Stories

The #GivingEveryTuesday theme for January 23, 2024 is History. 

Educate yourself on how local nonprofits are making the Omaha/Council Bluffs greater metro a better place by preserving and sharing history:

All local History nonprofits

Institute for Holocaust Education

Scott Littky, executive director for Institute for Holocaust Education, shares, "IHE believes that through the study of the Holocaust one can learn to make our world a better place.  We believe that through the lessons of empathy, understanding and to act as an upstander when presented with the opportunity, one can make our world a better place."

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IHE reaches over 15,000 people a year in Nebraska through their programs.  They strongly believe in the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam which is the concept of “repairing the world.” Their programs strongly support and encourage improving how we act towards our fellow human beings.

"IHE would encourage all members of our community to attend an IHE program.  We believe that by attending and learning from our programs, one will be able to move forward with making our world a better place and move away from indifference," says Scott.

As Elie Wiesel said – “The opposite of love is not hate, it's indifference. The opposite of art is not ugliness, it's indifference. The opposite of faith is not heresy, it's indifference. And the opposite of life is not death, it's indifference.”

Donate to Institute for Holocaust Education 

Sarpy County Museum

Erin Cejka, marketing & communications coordinator for Sarpy County Museum, shares, "It is important to donate to nonprofits that share history because we are both keepers of the past and future. We educate the public on the positives and negatives of past local history to hopefully influence positive changes for the future."

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The Sarpy County Museum serves Sarpy County but also provides insight into the state of Nebraska as the oldest city is Bellevue. They believe it's important for people to know how far the state has come since French fur trappers settled with local Native Americans along the Missouri River in Bellevue. The Sarpy County Museum is helping spread this knowledge by offering school tours, free monthly programming, and free admission. 

"One thing we need from the community is volunteers of all ages and availabilities. In 2024, we plan to hold more programs and take on more projects, both of which require some awesome volunteers! With 3rd and 4th grade tours around the corner, we are in great need of volunteers able to lead these tours and interact well with children. We are also in need of volunteers who can help regularly with research projects, assist with public events, and/or assist with more laborious tasks like painting and moving items. Volunteers help the museum world go round, and we would love anyone willing to help!" says Erin. 

Donate to the Sarpy County Museum

Douglas County Historical Society

Liz Boutin, Interim Executive Director of Douglas County Historical Society, shares, "The importance of donating to nonprofit organizations that share history is to help preserve history for future generations. By preserving the history of Douglas County through proper care and storage, the Douglas County Historical Society (DCHS) provides access to the collections through research, programs, and exhibits such as the General Crook House Museum." 

Support from the community, whether by funding or volunteering, helps DCHS continue its mission.

Donate to the Douglas County Historical Society

Czech and Slovak Educational Center and Cultural Museum

Colleen Kurmel of the Czech and Slovak Educational Center and Cultural Museum shares, "The mission of nonprofits, like the Czech and Slovak Educational Center and Cultural Museum, is to share, promote and educate members of our community on the rich culture and history of the Czech and Slovaks in Nebraska." 

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They share their culture by offering Czech and Slovak cooking & baking, egg decorating, genealogy and language classes at the museum. They also feature a number of displays which highlight the Czech and Slovak cultures and traditions.

"As a nonprofit, we greatly appreciate any financial assistance.  Maintaining our facility and displays is an ongoing process.  We are also in need of volunteers to assist with tours, upkeep and general maintenance," says Colleen. 

Donate to the MuseumVolunteer at the Museum

Prospect Hill Historic Cemetery and Arboretum

Barb Naughtin of Prospect Hill Historic Cemetery and Arboretum  shares that the cemetery is  "committed to educating the public about Omaha’s founders and the events that shaped the city from its beginnings and expand their knowledge of the past."

Prospect Hill Historic Cemetery, Omaha’s oldest burial place, focuses on Omaha’s history and works to preserve and protect the cultural heritage of our city. By supporting the cemetery, you contribute to the restoration and protection of some of Omaha’s most historical monuments for future generations. Prospect Hill Historic Cemetery’s historical archives are vital for researchers, historians, and the public to access and they hope to maintain and digitize our archives, making them more accessible and ensuring their long-term preservation.

Prospect Hill Historic Cemetery pursues a focus on promoting cultural diversity by highlighting the contributions by Prospect Hill Cemetery to the North Omaha community by promoting the significance of the diversity of people buried here.

Learning about history can inspire individuals to make positive changes in the present and future. The historic cemetery supports initiatives that draw connections between the past and current issues, encouraging positive social change.

"Prospect Hill Cemetery needs the entire city of Omaha’s support and attention. Maintaining Prospect Hill Historic Cemetery & Arboretum is an investment in the preservation of Omaha’s collective past, education, and community well-being. It helps ensure that future generations have access to valuable information from history and promotes a deeper understanding of the city in which we live," says Barb.

Donate to Prospect Hill Cemetery