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.

Omaha Times Remembered, Volume III

Omaha World-Herald Company, © 2002,
188 pages, $39.95

A hard-bound book featuring images and detailed captions of the people and events that shaped Omaha from the 1880s to the 1970s. From more than 10,000 photos submitted, just 325 images were selected for the last volume of this series. Volumes I and II are still available.

Railroads of Omaha and Council Bluffs
by William Kratville
Arcadia Publishing, © 2002, 128 pages, $19.99

With rich black and white photographs and succinct commentary, the history of the Union Pacific and other major railroads unfolds. Many of the photographs are by the author — an acknowledged railroad expert and DCHS Board member — or from the author’s large collection.

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.