Nebraska Labor History Exhibit
An interactive exhibit at Omaha Riverfront highlighting the story and history of Nebraska’s unions and labor workers
Honoring the Dedication of Nebraska Laborers
Along Omaha’s riverfront, the statues titled Labor honor the story of the workers who built Nebraska. The Nebraska State AFL-CIO seeks to build on that story with a series of ten interactive exhibit panels that would seamlessly complement this beautiful work of art. With permission from the Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority, these exhibits would fill the perimeter space of the plaza, adding context to the dedication and hard work of the laborers who shaped our state.
Nebraska unions have been instrumental in securing workers’ rights in pivotal industries, particularly railroads and meatpacking, and that positive influence can be seen throughout Nebraska. This exhibit is an opportunity to tell that story across ten themes: the history of the Nebraska State AFL-CIO and its Central Labor Councils, the rail industry, the meatpacking industry, public sector workers, political movements and their impact on labor, the union’s role in employment desegregation, labor legislation at the federal and state level, opposition to right-to-work efforts, and community and coalition building.
The high-pressure laminate panels will feature vibrant colors and interactive elements designed to draw younger visitors, complementing the existing large statues and bronze interpretive panels already in the plaza.
Your support through the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation will help bring this exhibit to life. Please consider making a gift today.