Omaha Since World War II:
The Changing Face of the City
From the decline of downtown and the birth of shopping malls to the evolution of city government and the unfolding of the current riverfront renaissance, "Omaha Since WWII: The Changing Face of the City" tells the city's story. Among the history experts whose scholarly comments are included in the program are Nebraska history specialist Dr. Harl Dalstrom, Professor Emeritus, University of Nebraska at Omaha; Dr. Bill Pratt, Professor of History, UNO; Dr. Thomas Kuhlman, Professor of American Studies, Creighton; Dr. Charles Gildersleeve, Professor of Geography, UNO; and Garneth O. Peterson, AICP.
Omahans who provide details on the city's history include Mrs. Jean Holland, widow of DePorres Club founder Denny Holland; Wilda C. Stephenson, retired educator; and Omaha World-Herald photographer Rudy Smith. Both the first formal City Planning Director, Alden Aust, now retired, and Marty Shukert, one of his successors, offer insights on the challenges that faced the city. Other interviewees include Samuel and Mark Mercer, Frankie Pane, George Haecker and the late Preston Love.
The vibrancy of the north and south Omaha communities, the story of the Dreamland Ballroom and the importance of the packing industry are explored. The decline and rebirth of downtown, the development of the Old Market and the significance of Jobbers' Canyon are all examined.
Whether it's the story of downtown in the 1950s, the civil rights struggles of the 1960s or the story of new urban pioneers and a riverfront renaissance, "Omaha Since World War II: The Changing Face of the City" is the story of how people and events have shaped modern Omaha. (2004) More
The Road to Morocco:
Journey to Understanding
Morocco and the United States have both similarities and contrasts religiously. Both countries profess freedom of religion. In America Christians are in the extreme majority while Morocco is almost exclusively Islamic. The United States strives to have little interaction between government and organized religion while Morocco is an Islamic state in which the two are very closely tied. In Morocco Muslims have experienced peaceful co-existence and interaction with Christians and Jews for more than 1000 years but the non-Muslim population is currently less than two percent. In America the members of non-Christian religions are expanding rapidly.
UNO Television followed the tour group's travels, discussions and encounters in Morocco. The resulting documentary will provide a historical perspective that previews the social issues soon to be faced in a multi-religious America.
Viewers of the program will follow the participants through Morocco as they explore historic sites, some more than one thousand years old. Significant locations of all three faiths will be visited and Muslim, Christian and Jewish religious leaders will be heard. The experience provided the participants with a unique setting in which to explore the faiths and traditions of others while examining their own convictions. What they experienced and learned can be a window into the future for the United States as its multi-religious population continues to grow. (Fall 2002)
Return to the Cave of Letters
"Return to the Cave of Letters" is a one hour documentary produced by UNO Television and scheduled for air in fall 2001. Producer Carl Milone and writer Carol Schrader take viewers to the historic hiding place for Jews whom escaped the last revolt against the Romans during the 2nd century AD. In 1962, that hiding place yielded precious secrets about the 2nd century disaster for the Jewish people. That excavation also provided new documentation about life in that time.
Ground penetrating radar (GPR) and an endoscope... what do they have in common? They are keys to the first archeological venture into a historic Israeli desert cave in nearly 40 years.
Return to the Cave of Letters is a one-hour documentary by UNO Television. Scheduled to air November 4th, 2001, the program takes viewers to the historic hiding place for Jews who escaped the last revolt against the Romans. In 1962, that hiding place yielded precious secrets about the second century disaster for the Jewish people. That excavation also provided new documentation about life in that time.
Experts felt certain that the rubble-ridden cave and others nearby may still tell us more. But after the invasive dig four decades ago, guardians of Israeli antiquities feared destruction of this national shrine.
Enter the novel approach offered by history professor and Co-director of the UNOmaha Bethsaida Project, Richard Freund, Ph.D. Freund theorized that ground penetrating radar (GPR) and a medical scope could help detect pockets that might contain new finds, without ripping up the cave interior. The Israeli government was willing to give it a try. The documentary shows the work in the Cave of Letters that tested Freund's theory.
The show also probes the mystery and controversy that still lives surrounding Bar Kokhba, charismatic leader of that fateful revolt.
A hallmark of "Return to the Cave of Letters" is its Nebraska signature. The 1999 Cave of Letters expedition was led by Freund and his UNO cohort, Rami Arav, Ph.D. The ongoing project operates under the auspices of UNOmaha's International Studies and Programs. Two other UNOmaha professors were involved: John Shroder, Ph.D. and Phil Reeder, Ph.D. Both are members of the Geography-Geology Department. Gordon Brubacher, Ph.D., and professor of Religion on Doane's Crete, Nebraska campus represented Doane College. The man in charge of the endoscope on site was Omaha Family Practice physician, Gordon Moshman, MD. (2001)
St. Cecilia's:
A Cathedral for the ages.
Almost a century ago the people of the Omaha Archdiocese had a vision to build a magnificent cathedral in the countryside just outside the city. Designed by Omaha's premiere architect Thomas Rogers Kimball, St. Cecilia's Cathedral stands as a lasting tribute to the effort and faith of the people who built it. Kimball's choice of Spanish Renaissance Revival style sets the building apart from the Gothic cathedrals of the early 20th century. The massive twin towers can be seen from around the city. Since its completion in 1959, St. Cecilia's has stood as a symbol of the faith of those who built and now use it. In 1997, the Omaha Archdiocese undertook an effort to restore the cathedral and preserve it for future generations. "St. Cecilia's A Cathedral for the Ages" tells the story of the efforts to build and restore this remarkable piece of architecture. (2000)
Restoring the Vision
Designed more than a century ago by the eminent landscape architect H.W.S. Cleveland, Omaha's park system and accompanying network of scenic, landscaped boulevards, was considered novel and visionary. Cleveland's designs featured rolling terrain, curving pathways, pastoral bodies of water and numerous tree plantings that provided a welcome respite from the growing urban sprawl. His philosophy of park design was heralded and emulated. The October 1997 snowstorm that threatened the heart of these parks, their majestic old tree stock, proved to be the catalyst for an immense effort of replacing the large number of damaged trees and "Restoring The Vision" that Cleveland had demonstrated in their creation. (2000)
Westward the Empire
Omaha's World Fair of 1898
The Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition was one of contrasts. Grand classical buildings that were designed to be torn down. The impressive lagoon and buildings and the eclectic midway with its rides and attractions. An idealized "dream world" that contrasted with life on the plains during the depression of the 1890's. (1998)
More Information and Pictures from the documentary.
THE WAR comes to Nebraska
A 90 minute documentary highlighting the numerous contributions made by Nebraskans in the effort to win World War II. The Martin bomber facility, ordnance plants, POW camps, scrap drives, volunteering at canteens and rationing are all brought back to life as Nebraskans relive the actions taken and sacrifices made for victory. (1997)
The Lost City of Bethsaida
The Lost City of Bethsaida, a one hour documentary on the history and excavation of the once lost city of Bethsaida. As the pyramids were built in Egypt, this city first rose on the north shore of the Sea of Galilee near the Jordan River. It was a sea port, a center of Jewish learning, a major crossroads of the ancient world, home to the Christian Apostles and the site of many of Jesus' miracles. (1997)
Pictures and Information about the documentary.
If These Walls Could Speak...
If These Walls Could Speak... tells the story of Omaha's first 100 years. It focuses on the city's buildings - not as a study of steel and stone, but rather an examination of creations that represent people's dreams and aspirations. (1994)
More Information and Pictures from the documentary.
Consider This...
Consider This..., now in its ninth season, is a weekly half-hour issues and information program produced by UNO Television and hosted by Omaha journalist Andrea McMaster. This week's show as well as an archive of past shows are now available on the web.
Coming this fall on TKN...
TKN's Language Initiative
Three programs are being developed by UNO Television in collaboration with Omaha Public Schools and other Knowledge Network partners. The programs are being designed to assist those learning English as a second language and also to serve Omaha's Hispanic population.
The programs focus on serving three age groups: bilingual English/Spanish learning activities for pre-K and kindergarten; ESL vocabulary for adults and young adults; and family/community support resources for primarily Spanish-speaking parents.
The programs will begin airing in September, 2006, and will be presented in regularly scheduled time slots and also made available on Viewer's Choice.
Americana Music Showcase
Americana (a-mer-i-kan-a) n. pl. books, memorabilia, etc. relating to America, especially to U.S. history.
The dictionary tells us that Americana is that which relates to U.S. history. Americana music is best described as progressive roots country music, which offers an alternative to mainstream country. It has been called newgrass and bluegrass, insurgent country, and twang-core and its artists are tried and true legends. This down-to-earth music is performed on vintage instruments such as the banjo, fiddle, and steel guitar.
Americana Music Showcase, is a one-hour production featuring Americana music performed by local artists. The program was recorded on the campus of the University of Nebraska at Omaha. UNO Television brings you this hour program hosted by Dick Zion, a local musician and producer. Watch and listen as you become aware of what Americana music is and how it touches you. 60 minutes (1999)