August 2021 Newsletter
PROGRESS YOU CAN SEE – EXTERIOR RESTORATION COMPLETE
Drive along Matthewson Street in Walthill, Nebraska and you cannot help but notice a remarkable craftsman style building that looks just as it did when it was originally built in 1913. It’s the Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte Center following the completion of its exterior restoration this summer. From the roof, windows, footings, downspouts and gutters, wood siding and even the screened in porch, the newly restored exterior is faithful to Dr. Susan’s original hospital – right down to the lilacs that have been pruned to prepare for growth in spring.
It’s a significant milestone on a journey that has involved so many who are keenly committed to preserving Dr. Susan’s legacy by restoring her original hospital. Once completed, it will provide a new opportunities to raise awareness of her life and accomplishments through a museum, and at the same time serve as a center for the community of Walthill.
Our Physician Campaign Officially Kicks Off
As restoration efforts move to the interior, fundraising efforts gain a greater sense of urgency to meet the nearly $2.8 million price tag for work that will pave the way the Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte Center to open in 2023. The general campaign for this final restoration phase has officially kicked off. To date $777,000 has been raised.
In addition, the Nebraska Medical Association Physicians Campaign also launched in June. Britt Thediger, M.D., who is leading this effort and also sits on the Susan Picotte Center board, has called on physicians across the state to make a donation of at least $132, which is the number of years since Dr. Picotte graduated from medical school, the first Native American to do so.
“She is a source of pride for physicians and a source of pride for the Omaha Tribe,” he said.
Read the full article here!
THE WORK CONTINUES – $2.8 MILLION NEEDED FOR INTERIOR RESTORATION
In addition, there will be areas designed for a wellness clinic and mental health services, formation of a space dedicated for youth programming as well as collaborative workspaces for entrepreneurs. Most importantly, there will be space dedicated to honor Native language, culture, and heritage of the Omaha Tribe. rooms, arts and culture, education, healthcare (physical and behavioral) and substance misuse, entrepreneurship and youth programming. This phase will also include outside development such as an amphitheater, community gardens and Native American features, as well as parking.
ARTISTS ADVISORY COMMITTEE NAMED
Created to determine the programs and space requirements relating to arts and culture in the Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte Center, the Artists Advisory Committee had its initial meeting June 16 – at the Walthill Library, or connecting via videoconferencing. From discussing the potential for an artist-in-residence program, to programs teaching youth about Native culture, there were many ideas put forth, including an artist studio for visual artists, an artist cooperative and classes, Native language learning classes and more.
Events Celebrate Dr. Susan
Recognition of Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte’s life and contributions are the subject of two events. A bronze statue honoring her will be dedicated October 11 on Indigenous Peoples Day. The statue depicts her in a traditional Omaha shawl, toting her medical bag. It will be placed on a limestone platform and permanently installed on Centennial Mall, near the Nebraska capitol building. Read the full article from the Lincoln Journal Star, here.
Earlier this year, the Leon McGoogan Health Sciences Library at UNMC unveiled an exhibit dedicated to Dr. Susan in its Wigton Heritage Center. It features artifacts owned by Dr. Picotte and explores her life and legacy of healing. It also provides details of restoration efforts of the hospital.
Take a virtual tour below.
MAHANEY RECEIVES REWARD
Keith Mahaney, president of the Picotte Board of Directors, received a Heritage Hero Award from History Nebraska for his long-term dedication to preserving the Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte hospital. Pam Stone, of History Nebraska, presented the award to Mahaney during the Lewis and Clark Scenic Byway event on July 24. The Heritage Hero Award was created to recognize and thank local volunteers of history organizations around the state for their time and effort in helping to share Nebraska’s history.
DONATION CONNECTS CALIFORNIAN WITH HER HOME STATE OF NEBRASKA
When Kathy Bonney, chief administrative officer for Clearinghouse CDFI, was elected to be highlighted in the Advancing Women in Leadership spotlight event by the Girls Scouts for Orange County as part of Women’s History Month, she was honored. When she learned that the recognition also allowed her to donate $5,000 to a nonprofit of her choice, she chose the Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte Center.
And for good reason.
Originally from Nebraska, Bonney had been introduced to Dr. Susan’s legacy and the efforts to restore her hospital from her father, John Refshauge, who encouraged her to learn more about it.
“After speaking with my father and reading about Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte and her accomplishments, I am moved to make that donation to the Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte Center,” Bonney said.
And there’s another connection also. In learning more about the Picotte Center, she discovered that the $50,000 grant to replace the roof during Phase I had been given by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. The company she works for has a professional relationship with the Minnesota tribe.
Thank you Kathy Bonney for your donation.
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