Above All Others on a Stream:
Legends, Folklore, Tidbits of Omaha
by Betty J. Davis, APR

Douglas County Historical Society, © 2009,
178 pages, $16.95

Stories and many never-before-published photographs from early settlers’ memories and documents preserved by the Historical Society as the official repository of Douglas County history. Includes a driving tour with narrative that illustrates how Omaha and Douglas County emerge “above all others.”

Their Man in Omaha:
Volume I of the Barker Collection, 1860-1868

Douglas County Historical Society, © 2004
680 pages, $49.95

Nearly 700 pages, this volume consists of a series of letters and correspondence between immigrant Joseph Barker and his family in England during the 1860s. Compiled and edited by Dr. Del Weber, Barry Combs, Bob Marks and Don Snoddy, Their Man in Omaha includes a 27 x 36-inch map of Omaha City, published by Oscar F. Davis in 1866.

Their Man in Omaha:
Volume 2 of the Barker Collection, 1869-1876

Douglas County Historical Society, © 2006
664 pages, $49.95

 Compiled and edited by Dr. Del Weber, Barry Combs, Bob Marks, Don Snoddy and Patrick Kennedy, Their Man in Omaha Volume II contains a revised index for both volumes, two photo signatures and excerpts from the diary of Joseph Barker Sr. James Potter of the Nebraska State Historical Society writes of the book: "Laced with great human interest, the letters are also superb primary sources for the history of Nebraska in the years just after statehood."

E Pluribus Omaha: Immigrants All
by Harry B. Otis and Donald H. Erickson

Lamplighter Press, © 2000, 328 pages, $17.50

An examination of ethnic groups that immigrated to Omaha reveals the rich and continuing heritage that has shaped Nebraska’s largest community.

Over the River and Through the Woods Again:
A Collection of Recipes, Remembrances and Memorabilia
by the Douglas County Historical Society

Lamplighter Press, © 1990, 221 pages, $16.95

As much history book as cookbook, Over the River and Through the Woods Again showcases recipes and vignettes of early Omahans, along with tidbits of trivia.

Rulo to Lynch with Lewis and Clark: A Guide and Narrative
by Orville Menard, Ph.D.

Lamplighter Press, © 2003, 90 pages, $9.95

This spiral-bound guidebook covers Lewis and Clark’s journey along the Nebraska-Iowa corridor of the Missouri River, with background, journal excerpts and campsites of the original military expedition, as well as current attractions, routes and lodging information. Menard, a DCHS board member, contrasts known facts about the expedition with mysteries that still elude us today.

The Gate City: A History of Omaha
by Lawrence H. Larsen and Barbara J. Cottrell

Univ. of Nebraska Press, © 1997, 356 pages, $27.95

This urban biography, a classic since its original printing in 1982, includes a new conclusion by UNO history professor Harl Dalstrom. The husband-and-wife authors build the story of Omaha around national events in a concise, clear narrative that presents a lively portrait of our history.

A Dirty, Wicked Town:
Tales of 19th Century Omaha
by David L. Bristow

Caxton Press, © 2000, 320 pages, $16.95

Though it reads like fiction, A Dirty, Wicked Town tells the true story of Omaha’s formative years and its less-than-sterling reputation. While it devotes space to the trial of Standing Bear, it also includes chapters on the harlots of Omaha and the lynching of George Smith.

Historic Omaha:
An Illustrated History of Omaha
and Douglas County
by Bob, Hugh and Pegeen Reilly
Historical Publishing Network, © 2003,
192 pages, $49.95

Just in time to commemorate the 150th anniversary of our city and county, this coffee-table book by the Reilly family includes never-before-published photographs, as well as profiles of some of the region's historic businesses and organizations.