Nebraska Stories
The DeWitty Settlement and More
S8 • E1 Jan 12, 2017
The DeWitty Settlement - DeWitty was the longest lasting, most successful black settlement in Nebraska. Located near the small town of Brownlee, DeWitty was established in 1906 and settled by former slaves and black Canadian immigrants. At a time when American cities were erupting in race riots, the black settlers of DeWitty and white residents of Brownlee peacefully coexisted and thrived together. meet descendants of both communities as they gather to commemorate their shared history. Cosmic Films - As a boy, Bill Heges worked at his small town's movie theater as a projectionist. Later in life, after the theater had closed, the longtime Lyons resident brought the space and began converting it into his own personal film studio. The sci-fi bluff has built sets for all kinds of futuristic scenes, a veritable cosmic playground in which to shoot a sci-fi TB series co-starting his cat. Pellet of Poison - This story explores the brief intertwining of two remarkable women the very first Native American doctor and daughter of a powerful Omaha chief, lay dying of cancer in her home on the Omaha Indian reservation. Picotte's family reached out to the famous Madame Curie for a possible cure. Curie responded by sending a special package from France to Picotte's home. Play Me I'm Yours - As part of an international experiment, Omaha artists decorate pianos, which are then rolled out around the city, resulting in impromptu street concerts with all types of music. We feature some of these performances some good, and some not so good and learn how this unique project brings a mix of music and art directly to the people.
