A Historic Landmark Finds New Creative Energy

March 9th, 2026

For years, Joslyn Castle & Gardens has been seen as a place where visitors can step back into Omaha’s past. The historic home and its surrounding gardens have long offered a glimpse into the city’s early 20th-century history, making it a popular destination for tours, weddings, and community gatherings.

While the castle’s historic importance has always been clear, discussions about its future often focused on preservation and maintenance rather than new possibilities.

That perspective is beginning to change.

Much of that shift comes from a broader vision about how historic spaces can remain active parts of a city’s cultural life. Helping lead that transformation is Melissa McCarthy, the marketing and programming manager at the castle. A California transplant, McCarthy brings a background shaped by creative communities and arts-focused programming.

Her experience has helped guide a new approach that emphasizes collaboration and cultural activity alongside preservation.

One of the most visible developments is the creation of the Castle and Cathedral Creative Arts District, an initiative that connects the castle with nearby cultural organizations and creative spaces. The goal is to build a neighborhood where arts programming, historic architecture, and community engagement work together to create a dynamic environment for artists and visitors alike.

The district represents a shift in how the castle is positioned within Omaha’s arts landscape. Rather than serving only as a historic landmark, the property is becoming a space where contemporary creativity can take place.

That change is reflected in the castle’s growing list of programs and events. Expanded offerings now include concerts, art exhibitions, lectures, and family-friendly activities. A stronger focus on digital outreach, including social media and a refreshed website, has also helped attract new audiences — particularly younger visitors who may not have previously considered the castle a destination.

Melissa McCarthy poses for a portrait while seated, wearing a red blouse.

As programming grows, performers and artists are beginning to see the castle grounds as a venue in their own right. The historic setting offers a distinctive backdrop for artistic work while encouraging collaboration between organizations and creative professionals.

That spirit of collaboration will be especially visible during a two-day event planned for the final weekend of March. The gathering will feature performances, activities for children, and opportunities for artists and audiences to interact throughout the grounds.

Events like this are designed not only to showcase artistic talent but also to introduce more visitors to the castle and the broader creative district surrounding it.

For McCarthy, the journey to Omaha was unexpected. She never imagined that her work in the arts would bring her to the Midwest. Yet the opportunity to help shape a new chapter for Joslyn Castle & Gardens has made the move feel meaningful.

Today, the castle is gradually redefining its place in the city. While its historic character remains central to its identity, new programming and partnerships are helping it evolve into something more — a place where history, creativity, and community come together.

From the KVNO Arts Desk, this story was reported by Michael Hilt.