This new, two-hour documentary from UNO Television explores the explosive recent growth and development of the city of Omaha. Inspired by the popularity of its 1994 program "If These Walls Could Speak...Exploring Omaha's Past Through Its Historic Buildings," UNO Television takes a look at the more recent history of Omaha. "If These Walls Could Speak..." examines the city's history through its significant architectural structures. But, "Omaha Since World War II: the Changing Face of the City" delves into the people and events that have shaped the city in the postwar era. 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; and Garneth O. Peterson, AICP, Senior Historian URS Corp. Everyday citizens who help tell the story of downtown and South Omaha include Mrs. Jean Holland, who also talks about her late husband Denny's contribution to the civil rights movement through the DePorres Club. Another notable interviewee is the late musician Preston Love, who was interviewed in January of 2003 about the challenges that the African-American community faced. Love also paints a vivid picture of the bustling black community that included the historically significant Dreamland Ballroom. (Love died of cancer in February of 2004.) Both the first formal City Planning Director, Alden Aust, now retired, and Marty Shukert, one of his successors, offer insights from their vantage points on the challenges that faced the city. Omaha World-Herald photographer Rudy Smith provides first-hand stories of the civil rights riots. Old Market developers Samuel and Mark Mercer, downtown businessman Frankie Pane and former Landmarks Inc. president and architect George Haecker offer viewpoints on topics such as the creation of Old Market and the destruction of the historic Jobbers' Canyon area. The new program explores topics such as: the vibrancy of downtown after the war, when it was still the heart of the city. the decline of downtown as suburbs pushed west and shopping malls were born. the significance of North 24th Street to the African-American community. South Omaha and the importance of the stockyards and packing plants to the economy. changes to North and South Omaha as the city reacted to social and economic changes. the geographic expansion of the city. the growth of industries from meat packing to telemarketing. the significance of leaders in the 1950s and 1960s including former city planning director Alden Aust and former civic leader A.V. Sorensen, both influential in shaping city government and city geography. the impact of the civil rights movement and fights for equality in the 1950s and 1960s. the civil rights riots of the 1960s. the evolution of the Old Market area from its produce wholesaling function to hippie haven to retail center. the Jobbers' Canyon controversy, which ended with the loss of over twenty-two unique, historic warehouse buildings. The area now houses the ConAgra campus and the Heartland of America Park. Efforts to rebuild the downtown as a civic center and the "return to the river" concept. How it took 30 years of struggle to achieve the successes seen in 2003 with the opening of the new riverfront public spaces, civic center and new businesses. How this marked a revolution from the old industrial city of the early 1900s to a 21st Century city of high-tech business and public amenities. 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. ### "Omaha Since WWII" is a production of UNO Television It was made possible with major support from the City of Omaha, and the Gilbert M. and Martha H. Hitchcock Foundation, with additional support from the Alan and Marcia Baer Family Charitable Trust, HDR, Inc., Wiesman Development, and the Architectural Foundation of Nebraska ### "Omaha Since WWII" is the ninth documentary produced by UNO Television. Programs previously produced by UNO Television include "If These Walls Could Speak...Exploring Omaha's Past Through Its Historic Buildings" "The War Comes to Nebraska" "Westward the Empire: Omaha's World Fair of 1898" "St. Cecilia's: A Cathedral for the Ages" "Restoring the Vision" "The Lost City of Bethsaida" "Return to the Cave of Letters" "The Road to Morocco: Journey to Understanding"
VHS and DVD copies are now available