Omaha, October 6, 2025

A new exhibit at the Durham Museum in Omaha showcases the city’s rich hockey history, featuring artifacts from the Omaha Knights to the USHL franchises. Open through March, the display highlights legendary players like Billy Thompson and offers interactive experiences, including skating simulations. The exhibit captures Omaha’s deep connection to hockey, engaging families with nostalgia and celebrating the sport’s evolution in the community.

Omaha’s Hockey History Comes Alive in New Durham Museum Exhibit

Omaha – A new exhibit at the Durham Museum in Omaha opened on Monday to celebrate the city’s deep connection to hockey, drawing crowds eager to explore artifacts from the original Omaha Knights teams to the current United States Hockey League (USHL) franchises. The display, running through March, highlights legendary players like Billy Thompson and revives memories of the historic Ak-Sar-Ben rink, offering visitors an immersive look at the sport’s evolution in the heartland.

The exhibit features a wide array of rare items, including vintage jerseys, equipment, and photographs that trace Omaha’s hockey legacy spanning decades. Interactive elements allow guests to experience skating simulations, providing a hands-on way to connect with the ice-bound traditions of the city. Families have been particularly enthusiastic, arriving to share stories of winter sports nostalgia amid the approaching cold season.

Curators designed the showcase to capture a frozen segment of local pride, blending historical significance with engaging activities that appeal to all ages. It underscores how hockey has woven itself into Omaha’s cultural fabric, from early professional teams to today’s youth and amateur leagues. The opening day saw steady foot traffic, with visitors expressing excitement over the chance to relive pivotal moments in the sport’s local history.

Key Artifacts and Interactive Features

At the heart of the exhibit are artifacts from the Omaha Knights, who played in the American Hockey League and helped establish the city’s reputation as a hockey hub starting in the mid-20th century. Items on display include game-worn jerseys from eras when the team competed in packed arenas, alongside trophies and memorabilia that mark championship wins and rivalries.

Modern elements spotlight the USHL teams currently based in Omaha, such as the Omaha Lancers and other affiliates, showing the transition from professional to developmental leagues. Visitors can examine equipment used by today’s players, illustrating advancements in gear and training techniques over the years.

Interactive components add a dynamic layer, with skating simulators that let people mimic the feel of gliding on ice without needing skates or a rink. These features, combined with video timelines, provide context on how Omaha’s hockey scene influenced regional sports culture. The setup encourages exploration, as exhibits are organized chronologically to guide guests through the sport’s growth in Nebraska.

The Ak-Sar-Ben rink, once a central venue for Knights games, holds a special place in the display. Artifacts from that era, including ticket stubs and programs, evoke the electric atmosphere of sold-out nights. This focus helps contextualize the rink’s role as a community gathering spot before its closure, linking past glories to the venues hosting games today.

Broader Impact on Omaha’s Sports Heritage

Hockey’s presence in Omaha dates back to the 1930s with the Knights’ formation, evolving through various leagues and challenges like venue changes and economic shifts. The exhibit details these milestones without overwhelming visitors, using concise narratives alongside visuals for accessibility.

Legends like Billy Thompson, a standout player known for his scoring prowess, receive dedicated sections that outline career achievements and contributions to team success. Such profiles humanize the history, showing how individual talents propelled Omaha’s teams to national recognition.

The museum’s initiative aligns with growing interest in local sports heritage, especially as winter approaches and hockey season ramps up. By running through March, the exhibit coincides with peak game times, potentially boosting attendance from fans attending live matches. It serves as an educational resource for schools and youth programs, fostering appreciation for the discipline and community spirit hockey embodies.

Omaha’s hockey story extends beyond the ice, touching on economic and social aspects. Early teams supported local businesses through ticket sales and merchandise, while modern USHL squads continue this tradition via junior development and fan engagement. The exhibit subtly weaves in these threads, painting a complete picture of the sport’s multifaceted role.

Visitor Experience and Accessibility

The Durham Museum, located in downtown Omaha, ensures the exhibit is wheelchair-friendly and equipped with audio descriptions for inclusivity. Entry fees align with standard museum admissions, making it affordable for families and groups. Ongoing events, like guided tours, are planned to deepen engagement throughout the run.

With the exhibit’s opening marking a timely nod to hockey’s enduring appeal, it positions Omaha as a keeper of Midwestern sports traditions. Crowds on Monday reflected broad interest, from lifelong fans to newcomers discovering the city’s iced past for the first time.

This showcase not only preserves history but invites reflection on how sports build lasting bonds in communities like Omaha. As the exhibit unfolds over the coming months, it promises to keep the spirit of the game alive, one visitor at a time.

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Author: HERE OMAHA