Great Plains Black History Museum Receives Grant to develop community education programs

The Great Plains Black History Museum in Omaha is rolling out over 20 free educational programs with the help of a $17,000 grant awarded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

With the help of local history professors from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and Metro Community College, along with archived records, the museum will develop 24 programs discussing a number of topics ranging from the history of African American music in the Omaha community to the involvement of African Americans in the settlement of the Great Plains.

Great Plains executive director Eric Ewing said the museum applied for the grant last year and plans to hold two sessions per month. One session will focus on local history and the other will focus on large-scale, national issues.

The free, 90-minute workshops are expected to debut at the end of the year, following the conclusion of this year’s set of workshops.

Great Plains executive director Eric Ewing said he hopes the classes will provide people with the opportunity to learn more about the contributions of the African-American community within the state.

“It’s just an opportunity to educate folks on the various contributions because when we understand each other’s contributions I think we gain a better understanding for each other and I think that benefits everyone,” Ewing said.