Come to the Castle and see these classic cars in

Castle watch
A Publication for Members of Joslyn Castle
Summer 2014
RARE CLASSIC CARS AND MOTORCYCLES ARE BACK
FOR JOSLYN CASTLE’S 5th CLASSIC CAR SHOW
C
Come to the Castle and see these classic cars in person!
lassic cars, trucks and motorcycles will grace Joslyn
Castle’s 5.5 acre estate for the Joslyn Castle Classic Car
Show Sunday, July 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Now in its fifth year, the show is not your typical car show.
“The Joslyn Castle Classic Car Show features some of the
best classic cars in and around Omaha that were handpicked by our committee,” said Alan Tast, Classic Car
Show Committee Member. “In addition to the high-end
vehicles beautifully displayed on the Castle grounds there
are lots of other activities that make this event fun for the
whole family.”
Tony and Jan Monico’s 1958 Cadillac
Jim Cushman’s 1939
Buick Touring Sedan
Along with antique cars, trucks, and motorcycles
from the early 1900s through the 1960s, this year’s
Show will also feature an exhibit of vehicle-related
historic photos and artifacts from 1911 through 1971,
courtesy of the Durham Museum, and several newly
discovered images of Joslyn vehicles from the Castle’s
collection that have not been seen by the public! There
will be food and entertainment for the whole family on
the Castle lawn and guided tours of the Castle will
be available.
Tickets for the Classic Car Show are $10 in advance at
area Hy-Vee locations or available online. Tickets at the
gate will cost $12.50. Military personnel with I.D. will be
admitted for $5 and children 12 and under are free. All
proceeds will benefit the preservation and programs of the
Joslyn Castle.
Parking for the Classic Car Show will be available at the
Kiewit lot on 38th Street between Farnam and Harney
Streets and Duchesne parking lot off 38th Street. A
shuttle will offer free transportation to the Castle.
Thom Donaldson’s 1950 Jaguar Roadster
Table Of Contents
Message from the Executive Director . . . . . . . 2
Joslyn Castle Guild Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
From the Archive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Castle Gift Shop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Comings and Goings at the Castle . . . . . . . . . 4
Kids at the Kastle, Violet’s World
& Kiewit Summer Fun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Program News – Spring Events
Holding our Own for Jill Anderson . . . . . . . . . . 5
Hal France Opera Classes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Munroe Meyer Garden Walk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mary Jewell, President
George Kleine, President-Elect
Linda Andersen
Ron Crampton, VP Grounds
Catherine Demes-Maydew
Jessica Duce
Ben Harvey
Lorraine Jeffus
Mary Jochim
David Levy, VP Development
Stephanie Mattoon, Immediate
Past President
Sharon McGill, Secretary
Tim McGill, VP Property
Management
Holly Mulkins
Dani Penke, Treasurer
Francie Prier, FOJC Guild
Representative
Polo Davis, FOJC Guild
Representative
Joan Standifer
ADVISORY BOARD
David Ambrose
Brad Ashford
Doug Bisson
Margie Heller
Tim Holland
David Levy
B. J. Reed
Connie Spellman
Bryan Zimmer
Castle Guild Board
Polo Davis, Co-President
Francie Prier, Co-President
Judy Alderman
Deb Covert
Teddi Kennedy
Maureen Lee
Sharon McGill
Lucinda Newberry
Jeanie Owen
Edi Pierce
Suzanne Shehan-Ames
Kathy Strawhecker
Laura Worick
Vintage Market Postponement . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Program News – Upcoming Events
Calendar of Upcoming Events . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Brandywine Valley Tour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Paranormal Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Holiday Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Shadows at the Castle Literary Festival . . . . . . 8
Wedding News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Tour Task Force . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Membership Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Omaha Gives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Membership Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Cover
STAFF
Julie Reilly, Executive Director
Judy Alderman,
Education and Tours
Trevor King, Facilities Manager
Emily Lasky,
Events and Marketing
Sherri Moore,
Tour Docent Volunteer
Mary Parrish, Reservations
and Accounts Receivable
Penelope Smith, Archivist
Amy Trenolone, Membership
and Communications
page 1
From the Executive Director
Castle Guild Report
The Castle exemplifies a sense of place that is beautiful,
accessible, and magical. It is and has been an integral defining
facet of Omaha’s arts, culture, entrepreneurial, and philanthropic character for a century. It is one of very few historic places in
Omaha that represent the highest level of architectural and
design excellence and it is one of even fewer such places that
are accessible to the public.
The Castle is a place of history as well as beauty. George
A. Joslyn remains one of the most important figures in the
history of American journalism – virtually the Ted Turner of
his day. George and Sarah made their wealth in Omaha and
returned it in the creation and support of many of Omaha’s best
loved art, culture, and social service nonprofits.
The history of the Joslyn Castle itself speaks to a long legacy
of neighborhood civic involvement and activism. The Castle has
engendered deep and personal connections in many lives.
Annually, the Castle’s educational, arts, and cultural programming reaches thousands, and our green spaces are used by
guests and neighbors every day.
The Castle’s financial health is stable. Operational systems are
in place and working well. Our flagship programs – the Literary
Festival, the Classic Car Show, our Winter Holiday events, and
the Murder Mystery dinner theatre – are established, beloved,
and successful.
So, what are our next steps? Where do we go from here?
The Board, Staff, Advisory Group, Volunteers and all stakeholders of the Castle must take the time to plan for a future of
sustainable operations; sustainable, meaningful and
relevant programming; and sustainable and sound
facilities and grounds. This is no small undertaking….but
essential for the future of the Castle. How will we do this?
Our annual meeting and luncheon hosted 85 members and
guests on May 15th. Our buy one – get one free offering was a
huge success, bringing many new friends to the Castle and the
Guild. What a great friend raiser; one we hope to host again
next year.
Because the Castle Guild, along with the Joslyn Castle, will
be adopting a calendar year in place of the old fiscal year, the
current Guild board will remain in place an extra six months
until December. We owe them a big thanks for serving 18
month terms.
The Guild executive committee has committed $11,000 toward
needed projects in the Castle. We have painted the downstairs
ladies room and hung new drapes. We are awaiting the
painting of the floor after three new comfort-height toilets are
installed. Painting and new toilet installation in the upstairs
ladies restroom should begin by the beginning of July. We are
awaiting a color choice to paint the upstairs hall and we have
a commitment from a local designer and friend of the Castle to
reupholster three pieces of furniture on the second floor.
• a long range programming plan;
Our next big Guild project will be our Holiday Boutique the
weekend of December 4th. We are hoping for 18-20 vendors.
The boutique was such a success last year we are all excited
for 2014. We will need more ideas; volunteers to work, staff,
and decorate; and help with the hospitality room for the
vendors. Please call and offer your help or say yes when we
call you.
• a long range business plan;
It’s an exciting time at the Castle... come join the fun!
Our proposed approach involves a three-year project to
complete:
• an assessment of the needs of the buildings, grounds,
and infrastructure; and
• initial planning for a comprehensive restoration and
reconstruction project.
We are well underway in our efforts to fund these important
planning activities thanks, in no small part, to an important
challenge grant awarded by the Peter Kiewit Foundation and
generous support from the Sherwood Foundation. With
support from foundations like these and others, we will
complete the needed planning and ultimately implement the
recommendations of the infrastructure assessments. We will
make the Castle sound and sustainable for the future.
The place the Castle holds in the interconnected web of
Omaha life has evolved and deepened over the last century.
The Castle is inextricably intertwined with the fabric of our lives
and should be preserved and protected.
A healthy Castle is good for Midtown and Omaha, anchoring
the neighborhood and ensuring the presence of a safe outdoor
green space in this densely populated area. This project is
great for Omaha, encouraging business, education, retail, and
residential development. It protects and ensures a bright future
for one of Omaha’s best places – beautiful, green, atmospheric,
and historic.
page 2
From the Archive
Among the photographs we’ve recently received from
Violet Joslyn Magowan’s family is this image of leaders of
the Western Newspaper Union, the primary source of Joslyn
wealth. After George’s death these men ran the WNU, providing
“readyprint;” news articles and entertainment features in various
formats to over 7,000 small US newspapers. Researching their
biographies has revealed life-long ties of friendship and
unswerving commitment to the business.
E.W. Julian was originally a Chadron newspaperman who began
working for George in the 1890s, first in the Omaha branch,
then as manager of the Lincoln branch and the New York office.
He returned to be the assistant general manager in Omaha
in 1918, and eventually became vice president of the Omaha
branch in 1930. He would spend the rest of his working life with
the WNU.
back
row,
left toJulian,
right: Ernest
Wright
Patterson,
From back row,From
left to
right:
Ernest
WrightJulian,
Patterson,
David
Magowan, Joe R
McCleevy,
H.
H.
Fish,
c.
1918
David Magowan, Joe Rivett, McCleevy, H. H. Fish, c. 1918
By 1939 Colonel Wright A. Patterson had been editor-in-chief
of the WNU for 49 years, editing articles and selecting works to
serialize by popular authors such as Zane Grey. He once said,
“It’s a little surprising how much fiction the American farmer and
his family will read.”
David Magowan was Sarah and George’s son-in-law. After
graduating from Cornell he’d worked as an executive for Swift
and Company. When asked to move to Latin America in 1915,
rather than leave his newborn twins, he joined the WNU.
Except for military service in the two World Wars, Magowan was
with the WNU as vice president and advertising director until his
death in 1952.
By 1918 when H. H. Fish was made president and general
manager of the WNU, he’d been the late George Joslyn’s chief
assistant and confidante for a quarter of a century. He was
manager of the Lincoln branch in 1896 before moving to Omaha
for his promotion as secretary in 1900. It was Fish, in his
capacity as auditor, who returned with Joslyn from Chicago
in 1915, having completed the purchase of the Chicago
Newspaper Union, making the WNU the largest in the world.
Fish, a trusted family friend, was selected by Sarah Joslyn as
one of the Joslyn Art Museum’s original board.
During the years after George’s death, Sarah retained a majority
shareholder control of the WNU until 1929. Fish and Julian were
among those who gained control when she sold. The firm was
moved to New York, the hub of advertising and vital international
news, in 1930 and the staff was split, Fish heading the main
New York office and Julian remaining behind to head the Omaha
branch. Fish would manage the WNU until he sold control of
the firm in 1938.
WNU wives and mothers were a close-knit group, attending
weddings and social events together. In a lighter moment.
Mrs. Fish, Mrs. Julian, and the widowed Sarah Joslyn, formed
an association humorously named, “Protective and
Defenseless Association and Idle Hour Society” with bylaws
stating they would meet whenever three or more husbands were
out of town (a frequent occurrence, as numerous trips were
made to check on regional offices).
These men and their families are as much a part of the Castle’s
fabric as the architects and designers. George and Sarah did
not exist in a vacuum. Without their business acumen and
commitment to their ideas, the Castle never would have
happened. Without their advice and support Sarah might never
have achieved her dream of building George’s memorial, the
Joslyn Art Museum.
Castle Gift Shop
The Joslyn Castle gift shop has a variety of items featuring our
logo and/or a photo of the Castle. You will find everything from
refrigerator magnets to book marks; coasters to playing cards;
note cards to post cards.
And for a higher end gift, you may want to consider a signed,
numbered print of the Castle by renowned artist Allen Tubach
or a black and white enlarged photo printed on canvas by local
photographer Dave Jenkins.
The gift shop is open on the first and third Sundays of every
month during public tours. It is also open during scheduled
group tours. Joslyn Castle members receive a 10% discount.
page 3
Comings and Goings at the Castle
be staying on as a docent. We are grateful that future visitors
will still be able to experience her fantastic tours! Thank you,
Judy, for all your years of service.
One of the best parts of daily life at the Castle is making new
friends – from first time visitors, to guests celebrating major life
events, to long time volunteers and supporters; and of course
our dedicated staff. Each person who touches the Castle
leaves his or her mark. We are excited to welcome two new
members to the Joslyn Castle Staff and family and say farewell
to one.
Sherri Moore has been a docent since the
Fall of 2013, and she is now working two days
a week in the office giving tours and assisting
with programming as needed. Originally from
St. Louis, Sherri has lived in Omaha with her
husband, Brad, off and on since the late 1990’s.
With Sherri here regularly, we are now able to be open for tours
on Tuesday and Thursday by appointment, and she is often
booked! We are thrilled to be able to expand the opportunity for
additional visitors to experience the Castle’s magic!
When you think of touring the Castle, Judy Alderman
inevitably comes to mind! She has served on the staff for over
six years, and has been the face of the Castle for so many
visitors, young and old. In addition to leading over 200 tours
during her time on the staff, she has assisted with many
programs. Judy is planning to retire in mid-August, but she will
Jake Arneson, our Facilities Assistant, has decided to return to
school and continue his education. Unfortunately, this means
he will be leaving his full-time position at the Castle. Jake still
helps out here from time-to-time and we are beyond grateful for
his contributions and the care he provides to the
gardens.
In early June, Trevor King joined the staff as
the new Facilities Manager, replacing Peter
Marion. Trevor and his wife Angela have recently
relocated to Omaha from the Rochester, New
York area. His extensive background in construction and his
attention to detail have already been put to good use! We are
excited to have him join the staff.
With Trevor’s arrival, we are also having to say goodbye to
Peter Marion. Peter has served as the Facilities Manager since
October 2010. His impact on the Castle has been so significant
and he will be sorely missed. The entire Castle family wishes
Peter and his family well as they relocate to North Carolina.
Thank you to Sherri, Judy, Jake, Trevor and Peter for making a
piece of your life story a part of the Castle’s history!
A Busy Spring and Summer for Kids
As part of an initiative to
provide young people
more exposure to the
Castle, the “Discover
Violet’s World”
program was once
again offered to area
third and fourth grade
students. In its fifth
season, twelve schools
from OPS and Millard
and a total of almost 500 students visited the Castle through
this program. The biggest obstacle for elementary schools is
the cost of the busses. Many more schools would be able to
take part in this educational opportunity if the cost of transportation were not a factor. So, we are looking for ways to help
fund bus transportation costs for 2015.
two turtles and the Nebraska Humane Society brought their animal control truck. In addition, two police officers came to display
their cruisers and answer questions. There were concessions for
sale all day, and the Castle was open for tours. A great time was
had by all!
A new program this year, “Kids at the Kastle—A Kickoff
to Summer,” was held on June 1st from 11:00 am to 3:00
pm. About 250 people attended this fundraiser, and the Castle
raised over $2,500. For only $5, guests were able to spend the
afternoon participating in fun yard activities. There were three
clowns who did balloon art, face painting, and glitter tattoos.
The Castle staff also put together games like apple biting,
balloon darts, a scavenger hunt, and ring toss. The Town and
Country Humane Society brought several dogs, a rabbit and
The Castle was also the
beneficiary of the labors of the
Peter Kiewit Foundation’s
“Summer Works” program.
Groups of older kids contributed
hours of grounds cleanup,
mulching, and weeding. Thank
you so much for this important
contribution.
For the second summer, the Castle partnered with The Peter
Kiewit Foundation to participate in the “Summer Fun
Program.” Children from area youth agencies signed up for
field trips that took them to such places as Mahoney State Park,
the Durham Western Heritage Museum, the Joslyn Art Museum
and the Joslyn Castle. During the visit to the Castle, children
were treated to a special tour and the opportunity to explore the
Discovery Trunks. In addition, they had a sack lunch and did
an art project. This year a scavenger hunt on the grounds was
added. Twelve groups visited throughout June and July with a
total of about 280 students.
page 4
Program News
—Spring events—
Fundraiser for Jill Anderson - “Holding our Own: A Neurological Event”
As many people know, Jill Anderson
is an exceptional singer, actress, and
director. Now she faces a new
challenge in her life. She has recently
been diagnosed with Multiple
Sclerosis. Jill is a wonderful friend
to the Castle and the artistic genius
behind the annual Joslyn Castle
Literary Festival. It was devastating news to everyone, so when her
dear friends Pegeen Reilly and Martin
Magnuson approached the Castle staff to use the facility for a
fundraiser for Jill, there was no question about our interest in
helping. On May 2nd, more than 100 people came to the Castle
to show their support and love for Jill. The event consisted of a
variety show highlighting many talented singers, musicians, and
actors in the community, all of whom donated their time. The
food served was donated by various area restaurants. Even the
silent auction items were donated so that Jill could receive all
the proceeds to help pay for her medical expenses. She was
extremely grateful for the outpouring of support! We love
you, Jill.
“For The Love Of It” at Joslyn Castle
This past spring, the Joslyn Castle’s music room was the scene
of a new educational series, “For The Love Of It” featuring
conductor and teacher Hal France. The series of five special
programs on five themes related to opera was offered to the
general public and attended by a passionate group of registered
students interested in learning and enhancing their love of the
opera, music and the arts.
Special performances were offered by UNO Op Shop Director
and soprano, Shelby Van NorStrand, UNO Op Shop performers
Alison Buechler, Grace Manley and Ryan Daly, Omaha Under
the Radar Founder and soprano, Amanda DeBoer Bartlett
and tenor extraordinaire, Drew Duncan. With support from the
Castle’s excellent new flat screen TV and his own sound system,
each night Hal offered a ‘Top Ten’ style list of significant
examples from opera and musical theater through live and
recorded performance. Lively discussion on topics ranging from
the latest new operas to the great singers of the 20th century
made for five memorable evenings at the Castle. Refreshments
and special treats were served in the elegant dining room.
Munroe Meyer Guild
Garden Walk
The Munroe-Meyer Guild Garden Walk held on Sunday, June 8,
was a great success. Attendance was at an all-time high with
about 1,500 guests. The gardens at five homes in the Midtown
area were featured. The weather was perfect and the Walk was
enjoyed by all. Joslyn Castle was the host for vendors, who had
a great day as well. A surprise visit by George A. Joslyn was an
unexpected treat. Ron Crampton, a valued donor and contributor to the Joslyn Castle, appeared in the guise of Mr. Joslyn to
the delight of all.
Hal France
shared his
thanks, “The
atmosphere
and acoustics
of the music
room at Joslyn
Castle make
it one of the
best places I know to experience and share great music. In our
first time with a new concept, I hoped that ‘For The Love Of It’
would convey some of the cultural riches we all can share and
enjoy. The Castle’s unique vibe and excellent staff supported my
hopes brilliantly. We were treated royally.”
Plans for a new series of “For The Love Of It” on a different
theme are underway for the coming season. For more
information as it becomes available look online at
www.HalFrance.com or www.joslyncastle.com.
RATS! Vintage Market Sundays
Cancelled for this Year
The Castle’s Vintage Market Sundays scheduled for June 15, July 20
and August 17 have been cancelled for this year. We had envisioned
select local vendor booths on the Castle grounds selling vintage and
repurposed items with lawn games, scrumptious cuisine from local
food trucks, tours of the Castle, and live music. Unfortunately, we
were not able to finalize all the details. We do plan to revisit the idea
with input from vendors and others. The markets are a great idea
and we will work to offer them next year. A big Thank You goes to all
who worked on the program thus far. Stay tuned…
page 5
Program News
—Upcoming Events—
July
Sunday, July 27th
10 am – 4 pm
Joslyn Castle Classic Car Show
Come enjoy the best classic vehicles on the beautiful Castle grounds!
October - November
Friday, October 3rd
7-11 pm
PARACON Paranormal Investigative Class
Tuesday, October 7th through
Thursday, October 9th
Brandywine Valley Trip
——Literary Festival - Shadows at the Castle: Bram Stoker’s Dark Vision——
Friday, October 17th, 7 pm
Movie Night on the grounds: Nosferatu and Shadow of the Vampire
Thursday, October 23rd through
through Saturday, November 1st
10 am – 3 pm
Durham Museum at the Castle
Thursday, October 23rd through
Sunday, October 26th, and
Wednesday, October 29th through
Thursday, October 30th, 7 pm
Drama Duet: Dracula: the Journal of Jonathan Harker
and The Jewel of Seven Stars
Monday, October 27th
and Tuesday, October 28th, 6 pm
Lectures
Friday, October 31st, 7 pm
Vampyre Ball
Saturday, November 1st, 7 pm
Music of the Unknown
Friday, November 7th, 7-11 pm
PARACON Paranormal Investigative Class
November - December
Thursday, November 27th, 9 am
Turkey Trot 5k Walk/Run
November through December
Miracle on Farnam
Thursday, December 4th
Holiday Party and Boutique
Friday, December 5th through
Saturday, December 6th
Holiday Historic Home Tour and Boutique
Tickets and Reservations to all events can be purchased
online at www.joslyncastle.com or by calling 402.595.2199
page 6
Joslyn Castle Tour
Brandywine Valley October 7 – 9, 2014
We have another exciting trip planned for our annual tour of
historic places. This year’s tour is to the Brandywine Valley in
Eastern Pennsylvania. The Brandywine Valley is home to worldclass museums, lavish “American castles,” formal and natural
gardens and unique events. Our tour will include airfare from
Omaha to Philadelphia where a deluxe motorcoach will take us
to the sites. Included is one dinner and lunch at the Garden
Café at Winterthur Museum and Gardens. Sites to be visited
include:
Nemours Mansion &
Gardens
Built by one of the duPont
family’s most renowned
philanthropists, this
beautifully preserved French
villa is surrounded by
magnificent formal gardens. Experience the good life of the early
20th century.
Longwood Gardens
This world-renowned
horticultural showplace
and former duPont family
estate offers magnificently
planted conservatories and a
thousand acres of gardens,
fountains and woodlands year-round.
Brandywine River Museum
Winterthur Museum
& Gardens
For those of you who are Downton Abbey fans, the exhibit
“Costumes of Downton Abbey” at the Winterthur Museum and
Gardens will be open.
Home to an unrivaled
collection of American
furniture and decorative
arts, this former duPont
estate also includes
hundreds of acres of naturally landscaped gardens and a
renowned research library.
A grist mill on the Brandywine
has been converted to house
an unparalleled collection of
art by the Wyeth family, and
a fine collection of American
illustration, still life and landscape painting.
The cost of the tour is $1695 based on a minimum of 15
passengers, of which $100 is a donation to Joslyn Castle.
Please call Joslyn Castle for further information. We hope you
will join us.
Paranormal Investigation
Class Returns to the Castle
Holiday Events
In the fall of 2013, Paracon, a paranormal investigation team,
offered two classes on the paranormal investigation process.
These classes were very popular, and attendance exceeded
capacity on both occasions.
Be sure to plan a visit to the Castle this holiday season! There
will be lots going on. First is the 4th Annual Joslyn Castle
Turkey Trot 5K Walk/Run that starts at Turner Park in Midtown
Crossing on Thanksgiving morning. Join us on November 27th
to burn some calories before the big Thanksgiving meal!
at the Castle
Those who attended learned the basics of how an investigation
is conducted and what equipment is used. Participants then
had the opportunity to take part in an actual investigation.
Paracon has agreed to return for an encore. Classes will be
held on Friday, October 3rd and Friday, November 7th from
7:00 – 11:00 pm. Watch for more details on these classes,
as well as how to register, on our website – www.joslyncastle.
com. Or you can call the Castle at 402-595-2199 with
questions.
In December, the Castle is hosting its second annual Holiday
Historic Home Tour and Boutique on the 5th and 6th. The
Holiday Patron Party and Boutique preview planned by the
Guild will be held at the Castle on the 4th. Every year the Castle
is decorated in holiday décor so be sure to attend one of our
events or come for a tour when we are open to the public!
There will be additional information about these holiday events
in the next newsletter.
page 7
The 2014 Literary Festival
Shadows at the Castle:
Bram Stoker’s Dark Vision
The 2014 Joslyn Castle literary Festival is going to be a
blockbuster! The highlighted author this year is Bram Stocker!
His great masterpiece, Dracula, was completed in 1897 against
a background of late-Victorian industry and invention, burgeoning medical and scientific advancement and volcanic social
change. It is a wild story of vampirism, romance, mysterious
folklore, dark Gothicism and strange science fiction that has
captivated the human imagination with unrelenting fervor since
its first publication, spawning over 700 films and never going out
of print. What about this dark tale has held our fascination for
so long? How was Stoker’s story a window into his own time
and how is it still pertinent today? This year, the Joslyn Castle
Literary Festival will explore these questions and many more
through drama, lecture, musical performance, film, an exhibit
by the Durham Museum at the Castle and a Halloween night
Vampyre Ball!
Movie Night – October 17 at 7 pm
Join us on the lawn of Josyln Castle in early October (bring your
blanket and lawn chair) to watch movie clips in a thrilling double
feature. Nosferatu - This 1922 film adaptation of the thrilling
story stars Max Schreck and was directed by film maker F.W.
Murnau. Shadow of the Vampire - This ingenious dark-comedy
horror film stars John Malkovich and Willem Dafoe. Host David
Peterson, a UNO professor and film expert will be the guide to
understanding the history of the “Dracula” story as told through
the art of the cinema.
invites his guests to witness a “Great Experiment”: an ancient
Egyptian religious ritual that will resurrect the mummy of Queen
Tera!! Don’t miss this theatrical tour-de-force!
Lectures – October 27 and 28 at 6 pm
Durham Museum at the Castle – Open October 23 through
November 1 at 10 am to 3 pm Daily
The curators and exhibits staff of the Durham Museum will
research, design, and install an exhibition in the Castle focusing
on Dracula and the horror genre using items from their
wonderful collections of artifacts and photographs.
Drama Duet – October 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30 at 7 pm
Our drama this year will also comprise two offerings.
Dracula: The Journal of Jonathan Harker - Jim Helsinger’s fiercely paced and tautly structured one-man adaptation of Dracula
is a masterpiece of invention starring Kirk Koczanowkski, who
thrilled festival audiences with his brilliant portrayal of Oscar
Wilde.
The Jewel of Seven Stars - Laura Leininger and LB Buchelt
draw the audience into a tale of mystery and horror in a performance inspired by Stoker’s 1903 novel about all things Egyptian
and occult. Collector of Egyptian antiquities, Abel Trelawny,
Buchelt will develop and present two lectures for the Festival on
topics relating to Stoker, his work, and the vampire and horror
genres.
Vampyre Ball – October 31 at 7 pm
The Vampyre Ball will be the party to end all parties this Halloween Night. In the perfectly crenellated confines of Joslyn Castle,
surrounded by a bevy of vampire hostesses, tarot and palm
readings, a séance, live performance, readings from the spookiest Bram Lit and a costume contest enjoy your evening. Come
to this divine dance for the un-dead! What could be more fun?
Music Of The Unknown – November 1 at 7 pm
Don’t fear it – hear it – the music of the unknown! Join Hal
France and three fantastic singers for a chamber performance
of music and words from Stoker’s era that explores the world
of the supernatural. Ghosts, mesmerism, folklore, dark doings,
visiting angels and spirits from beyond all As Dracula himself
said: “The children of the night, what music they make!”
page 8
W
eddings Galore!
This year has been extremely busy at the Castle with weddings galore! As always, the spring,
summer, and fall months are almost completely booked. Most of the ceremonies that take
place at the Castle occur in the gardens, which look especially magnificent this year thanks
to the wonderful grounds volunteers who work tirelessly every day. Outdoor weddings are
growing in popularity. The flowers and trees make the perfect backdrop for any wedding,
and the Castle gardens are the perfect location. Not only are there beautiful outdoor spaces
for celebrations, but the interior of the Castle is perfect for receptions with space to seat up
to 200 guests. The introduction of the Joslyn Castle Wedding Blog and the Castle Pinterest
site has increased interest for weddings at the Castle.
Emily Lasky, the Event Coordinator, gets lots of phone
calls and emails every week from prospective renters.
For anyone interested in learning more about hosting
a wedding at the Castle, call Emily at 402-595-3209,
or email her at [email protected].
2014 Tour and Docent Task Force
In mid-January a Tour and Docent Task Force was established
to review all tour processes, recruitment and training of docents.
The members of this task force are:
Judy Alderman, Education and Tour Coordinator, Chair
Julie Reilly, Executive Director
Mary Jochim, Joslyn Castle Board of Directors
Lorraine Jeffus, Joslyn Castle Board of Directors
Marnie Corsaro, Volunteer Docent
Rob Corsaro, Volunteer Docent
Lisa Camplin, Volunteer Docent
John Sullivan, Durham Museum Docent
At the initial meeting, current tour and docent processes were
reviewed, and then Task Force members were asked to respond
to three questions:
• What are five things every tour participant should take away from their Castle visit?
At the second meeting in February, three initiatives were
identified based on the results of the January discussions.
They were 1) focus on the history of the building and grounds,
2) offer different types of tours, 3) find ways to attract, train and
retain good docents.
To address the three initiatives, members of the Task Force have
taken on responsibility for developing different ways to conduct
tours and offering different types of tours. Other members are
working on a grounds tour. Others are preparing a docent
handbook, which includes a docent job description, an
application survey, interview questions, policies and procedures,
personnel information, and “to do” checklists for conducting
tours or monitoring events.
In July, the Task Force will begin the process of determining the
best way to recruit more docents, with the goal of doubling the
number of active docents. Three more docents recently joined
the team: Sherri Moore, Molly Hobson and Elizabeth Schmidt.
• What five elements of the tour program are important
to retain?
• What five modifications would make the tour program even more effective?
page 9
Joslyn Castle Membership Changes
Being a member of the Joslyn Castle Trust is one of the most
important ways to support the Castle. Castle members receive
the newsletter, free tour admission during tour Sundays,
discounts on tickets to many of our events and discounts in
the gift shop. As we look ahead, the Castle wants to improve
engagement with our members. To that end, a task force
comprised of representatives from the Joslyn Castle Board,
Guild and Staff recently met to discuss membership at the
Joslyn Castle. With the addition and increased activity of the
Guild, and with the evolution of the organization, it was
determined that it was time to adjust our membership practices
to maximize benefits for our members.
Toward the end of this year, we will be introducing a new
membership structure for the Castle.
Another improvement will be to adjust the expiration dates for
all memberships to an annual renewal. Currently, memberships
expire at random times throughout the year. Moving forward all
memberships will align with the calendar year. Current memberships set to expire prior to the end of the year will be extended
through December 31, 2014. All memberships will then begin
on January 1 and expire December 31.
The graphic identifies planned membership price levels. We are
also excited to offer a discounted level for Senior Citizens and
now have greater alignment between the member pricing for
Guild and Castle Memberships.
This structure gives individuals greater choice in the type of
membership that makes sense for them. The benefits listed
earlier will remain, along with more specific events and
involvement opportunities based each group. Whether you
choose to become a Castle Member, a Guild Member, a
Lynhurst Society Member, or all three, your support of the
Castle is valued and appreciated.
A brochure will be sent to all current members introducing the
following membership categories:
• Joslyn Castle Membership – General Support;
Annual Renewal
• Castle Guild Membership – Social Group, focused on
Fundraising and Friendraising
• Lynhurst Society (working name, subject to change) – A new
group that will focus on Castle organizational development
and restoration projects.
Joslyn Castle Membership Groups
Castle Guild
Fundraising, Friend Raising, Social
Holiday Party and Holiday Boutique
Projects
Annual Guild Luncheon
$25 (Senior), $30 (Individual), $35 (Family),
$50 (Supporter), $100 (Donor),
$250 (Patron), $500 (Benefactor),
$1,000 (Partner)
Castle Members
General Interest
Annual Members Only Event
$25 (Senior), $30 (Individual), $35 (Family),
$50 (Supporter), $100 (Donor),
$250 (Patron), $500 (Benefactor),
$1,000 (Partner)
Lynhurst Society
(Suggested Name?)
To Be Established
Organizational Development,
Major Restoration Projects
An Annual Special Event
$5,000 per year
Sarah's Circle Charter
Members
On Wednesday, May 21, 2014, the Joslyn Castle participated in
Omaha Gives. In its second year, this 24 hour charitable
challenge sponsored by the Omaha Community Foundation
seeks to raise awareness and funds for nonprofit organizations
in Douglas, Sarpy and Pottawattamie counties. Over $6.3
million was raised from just over 34,000 donations to the 569
nonprofit organizations that participated. Each donation had
to be at least $10 during the charitable challenge, and over
$800,000 in matching funds were distributed among the
participating nonprofits as well. The Joslyn Castle is so pleased
to have been the recipient of donations from 45 donors. The
Castle is so proud to call Omaha home, and as always, we are
truly appreciative of the support and generosity of so many!
page 10
_________________
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
OMAHA, NE
Permit No. 1709
_________________
Special thanks
to the following organizations
who have made wonderful contributions
to the betterment of the Castle!
Douglas County Board of Commissioners
3902 Davenport Street
Omaha, NE 68131
First National Bank
Highland Park Garden Club
Holland Basham Architects
Home Depot, 4545 North 72nd Store
Hy-Vee Stores
LA Bellevue Questers
Lowe’s, 7525 Dodge Street Store
Omaha Community Foundation
Oxide Design
Peter Kiewit Foundation
Santa Monica House
Sherwood Foundation
Summer Works Program
Terry Hughes Tree Service
The Alliance Group
The Greater Omaha Iris Society
Joslyn Castle Thanks
Its Members!
Joslyn Castle has approximately 400 members.
Members of this group are some of the Castle’s most
dedicated supporters. Members receive invitations to
members only events, discounts on selected Joslyn
Castle Trust sponsored event ticket prices, a 10%
discount in the gift shop, and a copy of the newsletter.
Become a member today.
Join the Joslyn Castle Trust,
and help preserve a part of
Omaha’s history.
n
n
n
n
$1000 Partner
$500 Benefactor
$250 Patron
n
n
n
$50 Supporter
$35 Family
$30 Individual
$100 Donor
Name__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Address________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
City_______________________________________________________________________State___________ Zip__________________________
Email_____________________________________________________________________ Phone________________________________________
Send this form with your contribution payable to:
Joslyn Castle Trust, Inc., 3902 Davenport Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68131 or visit www.joslyncastle.com
To receive the Castle Watch Newsletter, please re-new or join!