Prospect Hill Cemetery and Arboretum

The Prospect Hill Preservation Brass & Woodwind Socially Distanced Band, under the direction of Dave Krecek, will kick things off with a number of rousing marches. The First Nebraska Volunteers—uniformed Civil War reenactors — will present the colors.  Following the Invocation by Rev. Dr. Selwyn Q. Bachus  of Salem Baptist Church, Mr. Dave Krecek will lead the band through the National Anthem. Boy Scout Troop 42, from Dundee Presbyterian Church, will raise the flag and lead the Pledge of Allegiance

Host Shannon Lewis, representing the Prospect Hill Board of Trustees, will welcome guests and provide an update on cemetery activities and future plans.

Our guest speaker will be Omaha attorney Lawrence Dwyer. He is the author of the 2022 book "Standing Bear's Quest for Freedom: The First Civil Rights Victory for Native Americans." He has also authored a new book about Andrew Jackson Poppleton.  Mr. Dwyer regards AJ Poppleton as one of Nebraska's and Omaha's most prominent historical figures.  

The program closes with a Benediction, a three-volley musket salute by the First Nebraska Volunteers, and “Taps” as rendered by the Prospect Hill Preservation ensemble. 

After the formal program, Omaha raconteur Jim Fogarty will give the traditional eulogy to Anna Wilson at her gravesite. Wilson was a legendary local businesswoman and benefactor to Prospect Hill. Fogarty will be accompanied by the Preservation ensemble. In maintaining a tradition dating to 1912, a yellow rose will be laid on the marble slab that marks Anna’s grave. 

Enter the cemetery on Parker Street near 33rd. Volunteers will guide you to a parking spot in the southwest corner or feel free to park in the lot of the former . Bring a lawn chair or blanket. No dogs please the rifle salute is frightening to them. Refreshments will be available for purchase. Don’t pass the buck when the bucket is passed — give generously! Stay awhile and enjoy the historic grounds and arboretum. Please bring the kids but no dogs allowed. Thank you.

Following the program, Jim Fogarty will present the annual tribute to Omaha philanthropist and businesswoman Anna Wilson at her gravesite​.