Great Plains Black History Museum Announces Powerful Spring Exhibits, 50th Anniversary

The Great Plains Black History Museum invites the community to experience a landmark year in 2026, featuring two compelling exhibitions and a signature 50th Anniversary Luncheon Celebration honoring five decades of preserving Black history across the region.

From the fight for citizenship during the Jim Crow era to the groundbreaking legacy of Negro League Baseball, this season of programming reflects the Museum’s continued commitment to education, remembrance, and community pride. 

Black Citizenship in the Age of Jim Crow (April 2 – May 31) 

Black Citizenship in the Age of Jim Crow explores the struggle for full citizenship and racial equality during the fifty years following the Civil War. Though constitutional amendments promised freedom and equality, those gains were fiercely challenged, leading to the rise of segregation, voter suppression, and the era of Jim Crow. 

Visitors will gain a deeper understanding of the resilience, advocacy, and courage of Black Americans who continued to pursue justice in the face of systemic barriers. 

A League of Our Own: Negro League Baseball (June 4 – July 5) 

This summer, the Museum proudly presents A League of Our Own: Negro League Baseball, celebrating the athletes, business leaders, and communities who built one of the most important chapters in American sports history. 

When African Americans were excluded from Major League Baseball, Black leaders established leagues of their own in 1920, creating opportunities that showcased extraordinary talent and determination. The exhibit highlights legendary players, historic teams, and the lasting impact of Negro League Baseball on America. 

50th Anniversary Luncheon Celebration and Hall of Fame Recognition 

The Great Plains Black History Museum will also commemorate its golden anniversary with a special luncheon celebration from noon to 2 p.m. on Friday, June 19, 2026, at The Venue, 2120 N. 30th St. The Museum is recognizing fifty years of preserving the stories, contributions, and lived experiences of African Americans in Omaha, Nebraska, and throughout the Great Plains. 

The 50th Anniversary Luncheon Celebration marks a significant milestone for the Museum, which has spent the last half-century safeguarding history that might otherwise be overlooked or forgotten. Tickets are $50 and include luncheon and a one-year Museum membership. Limited seats available. Visit gpblackhistorymuseum.org for more information.