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Pershing mural project readied for final wall and education pieces; organizers seek remaining funds
Summary
Project organizers told the council the Pershing Auditorium mosaic tiles are nearly complete, a tilt-up main wall will be erected soon at Antelope Park, and fundraising and an educational/tactile program are in progress.
Volunteers and organizers for the Pershing mural restoration and reinstallation gave the Lincoln City Council an update on April 28, outlining construction steps, fundraising progress and education efforts tied to the project.
Roger Lemke, who spoke for the project, said tile recovery and preservation work is nearly complete (about 95% of the original tiles recovered and conserved) and that a retaining wall at the site has already been installed. The project team plans to build a new ‘‘tilt-up’’ main wall in front of the retaining wall in multiple, tightly controlled sections; the main wall will support reinstalled tiles and is being designed to withstand weather and wind loading.
Funding and community programs: Lemke said the campaign has raised roughly $3.1 million and is about $1.2 million short of the goal; the group is participating in Give to Lincoln and has a donor matching a portion of new gifts. The project will include a 3D tactile model for visually impaired visitors, which organizers expect to complete ahead of an October dedication and to pair with a curriculum module already in use in local schools.
Organizers emphasized that the Pershing installation is more than a restored artwork: it will be an interpretive and educational resource that includes lesson plans and tactile elements for accessibility. The council heard the update during open comment; no council action was requested at the meeting.
