Hello Jay, we were correct the first time. Dave Stovie did put this exhibition together and he said it took him over two years of pr work to convince the directors and curator of exhibits and collections at Durham Museum that the Nebraska Checkers Association would measure up to their expectations. Dave said he had 1,000s of hours and more dollars than we wanted to keep track of in this project. He plans to take several group of checker players down to Omaha so they can see and learn about Nebraska’s contributions to the game.
Copied from their website:
“The Durham Museum is proud to serve as the steward of Omaha's heritage. Omaha's past is rich in American Indian culture as well as the pioneer spirit found in the Lewis and Clark expedition and the Mormon movement west. One of the most significant events in the development of Omaha into a thriving metropolis was its location as the eastern terminus of the transcontinental railroad.
The Durham is the heartland's first museum to be affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution, and it also has strong ties with the Library of Congress and National Archives.”
They have so many displays, exhibits, and historical things, there is a premium on space and time, therefore any exhibit has a lifeline. They are continuously changing and offering new things and this is true with the checker exhibit which will be available September 26 - November 1, 2009.
Don Deweber, Dubuque, Iowa told me he had contacted the Museum and they confirmed this project would not have materialized if Dave Stovie had not work closely with the Museum and provided materials and information. The museum staff further researched and embellishes the exhibition to fit their motif and requirements.
Dave Stovie email is
necheckers@q.com telephone: 402-391-5165
Thank You Dave, You Make Checker Players Proud!