Discover the hidden history beneath Omaha with the Douglas County Historical Society's Second Sunday Talks, featuring archaeologist Rob Bozell and his presentation, Under Omaha: Thousands of Years of Human History Beneath Our Feet.
Long before Omaha's modern streets, neighborhoods, and buildings existed, people lived, traveled, traded, and established communities throughout the region. Today, archaeological discoveries continue to reveal fascinating insights into the lives of those who came before us.
During this engaging presentation, Rob Bozell will explore thousands of years of human history uncovered through archaeological investigations across Omaha and the surrounding area.
Attendees will learn about discoveries involving ancient Indigenous villages and mounds, French fur trade posts, sunken steamboats, historic forts, and old trails. Each discovery provides valuable clues about the communities, cultures, and activities that shaped the region over centuries.
The presentation will also examine how archaeologists identify and investigate historical sites, what buried artifacts can reveal about the past, and how much of Omaha's history may still be waiting beneath the surface.
About the Speaker
Rob Bozell is an Omaha native with more than 45 years of experience as an archaeologist, including much of his career serving as Nebraska State Archeologist.
His professional interests include historical foodways, Indigenous archaeology over the past 2,000 years, and collaborating with tribes on repatriation efforts.
Bozell has authored numerous technical reports, journal articles, book chapters, and research monographs. In 2026, he coedited Below Nebraska: Archeology and Ancestors. Although he retired in 2021, he remains active in archaeological research and consulting.
Admission:
Douglas County Historical Society Members: Free
Non-Members: $5 suggested donation
Join the Douglas County Historical Society for an opportunity to explore a side of Omaha's history that often goes unseen and discover the stories hidden beneath our feet.
For more information and registration, visit: Second Sunday Talks