Bertha Calloway facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bertha Calloway
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| Born | July 14, 1925 |
| Died | (aged 92) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Museum director, historian |
| Known for | Museum founder |
Bertha Calloway (born July 14, 1925 – died November 25, 2017) was an important African-American activist and historian. She lived in North Omaha, Nebraska. Bertha Calloway started the Negro History Society and the famous Great Plains Black History Museum. She received many awards for her work in the community and in Nebraska. She helped people learn about African-American history and culture.
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Bertha Calloway's Early Life and Activism
Bertha Calloway was born in 1925. When she was a student, she joined a group called the DePorres Club. This group worked for civil rights in Omaha. Even back then, she dreamed of creating a museum. She wanted to share the history of African Americans. This was a history she felt was not taught enough in schools. She also worked for many years with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). This group has worked for equal rights since 1912.
Starting the Great Plains Black History Museum
Bertha Calloway worked with people in her community. In 1962, she created the Negro History Society. She began collecting old items, stories, papers, and art. These items all told the story of African-American history and culture. She wanted to teach her community about this important history.
In 1975, Bertha and her husband bought the Webster Telephone Exchange Building. They wanted to use it for the Great Plains Black History Museum. The museum opened in 1976. They got a grant of $101,000 from the US Bicentennial Commission. Over the years, the city also gave them money. Bertha Calloway spent the rest of her life teaching people in Nebraska. She showed them the many things African Americans had done across the Midwest.
The Great Plains Black History Museum is one of the biggest museums about African-American history west of the Mississippi River. It has over 100,000 items. These include paintings, rare books, photos, and films. In 1996, Bertha Calloway said, "People must see black history... That's what our museum is all about... revealing a history that's been withheld."
Saving Camp Nizhoni
In 1978, Bertha and her husband James bought Camp Nizhoni. This camp was in Lincoln Hills, Colorado. Years before, it was the only camp for African-American girls west of the Mississippi River. Bertha herself had gone to the camp when she was a girl.
Lincoln Hills was a popular vacation spot for African Americans. It was created when segregation stopped them from going to some other places. After the Civil Rights Movement, young people had more choices. So, Lincoln Hills became less popular. Bertha Calloway knew the camp was important. She helped get Winks Lodge, a building at the camp, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. This meant it was recognized as a special historical place. She and her husband sold the camp in 1985.
Awards and Recognition
In 1999, the Nebraska State Historical Society gave Bertha Calloway an award. It was called the Addison E. Sheldon Memorial Award. She received it for her "outstanding contributions" to Nebraska history. They also honored her for her many years of work with the NAACP. Her work with the Great Plains Black History Museum was also celebrated. She helped people understand African-American culture in Nebraska.
In November 2016, a street in North Omaha was renamed Bertha Calloway Street. This honored her important work.
Death
Bertha Calloway passed away on November 25, 2017. She was 92 years old.
Books by Bertha Calloway
- (1978) A Pictorial Of The Black Cowboy. With W.V. Hunter and S. Hunter.
- (1998) Visions of Freedom on the Great Plains: An Illustrated History of African Americans in Nebraska. With A.N. Smith.
See also
