New Exhibit at the Nebraska History Museum Designed for Blind and Visually Impaired
Lincoln, NE - 06/30/2025 - The second new exhibit opened to the public this month at the Nebraska History Museum honors a Lincoln landmark, Pershing Auditorium, specifically the 750,000-tile mural that once adorned the west side of the demolished entertainment venue.
The exhibit features a 3-D tactile model of the Pershing Auditorium Mural, created with the generous support of the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
Nebraska History Museum Exhibits Technician Quentin Fortney, who installed the exhibit on the museum’s first floor, is pleased with what it represents for blind and visually impaired individuals. “This exhibit enables the blind and visually impaired to create accurate mental pictures of visual imagery without the need for a sighted companion.”
The 3-foot by 10-foot model of the mural includes an audio guide that is trigged by touch-sensitive sensors in the image and informational buttons on the front. “It gives all people the opportunity to experience the composition of the mural and to learn more about the history of the former Pershing Auditorium by harnessing the senses of touch and sound.”
The exhibit was created in partnership with Tactile Images, a company founded in 2008 to bring visual information alive for blind and visually impaired individuals. The Pershing Mural Historic Preservation Committee also helped bring the exhibit to life. Installation of the actual mural is scheduled to begin at Wyuka Cemetery this summer.
In mid-June, the Nebraska History Museum unveiled the “New to View: Showcasing Sound, Screen & Sports” exhibit, which includes some of the biggest names in pop culture history in Nebraska, some lesser-known history, as well as great moments in sports and recreation. The “New to View” exhibit is on the second floor of the museum.
The Nebraska History Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is located at 131 Centennial Mall on the southwest corner of 15th and P streets.