look forward to your stories of the past.
Marge Piper