Architecture on Tap: Florence

Joslyn Castle & Gardens presents Architecture on Tap, a celebration of the historic communities and people that make Omaha unique.

Architecture on Tap is a happy hour history hang-out happening Thursdays in July! Grab a beer from Infusion Brewing Company in the historic Joslyn Castle Carriage House and then settle in for a low-key lecture presented by a local expert.

To kick off our 2025 series, we welcome a panel of representatives from the vibrant and historic neighborhood of Florence in North Omaha.

Florence Historical Foundation: The 501(c)3 non-profit organization works to maintain and display the historic Florence Depot, the Florence Bank, the Florence Fire Company, and the Florence City Hall.

Florence Mill: The Florence Mill is an architectural relic and community hub at the intersection of North 30th St. and Interstate I-680. Today the mill serves as a museum, gallery, community hub, and the site of the Florence Mill Farmers Market.

The Notre Dame Convent: The Notre Dame Convent is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Czech order of Notre Dame Sisters purchased Seven Oaks Farm from Father Edward Flanagan. It was the original site for Boys Town. The first phase of the original convent and school was constructed in 1924 by Omaha Architects Matthew Lahr and Carl Stangel and added to in subsequent years. Beginning in 1997, the Sisters began converting it to affordable independent housing for older adults which now includes 107 apartment units.

Winter Quarters Temple: The Winter Quarters Nebraska Temple was the first temple built in Nebraska. Made of bethel white granite, it is a sister building to the Snowflake Arizona Temple. Elder Bill Lawler will give a presentation on the Temple.

Tim Reeder, Omaha History Farm: Preserve Omaha board member and local historian Tim Reeder purchased the former Grenville Brothers Fruit Farm and nursery and is undertaking a massive preservation to the historic site. He hopes to turn it into an activated community resource center for those seeking a connection to Omaha history.

Architecture on Tap is presented in partnership with Humanities Nebraska and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment, Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation, Hanscom Park Studio, and Infusion Brewing Company.

Doors open to the public at 5:30pm, and presentations start at 6pm.

Space is limited! Registration is $10 and this is a 21+ event!