Celebrating the Season of Renewal: Spring Updates from the Picotte Center
National Press
The restoration of the Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte Center has recently captured the attention of national press outlets including Ancestry and The History Channel and Preservation Magazine.
This coverage has helped raise awareness of Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte’s legacy, the center’s importance as a cultural landmark, and the ongoing efforts to preserve and promote Native American Heritage.
You can see some of our national features here:
Ancestry and History present the story of Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte
Events and Fundraisers
Nebraska Woman’s Club Fundraiser
We’re excited to announce a fundraiser this month for the Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte Center organized by the Kearney, NE Woman’s Club and the Buffalo County Historical Society. The event will be held on April 29th, 2023.
Two of our board members will be presenting at the event, including Omaha tribal member Pierre Merrick with signing and drums. Joe Starita, an author and expert on the life of Susan La Flesche Picotte will also be speaking at the event, and Gary Bowen will be sharing updates on the restoration of the center.
National Convention of the Midwest Museum Association
Members of the Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte Center restoration team will have the honor of presenting at the National Convention of Midwest Museums in Corpus Christi, TX in September. We’re thrilled to share our mission and vision for the center and highlight the important work being done to preserve the legacy of Dr. Picotte.
Seward Women’s Club and Lincoln Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution
A huge thank you to the Seward Women’s Club and Lincoln DAR for the opportunity to present and share our mission and goals with members. We truly appreciate your support and generosity.
New Construction Taking Shape
Architects Plans - Finalizing Phase III and Gearing Up for Phase IV
Planning for the third phase – interior restoration – for the Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte center is nearly complete. The center’s team of architects and designers are working diligently on the final plans for the interior restoration, which will include a medical clinic, youth programming, historical museum, and an art space.
Currently, we’re fundraising for the final phase of the project, the stie restoration. This phase includes extensive planting and landscaping of the grounds, a community garden, parking lot, erecting an outdoor classroom, and a drum circle.
This new phase of the project will not only enhance the appearance of the center, but will create a welcoming and functional outdoor experience for visitors and community members.
Exhibit Designers Work on Displays
Over the last few months we’ve been working with The 106 Group, from St. Paul, MN on the exhibit design, which will be one of the main attractions of the Center.
These exhibits will display the rich history and culture of the Umonhon Tribe, with a focus on the life and legacy of Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte.
Currently, we’re in the initial design phase of the exhibit plan. We’re working closely with the community to ensure the exhibits accurately reflect the diverse perspectives and experiences of the Umonhon people, with displays that will include artifacts, photographs, documents, and traditional artwork.
Picotte Center Artists Working to Plan Space in the New Building
We’re proud to share that plans for the art space in the new building are coming together. After meeting with a group of Omaha artists about the design aspects and best uses for the space, plans are being made to create an Artist Cooperative.
The Picotte Center will provide a welcoming and supportive environment for artists to create and showcase beadwork, paintings, ledger art, leather work, and many other kinds of beautiful art. With the input and creativity of local Native artists, this exciting project is sure to be an inspiring addition to the
We also recently received a generous grant from the National Trust for the Tribal Youth Voices Matter program. Watch this video with Vida Woodhull Stabler, Project Director of Tribal Youth Voices Matter, to see the artistic and cultural activities these high school students are involved in.
Lisa Fox – Interim Executive Director
In February, the Picotte Center hired Lisa Fox as the interim Executive Director. Lisa’s background in fundraising is a major asset to the center.
She’ll also be helping set the business foundations for a permanent Executive Director during her six month stent in this position.
The Picotte Center Board Welcomes Three New Members
It is with great pleasure that we share the addition of three new members to the Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte Center Board. Each board member brings a wealth of experience and expertise that will be invaluable to the center as we continue to grow.
The three board members are Cheyenne Robinson, vice-chairwoman of the tribal council, Dr. Siobhan Wescott, Susan Picotte honorary chair at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and Gordon Picotte, Susan Picotte’s great-grandson.
We are honored to have Cheyenne Robinson, Dr. Siobhan Wescott, and Gordon Picotte on board and look forward to the valuable contributions they’ll make to the Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte Center.
Left to right: Cheyenne Robinson, Dr. Siobhan Wescott, and Gordon Picotte