On Sunday, February 16 from 1:30–2:45pm, in partnership with the Midwest Theater in Scottsbluff, we invite you for a free program honoring Black history in Western Nebraska. This event features a compelling 20-minute Nebraska Public Media short film and presentations by notable speakers.
Loren Pospisil, Site Manager for the Chimney Rock State Historic Site, will open the program with a deeper look at the African American experience on the Oregon Trail. He will explore the diverse and often complex journeys of those who traveled westward—some involuntarily and others seeking new opportunities in a land where societal norms were being rewritten.
Sandra Wounded Arrow, NSHS Site Manager at Fort Robinson, will follow with a presentation on the Buffalo Soldiers, highlighting the contributions of Medal of Honor recipients like Charles Young of the 9th Cavalry, and discuss their service in Cuba and the Philippines, underscoring their impact both locally and globally.
The event will conclude with the Nebraska Public Media special Nebraska Black Pathmakers, showcasing four influential Black Nebraskans: a 20th-century photographer, a pioneering female locomotive engineer, a Baseball Hall of Fame inductee, and a Tuskegee Airman.
This enriching program explores African-American history throughout Western Nebraska, shedding light on local stories and the enduring impact of these individuals both in Nebraska and beyond.
“Pathmakers and Pioneers” highlights Black History Month as well as reinforces Black history shared by the Nebraska State Historical Society throughout the year.
Supported by the
About the Midwest Theater
The historic Midwest Theater opened its doors on May 3, 1946, the theater remains today in near original condition. Our mission is to enhance the arts for Western Nebraska and Eastern Wyoming for present and future generations and nurture a lively community through the presentation of mainstream and specialty films, performing and visual arts, school, humanities, cultural, community and educational programming. Our vision is to foster and drive a thriving, diverse arts and culture community for all residents of the greater Nebraska Panhandle by instilling building pride, extending beyond the walls of the Midwest Theater, increasing youth access, and promoting the arts.