History   

The Strategic Air Command (SAC) and Aerospace Museum commemorate an impressive array of aircraft utilized to preserve peace during the Cold War. In addition to housing SAC aircraft and artifacts, the museum provides a venue for the restoration of aircraft, preservation and display of historical artifacts, and the education of future generations in the areas of history, technology and science. The SAC story is also about scientific exploration, technological innovation and a genuine commitment to the rigorous education and training of Americans to preserve our nation’s security and enhance its prosperity. Join us on a guided tour of the facility and hands-on experience building and launching a rocket.

Explore the rich history of the Transcontinental Railroad with a presentation and guided tour of the “Building America” exhibit at the Union Pacific Railroad Museum. Originally developed for the Smithsonian, the “Building America” presentation showcases a remarkable collection of 19th century photographs that bring to life the challenges and triumphs of railroad construction. Discover the stories of the diverse workforce—immigrants, laborers, and engineers—who built one of America’s greatest infrastructure achievements. Through rare artifacts and immersive displays, gain insight into how the railroad shaped the nation’s economy, communities, and westward expansion.

Learn about contemporary Otoe-Missouria history post-removal to Indian Territory (1881-present), the survivance of Otoe- Missouria people and ways of life, and language revitalization and reclamation among the Otoe-Missouria and other Nebraska tribes. The course will cover major U.S. Indian Policy such as the Dawes Act, Allotments, Termination, Indian Claims Commission, and Relocation. This offering is part of the “Walking in the Footsteps of our Ancestors: Re-Indigenizing Southeast Nebraska” project, a partnership of the Center for Great Plains Studies and the Otoe-Missouria Tribe that is funded by the Mellon Foundation.

Learn about contemporary Otoe-Missouria history post-removal to Indian Territory (1881-present), the survivance of Otoe- Missouria people and ways of life, and language revitalization and reclamation among the Otoe-Missouria and other Nebraska tribes. The course will cover major U.S. Indian Policy such as the Dawes Act, Allotments, Termination, Indian Claims Commission, and Relocation. This offering is part of the “Walking in the Footsteps of our Ancestors: Re-Indigenizing Southeast Nebraska” project, a partnership of the Center for Great Plains Studies and the Otoe-Missouria Tribe that is funded by the Mellon Foundation.

In 1927, Erwin H. Barbour, a professor of geology and zoology at the University of Nebraska and director of the Nebraska State Museum, was asked to fill another role: artist. Barbour drew pictures of fossil plants and animals for artist Hildreth Meiere to copy. She used these drawings to make mosaic pictures of fossils on the floor of the Nebraska State Capitol rotunda. Meiere also designed mosaics for the dome of the rotunda as well as for the foyer and vestibule. Learn about the fossils, the mosaics and what they depict. The fabrication of the mosaics, the materials used, and the overall project will also be covered.

Learn about the history of Lincoln’s Kennard House, originally the home of Thomas P. Kennard, Nebraska’s first Secretary of State. The Kennard House is the oldest building still standing that was part of Lincoln’s original town plat and was restored as a memorial to Nebraska statehood in 1967. We will tour the home, discuss its construction and architectural history, and learn about archeological investigations of the property conducted by UNL’s Summer Field School in Archeology and the History Nebraska State Archeology Office in the 1990s.

Learn about Lincoln Literacy’s outreach to the community and literacy services. The history of refugees and immigrants to Lincoln, current numbers and trends will be covered, plus a description of Lincoln Literacy and other agencies who provide services. Lincoln Literacy provides a continuum of services from beginner to advanced English, as well as workforce development focused classes in a variety of areas: certified nursing assistant, commercial drivers license, working in Lincoln Public Schools, or reentering a profession from their country of origin such as engineering, nursing, teaching, and more. Walk away with an increased awareness of the diversity in our community and the immense talents that these newcomers bring to Lincoln.

Learn about Lincoln Literacy’s outreach to the community and literacy services. The history of refugees and immigrants to Lincoln, current numbers and trends will be covered, plus a description of Lincoln Literacy and other agencies who provide services. Lincoln Literacy provides a continuum of services from beginner to advanced English, as well as workforce development focused classes in a variety of areas: certified nursing assistant, commercial drivers license, working in Lincoln Public Schools, or reentering a profession from their country of origin such as engineering, nursing, teaching, and more. Walk away with an increased awareness of the diversity in our community and the immense talents that these newcomers bring to Lincoln.

The following video programs are previously recorded OLLI courses. Learn at your own pace, on your own time and at your convenience. Over 40 hours of programming is available for a single cost of $30. After registration, you will receive an email with a “Join Code” and instructions on how to access programming.

All programming originates from OLLI at UNL.

Fly Girls

Instructor: Lynn Roper (5 sessions)

In 1929, at the dawn of aviation when every flight was a test of courage, 20 gutsy and passionate female pilots in propeller-driven planes raced from California to Ohio in the first female cross-country air race, making 18 stops in nine days. During World War II, the 1,034 Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) ferried and flight-tested aircraft bombers in the U.S. and taught men how to fly. When the war ended, Congress clipped their wings and sent the WASPs home; they did not receive military status until 1977. In 1961, 13 remarkable women pilots underwent secret testing to become America’s first female astronauts. The Mercury 13 were ignored by NASA and on Capitol Hill while the USSR sent its first woman into space in 1963. Lynn Ropers and other experts of women aviators share this fascinating series of lectures.

Keep the Memories, Not the Stuff

Instructor: Jeannine Bryant (3 sessions)

Our attachment to “stuff” is real. Letting go can be difficult. Yet, holding onto too much stuff can be suffocating or immobilizing, preventing us from living our best life because we are too weighed down by our possessions. Learn the problem of “inherited stuff” as well as our own “keepsake clutter.” Get a new perspective on memories, life, and love – and how none of it is tied to STUFF. Learn hands-on tips and practical advice for choosing which possessions to keep, to get rid of, and what it really means to leave a legacy for your loved ones.

The Politics and History of American Civil Religion

Instructor: Jonathan Redding (4 sessions)

Americans love to talk about having a “separation of church and state” to justify certain ends. On the surface, separation exists; there is no official national religion, and religious discrimination is forbidden by the 1st Amendment. The reality is quite different, as what scholars call American Civil Religion weighs heavily on issues like American morality, legality, justice, and equality. Topics covered include religious freedom, religious choice, and whether this hypothetical separation of Church and State is real or a pipe dream. Consider theologies behind the dominant streams of American Christianity to understand how political and religious leaders use their understanding of theology for political, social, and economic gain.

The Early Days of Nebraska Volleyball

Instructors: John Mabry, Vicki Highstreet (4 sessions)

Volleyball has been a part of the UNL athletic landscape for more than a century, but the sport didn’t gain much notoriety until the early 1970s, when the Huskers began to put together a program that is now known worldwide. Learn how its reputation grew from its humble beginnings, reaching a pinnacle in August, 2023, when Volleyball Day put 92,003 in Memorial Stadium stands. Meet the players who made it possible from those early Title IX days at Mabel Lee Hall and the Coliseum.

Top Ten Mistakes Made in Estate Planning

Instructor: Andrew Loudon (1 session)

Andrew Loudon, a Lincoln attorney, takes you through the top ten mistakes people make when estate planning. Have you prepared your estate or are you waiting until the last minute? What other mistakes make this list?

Sport in American Culture

Instructor: John Shrader (4 sessions)

Sport has been an important part of the American cultural landscape from the very popular blood sports of the 18th century through the development of the boxing and horse racing industries in the 19th century and the explosion of baseball, football, and basketball in the 20th century. Our society seldom sees the confluence of income, class, race, gender, identity, and celebrity the way we do in sports. Examine the role of sport in our society and how the media have been both partners and observers. Take a deep dive into sport and how it fits into American life; it’s not just about slam dunks, big contracts, SportsCenter and social media.

The Bible as Literature

Instructor: Jonathan Redding (6 sessions)

Study the growth and development of the collection of religious texts known as “the Bible.” There will be an emphasis on historical events that influence both content and context. Religion, literature, social, and political institutions are integral elements in the historical process.

The 6888th All-Black Female WWII Battalion

Instructor: Lynn Roper (5 sessions)

In February 1945, 800 Women’s Army Corps recruits in the segregated U.S. Army sailed to Europe to do something crucial to the war effort: clear a massive two-year backlog of undelivered mail to troops whose morale was low, due to having no contact from home and family. Though they experienced constant credential challenges and discrimination, the 6888th worked around the clock, 7 days a week, processing 65,000 pieces of mail each day.

Fascism: A Warning from History

Instructor: Anthony Foreman (4 sessions)

The word "fascism" has been increasingly used to describe some modern political movements across the world. Fascism is a loose, incoherent, and conflicted collection of ideologies, myths and hatreds that is difficult to define. Explore its origins in Benito Mussolini's Italy, its zenith in Nazi Germany, its continued influence in Cold War-era Spain and other manifestations throughout history. The course concludes with discussions surrounding today’s political movements and assistance in helping to identify and confront any possible fascist threats - before it is too late.

Ruth Etting was one of the most popular American singing stars of the late 1920s and early 1930s. Born in David City, Neb., she had a very successful career in Chicago, New York, and Hollywood. Florenz Ziegfeld, who glorified Ruth in the Follies, rated her as “the greatest singer of songs” that he had managed in a forty-year career. On radio she established herself as America’s pre-eminent popular singer, repeatedly voted as the top female singer on the air in national listener polls and recording over 200 songs by such composers as Irving Berlin, Johnny Green, Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart. Learn about Ruth and her colorful life using archival materials from the UNL Music Library.

Ruth Etting was one of the most popular American singing stars of the late 1920s and early 1930s. Born in David City, Neb., she had a very successful career in Chicago, New York, and Hollywood. Florenz Ziegfeld, who glorified Ruth in the Follies, rated her as “the greatest singer of songs” that he had managed in a forty-year career. On radio she established herself as America’s pre-eminent popular singer, repeatedly voted as the top female singer on the air in national listener polls and recording over 200 songs by such composers as Irving Berlin, Johnny Green, Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart. Learn about Ruth and her colorful life using archival materials from the UNL Music Library.

Explore this 2020 addition to the National Register of Historic Places and learn about the infamous and notorious Robber’s Cave. Tour the cave and discover its fascinating past, including the cave’s ownership through the past century and beyond as well as hear about the legends who used the cave. Learn about not only the geological and man-made origins of the cave but hear entertaining anecdotes along the way.

Explore this 2020 addition to the National Register of Historic Places and learn about the infamous and notorious Robber’s Cave. Tour the cave and discover its fascinating past, including the cave’s ownership through the past century and beyond as well as hear about the legends who used the cave. Learn about not only the geological and man-made origins of the cave but hear entertaining anecdotes along the way.

Enjoy the historical exhibits in the Larson Tractor Test and Power Museum located on UNL's East Campus. Any tractor sold in Nebraska must first be tested at the museum. It is the only tractor testing museum in the world and the only complete tractor test laboratory in the world. The museum was built in 1920 and is dedicated to preserving and documenting the history of Nebraska's test laws dating from 1919. Enjoy a tour of the museum and visit to the test lab.

In 2021, the Pershing Mural on one wall of the Pershing Auditorium was on the brink of destruction with no plans to retain it. A small team committed itself to saving the mural and installing it in a fitting location for future generations to enjoy. The first two class sessions will provide an update on the final stages of installing the mural at Wyuka Park, as well as connecting it to the legacy of General of the Armies John J. Pershing. The third session will be a tour of the newly renovated Wyuka Park and the Pershing Mural undergoing installation. Project contractors will explain the intricate techniques required to save what will become the largest free- standing mural of its type in the world. Both sections will meet in the classroom on June 11 and 18, then split into two groups for the walking tours June 25 and July 2.

In 2021, the Pershing Mural on one wall of the Pershing Auditorium was on the brink of destruction with no plans to retain it. A small team committed itself to saving the mural and installing it in a fitting location for future generations to enjoy. The first two class sessions will provide an update on the final stages of installing the mural at Wyuka Park, as well as connecting it to the legacy of General of the Armies John J. Pershing. The third session will be a tour of the newly renovated Wyuka Park and the Pershing Mural undergoing installation. Project contractors will explain the intricate techniques required to save what will become the largest free- standing mural of its type in the world. Both sections will meet in the classroom on June 11 and 18, then split into two groups for the walking tours June 25 and July 2.

Take a tour of the Nebraska State Capitol that will cover general Capitol information as well as little known facts that will bring to light the people who contributed to making the Capitol the artistic showcase it is. The tour will include discussion of the work of the Office of the Capitol Commission to preserve the historical integrity of the building while making it function in the 21st century. Depending on the schedules of the functions of government, there may be opportunities to see some areas not usually seen on the public tour.

Take a tour of the Nebraska State Capitol that will cover general Capitol information as well as little known facts that will bring to light the people who contributed to making the Capitol the artistic showcase it is. The tour will include discussion of the work of the Office of the Capitol Commission to preserve the historical integrity of the building while making it function in the 21st century. Depending on the schedules of the functions of government, there may be opportunities to see some areas not usually seen on the public tour.

The U.S. Constitution of 1789 lays out the mechanism for calling subsequent conventions, but that mechanism has never been used. Now, Nebraska is one of 19 states who have signed on to the effort to call for a Convention of the States to propose amendments to the Constitution. A minimum of 34 states is required to make a convention happen. Proponents say we need a convention to bring power back to the states and the people and out of the hands of bureaucrats. Opponents say the convention could endanger the nation’s principles and institutions since the U.S. Constitution includes no rules or boundaries for what can be done at a convention. This course’s first session will feature a constitutional scholar explaining the history and philosophy behind the Constitution and the principles it lays out. At the second session, an opponent and proponent of calling a convention will present their arguments.

The U.S. Constitution of 1789 lays out the mechanism for calling subsequent conventions, but that mechanism has never been used. Now, Nebraska is one of 19 states who have signed on to the effort to call for a Convention of the States to propose amendments to the Constitution. A minimum of 34 states is required to make a convention happen. Proponents say we need a convention to bring power back to the states and the people and out of the hands of bureaucrats. Opponents say the convention could endanger the nation’s principles and institutions since the U.S. Constitution includes no rules or boundaries for what can be done at a convention. This course’s first session will feature a constitutional scholar explaining the history and philosophy behind the Constitution and the principles it lays out. At the second session, an opponent and proponent of calling a convention will present their arguments.