Nebraska Stories | The DeWitty Settlement & More…

The DeWitty Settlement, Cosmic Films, A Pellet of Poison, Play Me I'm Yours

“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”
While growing up Bill Hedges worked as a projectionist at his small town’s movie theater. Later in life, after the theater had closed, the longtime Lyons resident bought the space and began converting it into his own personal film studio. The sci-fi buff has built sets for all kinds of futuristic scenes, a veritable cosmic playground in which to shoot a sci-fi TV series co-starring his cat.

“Pellet of Poison”
This story explores the brief intertwining of two remarkable women: the very first Native American doctor and a Nobel Prize winning scientist. In 1915, Dr. Susan LaFlesche Picotte, the first Native American doctor and the 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 art project Omaha artists decorate pianos, which are then rolled out around the city, resulting in impromptu street concerts. We feature some of these performances to see how this project brings a mix of music and art directly to the people.