Transcript Document

City of Omaha Links
Teacher Resources
Introduction
Notetaking
Link to World Almanac for Kids
Introduction and What you will find…
This database contains information specific to Omaha and the people of our community
who stand out as leaders in our community. Some have provided a path for others to
travel; and many have used their sense of business for the growth and development of
Omaha.
There have been so many Omahans who have contributed their gifts and talents
through hard work and monetary contributions, making it difficult to choose among them.
Many of these fine citizens have public schools, parks, buildings and streets named in
honor of their generous and philanthropic efforts. Do you know which ones they are?
In no way is this database an exhaustive list of the very important persons who live or
have lived in our community.
What you will find here…
The Teacher Resource page contains a list of website for teachers and students to use in
conjunction with finding out about Omaha. Each website listed has a brief description of
what it has to offer. Each site contains numerous links to read and explore.
The Our Cultural Omaha page will take you, by ethnic group, to members of our
community. Many pages have links which provide additional information.
The Reference page will provide a list of books and websites where this information
was gathered. A link is provided for each site for additional exploration.
Our Cultural Omaha
Notable African Americans
Notable Caucasians (whites)
Notable Jewish Americans
Notable Hispanic/Latino Americans
Notable Native Americans
Notable Asian-American
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Teacher Resources
City of Omaha Websites
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www.historicomaha.com This site provides information about early Omaha and links
to other data. Here you’ll find the Omaha song, the cities official seal and a picture of
old city hall.
www.omahachamber.org This site showcases who we are in Omaha; and what makes
our city great. From jobs and economic development; to statistics and facts about
Omaha, you will be taken on a tour of what this community has to offer its citizens.
Many photos are provided.
www.visitomaha.com This is the official website of the Greater Omaha Convention &
Visitors Bureau. Generally, what there is to do, see and enjoy. Here you’ll find maps,
local events, travel information, famous people in Omaha, top Fortune 500 companies
and so much more.
www.omaha.com This site is maintained and operated by the Omaha World Herald.
OWH provides newspapers for education: http://nie.omaha.com/ in addition to daily
news; locally, regionally and nationally. There is also many links to services in and
around Omaha.
www.omahaculturefest.org Although some of this site is still under construction, it
provides links to cultural events and societal organizations throughout Omaha. They
are looking for contributing authors who know information about our diverse
community.
www.DiscoverBlackOmaha.com This site promotes positive information about people
of color; and promotes black and minority owned businesses. You may find out about
local events or add your own event to this site.
Blackfacts.com
This site provides information about African American History. This site
is claimed to be the largest database of black history; with full text articles happenings on
any given day in our nation’s history.
www.omahasistercities.com/
The main goal of this site is to provide information about
all cultures so that we may all learn and understand each other on a global (worldwide)
level. Some of the city links are: Shizuoko, Japan, Naas, Ireland, Xalapa, Mexico and
Braunschweig, Germany. What a great way to exchange ideas and information with
other cultures. *Sistercities.com is looking for contributing members to share information
and photos alike.
www.nebpress.com
This site is the link to the Nebraska Press Association, which is an
organization whose purpose is to maintain and enforce the freedom of the press, or the
written word. Here you will find information about 700 Nebraskans in PDF format, which
is downloadable: 1.6MBs. The author, E.A. Kral, researched and wrote information
about 700 nationally recognized individuals who have contributed to our states culture.
Kral, himself was a teacher in California and Nebraska for 30 years.
You’ll find a multitude of information here; including facts about all
50 states. Go to the USA map and click on Nebraska, you will be taken to a page full of
statistics: population, races, incomes etc. There is a special section for teachers with
printing for coloring pages and lessons. In addition, links to American Monuments and
memorials along with documents defining the U.S. Constitution and legislative bills.
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www.classbrain.com/
www.ci.omaha.ne.us This site provides information from the mayor’s office,
police department, city council to the Townhall meetings and the Amber alert
system. Quick links provide a way to locate serves in an around our community.
www.joslyn.org/teach/teach.htm
Information concerning educational resources
both physical and online are provided for teachers. Many of the outreach trunks
available are full of multicultural artifacts and information-FREE. Special events for
schools and citizens of Omaha are posted as well as membership fees. A special
link for Kids Connection offers kids things to do at home; and Theo’s Feather Files
helps you learn more about art.
www.dwhm.org/
This is the main site for the Durham Western Heritage Museum.
Explore realia and learn about Omaha’s rich cultural history. They have a tipi, old
house, and other artifacts staged for your viewing pleasure. The museum provides
special events and exhibits which are aligned with school’s curricular focus. In
addition, learning booklets are available at minimal cost or free! Children and adult
programs can be arranged by contacting the museum.
www.omahablackmusic.com
The sole (soul) purpose of this website is to recognize
musicians who have roots in Omaha. The first ever; Hall of Fame, will induct
persons who have contributed much to the cultural and musical scene in Omaha.
35 inductees are currently showcased on this site. An event which will be held in
conjunction with the Native Omahan’s biennial Homecoming will use monies
gathered for Omaha Public School children who wish to pursue their musical talents.
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www.wikipedia.org This site is a free encyclopedia full of information in
several languages; including Spanish. Also, each highlighted word will give
you a definition by just clicking once. Information is added daily, giving each
reader current resource materials.
http://www.nativeamericans.com/Omaha.htm This site is full of links to
information about the Omaha Indian tribe and others who lived in this
community. Early Omaha history, information about treaties the U.S.
government signed with Native Americans, and actual recordings of Omaha
Indian music.
http://www.americaslibrary.gov/cgi-bin/page.cgi/es/ne/omaha_1 This site
provides information about each state and its history. The Omaha Indians of
long ago and today are showcased, as well as a page about Nebraska’s
general history. Click on the map of the U.S. and locate the state you are
interested in. Listen to music from many eras and singers. A Native
American song from the Nebraska Omaha Indians. Omaha singers perform
"Hethu'shka Song."
http://www.omaha.com/index. This site is the Omaha World Herald link for
online access-it’s FREE. Go to contact, click Frequently Asked Questions link,
then register for online access to other articles. Hint: Key in: Ruby Asugha for
more African Americans in our community. Key in: Susan Aguilera-Robles for
more Hispanic Americans in our community. ….People You Should Know
series of articles will appear.
Ernie Chambers
July 10, 1937-
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Senator Chambers has served in office since
1970.
Committees involvement includes: Agriculture,
Business, Judiciary and Executive board.
Senator Chambers has fought for equal rights for
underprivileged citizens as well as all members
of our community.
He has sponsored many legislative bills which
represent equality for all.
He predominately represents the people of his
district #11, which is in North Omaha.
Senator Chambers is an advocate against the
death penalty
To find out more about the state senators go to:
www.unicam.state.ne.us/senators
For a free kid’s guide e-mail:
[email protected]
Malcolm X
May 19, 1925 - February 21, 1965
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Malcolm was born in Omaha
Due to bigotry, hatred and racism which
Malcolm saw and lived, he became filled with
hatred and distrust.
He joined the Nation of Islam and changed his
name to El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz
A trip to Mecca in Saudi Arabia changed him
(hatred had left his heart)
He became a different man after visiting the holy
cities
Malcolm opened his eyes to all and spoke his
message to all races
Just when unity among men and brotherhood
embraced his spirit… he was assassinated
A special day is celebrated to remember him and
what he tried so hard to accomplish-brotherhood
Photos Courtesy of :
EDDIE ADAMS/AP ·
http://www.africawithin.com/home/notice.
htm
Ruby Asugha
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Ruby praises her parents for her
strong faith, sense of self and
family.
She credits herself for working
hard to achieve all goals.
Ruby is Vice President for
Strategic Planning at Boys Town.
She continues to help families
here in Omaha and nationwide.
Ruby shows her concern for
Omaha boys and girls through her
actions.
Brenda Council
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Brenda graduated from Central High School
near top her class.
She attended Creighton Law School and
graduated in 1977.
She is and has been an active member of the
Omaha community.
She has served as a Omaha City Council
member as well as an Omaha Public Schools
school board member.
Brenda nearly won the mayoral race against Hal
Daub in 1997.
Currently she is a partner in an Omaha law firm.
Brenda’s brother is Omaha Police Chief Warren.
Preston Love
1921 - 2004
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Preston Love is known to be one of the best
saxophone players ever.
Omaha had many clubs in the 1930’s and 40’s
People would dress up in “good clothes” and go
out dancing for fun.
Bands came to Omaha, Preston said, “we were
like the center of it all here in the middle of the
country”.
In 1943, Preston met his idol, Count Basie, at
Omaha’s Dreamland Ballroom.
Basie was so impressed, he took Preston on tour
with him off and on for years.
He played with other famous musicians-Smokey
Robinson, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder and Ray
Charles.
Preston Love was seen and heard in many hot
clubs around town for years.
At 73 years of age, he was still playing and
sounding great.
Photo:
Courtesy of Nebraska Life Magazine
Luigi Waites
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Luigi began playing drums at age12.
He performed in night clubs- his mother had to
escort him due to his age.
He plays vibraphones and other percussion
instruments.
He has performed with Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah
Vaughn, and Dinah Washington-all great blues
singers.
His group of musicians have opened for James
Brown, Dizzy Gillespie, and Ramsey Lewis.
Luigi is a jazz historian and involved in many
musical events in and around the city
He often performs at the Summer Art’s Festival
in downtown Omaha
For more information about music click on :
www.bluesgroup.com
Back to Cultural Omaha
Photo Courtesy of the Summer Arts Festival
Warren Buffet
August 30, 1930-
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2nd wealthiest man in AmericaCEO Berkshire Hathaway $44 Billion
estimated holding in 2005
Investment genius-friend to Bill Gates
Buffet attended Omaha Public Schools
Supporter of education and teachers in our
community
Owns Omaha businesses; Nebraska
Furniture Mart, Borshiem’s Jewlers and
Dairy Queen.
Married Susan Thompson in 1952.
He is said to enjoy his simply lifestyle and
has lived in his home for many years.
Photo obtained from Forbes.com
Retrieved on July 9, 2005.
Sarah Joslyn
1851-1940
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1874-Sarah Selleck married George Joslyn
1880-George and Sarah moved to Omaha from
IowaBy 1916 Ggeorge Joslyn’s business, Western
Newspaper Union largest in world
Joslyn richest man in Nebraska by 1916
More than $7 million donated to charities in
their lifetimes ($ worth more then, than now)
Charities included: University of Omaha, Old
People’s Home, Child Savings Institute
Sarah created a memorial to her husband’s
memory, for all citizens to enjoy
Joslyn Art Museum opened in November of
1931
Sarah was very humble concerning her
wealth. She waited among the crowd on
opening day, and walked in with everyone else.
Joslyn’s left a legacy for all citizens
of Omaha to enjoy for years to come.
Edward “McCraren” Creighton
1820-1874
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No one is absolutely sure, but McCraren was the
name Ed and John Creighton’s dad used when he
migrated from Ireland
John A., went to school- Ed used a team of
horses and a wagon his father gave him to begin
a hauling business
Ed lost money on a deal-moved west from Ohio
to Omaha where he settled
Ed used business experience to secure a job-he
constructed and laid telegraph from Omaha to St.
Joe, Missouri
Edward Creighton was a hard working man-he
died 20 years before his brother John
Mrs. Edward Creighton, Mary Lucretia, honored
her husband’s wishes of establishing a college
Mary Lucretia’s sister, the wife of John A.
Creighton, Sarah Emily, also followed her sisters
wishes in death-a block of street was left to
continue the dream of a college
When John A. Creighton passed away, he left
instructions to bequeath several millions for
what is now, Creignton University.
Photo:
infoneded.org/stathand/parttwo/creighton.htm
Retrieved on July 5, 2005.
Father Flanagan of Boy’s Town
Born in Ireland in 1886 as Edward Joseph
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Ordained as a priest in 1912
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Provided a shelter for homeless men
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He became interested in helping youth so they
would not become desperate men
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Began Home for Boys in Omaha on North 25th
street
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Moved to a location 10 miles outside of town
called the Overlook Farm 1921
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All welcome no matter what religion or race
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Renamed home: Boy’s Town 1926
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Boy’s Town National Research Hospital is know
far and wide for its commitment to others
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Services provided for families include: guidance,
counseling and a shelter for youth
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Now called: Girls and Boy’s Town
FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK ON:
http://www.girlsandboystown.org/home.asp
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Back to Cultural Omaha
Sam Greenberg
Died November 25, 1988
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Philip Greenberg, a Jewish immigrant, came to
Omaha from Rumania in 1905
Greenberg owner of Philip’s Department Store
Sam attended Creighton University
Sam and brother Henry took over in 1947
Sam was a member of the South Omaha
Business Association
Former King of Aksarben
Sam also served on the board of the Salvation
Army and was a member of the South Omaha
Optimist Club
Soon after Sam’s death in 1988, his brother
Henry closed Philip’s forever
Rose Blumkin-Mrs. “B”
1894-1998
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Born Rose Gordick in Russia
Fled Russia in 1917-then married
Borrowed $500 to begin a business
She first sold used clothes and furniture
Opened the downtown Omaha Nebraska
Furniture Mart in 1937 on Farnam Street
Success came from her very strong work ethic
and her famous saying which she lived by: “sell
cheap and tell the truth”
The old Astro Theatre of Omaha ,on 20th street,
was purchased and donated by Mrs. B and
renamed the Rose Theatre.
She truly is one of America’s most highly
regarded entrepreneurs.
Back to Cultural Omaha
Photo: Courtesy of Jewish Press
March 25, 1994
South Omaha on 24th Street
South Omaha has always
meant home to Latinos and
other ethnic groups
 South Omaha grew
tremendously due to the once
thriving Stock Yards
 At one time, 3rd largest in the
nation, Omaha’s Stock Yards
enabled many a good living
 Once again, South Omaha is
being reinvented and is the
heart and home to many within
the Hispanic culture.
For more about Omaha history click
here
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Debra Ondar
Common Sense Parenting/La Crianza Practica de Los Hijos
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15 years working with families
at Boy’s Town
Began on Crisis Hotline
Now teaches families helpful
parenting skills
Senora Ondar travels
nationwide to assist others
Buen Trabajo, Debra!
Gudeman-Roberts, K. (2004, October 5). Omaha World Herald, Series: 31 People
you should know p. Retrieved on July 10, 2005 on www.omaha.com/index
Alfred Martinez
South High’s Hall of Fame Class of 1949
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Graduated from South High School
1985’s first “Hispanic Man of the Year”
Former Police Officer-retired in 1990
Former member of the Board of Trustees
to South Omaha’s own Packer’s Bank and
Trust
Worked as an investigator for the Douglas
County Attorney’s office
Six-time commander of the Omaha branch
of the American G.I. Forum off of 20th
and L (noted for great tacos)
Mr. Martinez is a wonderful asset to the
Omaha community; and we thank him.
Photo: Courtesy of Arnold Clark
Studios, Bill Clark
Edward “Babe” Gomez
1932-1951
Enlisted in the Marine Corp in Omaha
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Fought in the Korean Conflict
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Edward laid his body across a grenade to
save the lives of his machine gun team
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He is remembered for sacrificing his life
to save the lives of others
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The Metal of Honor and the Purple Heart,
two of the highest honors in the service,
was given to Private 1st Class Gomez
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He will be forever remembered; due to his
valor and honored by the city of Omaha
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An elementary school and a street have
been named in South Omaha to honor him.
Back to Cultural Omaha
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Writer’s note: My mother’s friend, Eileen Bird-Vopalka, attended South High with Edwards
sisters. She and my uncle, Alejandro “Alex” Aguilera, remember him fondly. My uncle also
a hispanic American, served in Korea during the same time when “Babe” was there.
Kim Beebee
Francis La Flesche
1857-1932
Son of Chief Joseph La Flesche
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Uncle was Ponca Chief, Standing Bear
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Adopted by tutor and boss, Alice Fletcher
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Worked tirelessly along with Fletcher to make
sure non-Indians understood the musical and
spiritual Native culture
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Wrote, The Omaha Tribe in 1911 along with
Alice Fletcher
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Researched and wrote his own book: Osage
Tribe and finally published all 4 volumes in 1928
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He recorded songs on an old cylinder sung by
the Omaha Tribe-90 in all
To hear these songs go to:
http://memory.loc.gov./ammem/omhhtml/
*click on Keyword: MUSIC
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Courtesy of the National Anthropological
Archives, Smithsonian Institute
Photo # 4504
Dr. Susan LaFlesche Picotte
1865-1915
First Native American women to become a
physician
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She earned her degree at Women’s
Medical College of Pennsylvania
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The Women’s National Indian Association
provided her with financial aid for school
 She returned to Omaha and became a
doctor for the school on the reservation
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Married Henry Picotte in 1894
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Dr. Picotte lobbied (fought), state
legislation for better public health laws for
all citizens
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Picotte Elementary is named for her.
Back to Cultural Omaha
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Richard Takechi
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Oldest son of Kazuo Takechi
Kazuo born in Japan in 1913
In 1937 Takechi’s moved to Omaha
Worked at the Oriental Trading Co.
Kazuo, father of Richard Takechi, was awarded
high honors for his contributions toward
Japanese and Omaha friendship
Richard Takechi continues his fathers work as a
member of the OSCA, Omaha Sister Cities
Association
Richard is a former member of the Omaha City
Council
He held position as former official of the
Register of Deeds at the court house
His family owned and operated Takechi’s Gifts
and Jewelry store
Photo of Richard Takechi and MarK Kraft taken by
Kelly Gaughan at OSCA.
Terry and Gordon Watanabe
Sons of Fern and Harry Goro
Harry Goro Watanabe moved to
Omaha from Japan in 1932
 At age 6, his oldest son, Terrance,
was working the cash register
 He took over his father’s firm at age
20
 The Watanabe family began the
Oriental Trading Company in 1932
 A small gift shop turned in to a multimillion dollar business
For more about the Harry Goro go to:
www.unmc.edu/news/watanabe.html
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Back to Cultural Omaha
Gordon and Joy Watanabe and their
4 children. Owners of Nobbies, Inc.
References:
Bristow, David, C. (1999). Swingin’ wth Preston. Nebraska Life Magazine [Electronic Version]
Retrieved on July 11, 2005, from www.nebraskalife.com/prestonlove.asp
Davis, R. ed. (2004). About Creighton. Retrieved on July 13, 2005, from http:// www2.creighton.edu
Dowling, M.P. (2003). [Transcribed by Knight, G., ed.)The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume IV. Retrieved
on July 11, 2005, from www.newadvent.org.
Durham Western Heritage Museum&Junior League of Omaha. (2005). Omaha
History Activity Book.
Freeman, B. (2004, February2). Omaha World Herald, 29 People
you should know: Parents ensured woman’s success. Retrieved on July 09, 2005, from
www.omaha.com/index
Furniture World Magazine. (2005). Biographies. Towse Publishing Company. Retrieved on July
12, 2005, from www.furninfo.com.
Gudeman-Roberts, K. (2004, October 5). Omaha World Herald, Series: 31 People
you should know. Retrieved on July 10, 2005, from www.omaha.com/index
Haberman, B. (2003). The official site of Malcolm X. Biography. Estate of
Malcolm X. CMG Worldwide, Incorporated.
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Image of Edward Gomez, Medal of Honor, Retrieved on July 5, 2005 ,
from http://www.medalofhonor.com/edwardgomez
Image of Richard Takechi Retrieved on July 7, 2005, from www.omahasistercities.com
Image of Warren Buffet. Retrieved on July 8, 2005, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warren_Buffett
Joslyn Art Museum, (2005). General Information: George and Sarah Joslyn. [ Electronic
Resource] Retrieved on July 10, 2005, from http://www.joslyn.org/geninfo/g_s_jos.htm
Loomis, C.(2001). Fortune Magazine, December 6, 2001. (Abridged, for Educational Purposes Only)
Retrieved on July 13, 2005, from http://chinese-school.netfirms.com/
McNair, S. (1999). Nebraska. U.S.A. : Children’s Press.
Nobbies, Incorporated. (2005). Company history. Retrieved on July 10, 2005, from www.nobbies.com.
Omaha South High School. (2005). Hall of fame. [Electronic Version} Retrieved on July 13, 2005, from
http://www.ops.org/south/fame/index.html
[next page]
Nebraska Legislature-online (2005). Nebraska senators. Retrieved on July 16,
2005, from www.unicam.state.ne.us/senators
Peterson, J. (1999) History of Omaha. [Electronic Resource] Retrieved on July 10,
2005, from www.historyomaha.com.
Reily, B. ( 1996-97, Winter). Migration from Ireland to Omaha, Window, Volume
X111, (2). Retrieved on July 13, 2005, from www.creighton.edu.
Reproduced from Dorothy Sara Lee and Maria La Vigna, eds. Omaha Indian Music:
Historical Recordings from the Fletcher/La Flesche Collection. Retrieved on
July 16, 2005, from http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/omhhtml/omhoim6.html
Starr, L. (2005) History Links-Susan La Flesche Picotte. Nebraska
Department of Education. Retrieved on July 8, 2005
from www.nde.state.us/
United States of America Korean War Commemoration. (2005). Metal of
Honor. Retrieved on July 5th, 2005, from www.uspharmd.com/usmc
Homepage
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Notetaking Sheet Teacher:________________
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Notable Omahan’s name:
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