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From the Castle to the Capitol: Arts Advocacy in Action
by Kelli Bello for Cultured, February 9, 2026
Nebraska’s vibrant art and historic preservation communities gathered at the Capitol in Lincoln, on Wednesday, February 4th for a day of statewide connection and advocacy called Arts and Culture Day, organized by Nebraskans for the Arts. I was honored to attend as a representative of Joslyn Castle & Gardens, and by my side was my stalwart companion in the fight, our Castle Programming and Marketing Manager Melissa McCarthy. Melissa was boots on the ground representing the Castle & Cathedral Creative District, which is an initiative funded by the State of Nebraska.
Our primary concerns were two proposals which could have potentially devastating effects to our ability to execute our mission to preserve and share the Castle: LB1072 and LB1244.
The first bill, LB1072, proposes to terminate the Nebraska Cultural Preservation Endowment Fund (CPEF). This would end the match transfers and the existing $15M of match funds in CPEF (the endowment fund managed by the State Investment Council), reallocating them to the general fund (essentially, they would take the funds back). I didn’t know this, but earnings from the endowment generate over $1 million for arts and humanities programs statewide, and in turn, these programs generate $4.1 billion annually to Nebraska’s economy!
I also didn’t know that the Nebraska Cultural Endowment is the first and only public-private cultural trust in the nation built to support and sustain the arts and humanities. Through this fund, all private donations are matched by the State of Nebraska. Here at the Castle, we utilize these grant funds to produce popular educational programming including our Art and Literary Festival and Architecture on Tap local history lectures.
Secondly, we were there to advocate for Nebraska’s State Historic Tax Credit. As you can imagine, this is a very valuable resource to a non-profit like ours, with our lean budget coupled with our mandate to preserve the 5.75 acres of publicly-accessible grounds and three 120+ years-old structures. The bill in question is LB1244 that proposes (among many other cuts) to eliminate the Mainstreet Revitalization Act, which includes this tax credit.
Without this resource, many important structures, from iconic structures like the Castle, to the many humble and beloved historic neighborhoods in our state, would face mounting deferred maintenance, disinvestment, and ultimately (and tragically) demolition. This is not because these places lack value, but because the financial tools to save them no longer exist.
I had a bit of a “palms are sweaty, Mom’s spaghetti” moment as I approached the Revenue Committee with my testimony. The message I hope I drove home was simple: The Historic Tax Credit helps ensure that places like Joslyn Castle can remain open, safe, and relevant for future generations. Weakening or eliminating this credit would put non-profit organizations at serious risk.
Advocacy is not something we typically engage in our day-to-day here at the Castle, but Melissa and I are both passionate about the importance of the arts and preservation. We were grateful for the opportunity to connect in-person with our fellow arts administrators from across the state, and were inspired by all that is being accomplished by our Nebraska peers in this sector.
We’ll be keeping a close eye on the legislature in the coming weeks, but until then, we’ll continue to shout it from the turret-tops: Art is important. History is important.
Joslyn Castle & Gardens Awarded $357,480 Grant for Historic Rehabilitation
Omaha, NE – September 29, 2025 – Joslyn Castle & Gardens is proud to announce that the organization has been awarded $357,480 in federal funding through the Save America’s Treasures (SAT) Grant Program, administered by the State, Tribal, Local, Plans & Grants (STLPG) division of the National Park Service. This prestigious award requires a 1:1 match and will support the rehabilitation and preservation of the historic Jens Jensen designed conservatory. This is the first federal grant award for the Joslyn Castle, and the largest in the organization’s history.
Jens Jensen was a noted landscape architect who was a pioneer of the Prairie School of landscape design, which focused on using native plantings and building materials to emulate natural environments. He is most noted for his works in the Chicago parks system. George Joslyn hired Jensen to rebuild the original structure after the 1913 Easter tornado destroyed the first conservatory. The Joslyn Castle conservatory is one of only two known commissions by Jensen in the state of Nebraska.
“This award is a tremendous honor and a testament to the national importance Joslyn Castle & Gardens,” said Executive Director Amy Richardson. “With these funds, we can ensure that this stunning historic piece of Nebraska horticultural excellence is preserved and activated for the next generation. When they were alive, George and Sarah Joslyn took great pride in sharing their love of horticulture with their community, and after restoration, we cannot wait to welcome the public back inside the conservatory to continue this proud tradition.”
The Joslyn Castle is a designated National Historic Landmark and a cornerstone of Omaha’s rich cultural heritage and history. As the former home of business leaders and philanthropists George and Sarah Joslyn, and designed by renowned architect John McDonald, the Joslyn Castle is a testament to Nebraska’s architectural excellence and vibrant community spirit. Today, the 5.5 acre campus serves as historic home museum, a cultural & educational destination, and a community greenspace located in the heart of Midtown Omaha.
The Save America’s Treasures Grant Program was established by Congress in 1998 to preserve nationally significant historic properties and collections that convey our nation’s heritage. Administered by the National Park Service in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the National Endowment for the Arts, the program has awarded over $300 million to more than 1,300 projects nationwide.
“This grant affirms the cultural and historic value of the Joslyn Castle,” said Executive Director Amy Richardson. “We are deeply grateful for this support, and we look forward to working closely with the National Park Service, our Nebraska State Historic Preservation Office, the team at Holland Basham Architects, and our community to carry out this critical preservation work.”
The Saving America’s Treasures grant will join other major capital grants awarded to the project including the Lienemann Charitable Foundation, the Sunderland Foundation, the Mammel Family Foundation, The Ethel S. Abbott Charitable Foundation, the Gilbert M and Martha H Hitchcock Foundation, and funds raised by the Joslyn Castle Guild. The total project budget is over $1 million and Holland Basham Architects have been selected to lead the historically sensitive restoration work.
Joslyn Castle & Gardens is a 501©3 non-profit organization with a mission of preserving the legacy of George and Sarah Joslyn through stewardship of their historic home and by offering diverse, cultural programming that informs and inspires the community.
Contact: Kelli Bello, Director of Dev. & Outreach, (402)595-2199, kbello@joslyncastle.com
Joslyn Castle & Gardens is Omaha’s Culture Hub—Executive Director Amy Richardson Talks Past, Present, Future
by Natalie Veloso for Omaha Magazine, June 2024
The Seventh Generation Principle, rooted in an ancient philosophy of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy (Iroquois), encourages stewardship by compelling us to consider our intergenerational impact. It urges us to live and work for the seventh generation that follows us and to honor the seventh generation that preceded us. With its rich 120-year history, Joslyn Castle & Gardens stands as a testament to the significance of thoughtful preservation, embodying the essence of this timeless principle.
Completed in 1903, Joslyn Castle remains a reflection of its original owners, George and Sarah Joslyn. As Omaha’s first millionaires and philanthropists, the Joslyns believed in the power of wealth as a force for good, shaping and funding the city’s arts scene with their generosity. Today, the Scottish Baronial mansion’s meticulously preserved 30+ rooms and sprawling gardens are a reminder of the Joslyns’ enduring impact on the community.
Joslyn Castle & Gardens – Preserving a Legacy
by Emma Gardner for Milford Magazine, April 2024
The Joslyn Castle and Gardens stands as a testament to the vision and philanthropy of George and Sarah Joslyn. Built-in 1903, the Joslyn Castle serves as a living monument to the values of its original owners, and today, a dedicated group of individuals works tirelessly to preserve its legacy and share it with future generations.
Among these individuals is Kelli Bello, Director of Development and Outreach, whose journey with the Joslyn Castle began with her deep admiration for Sarah Joslyn.
“Sarah Joslyn worked tirelessly to make Omaha an incredible place to live, and I feel that everyday living here,” Bello says with a smile. “My love story with Omaha began through learning about this family, their art, their music, their philanthropy, and what they offered to everyone in Omaha.”
Omaha’s Castle and Cathedral District celebrates first year by showcasing portraits of residents
by Marjie Ducey for Omaha World-Herald, December 2024
A year ago, Joslyn Castle Executive Director Amy Richardson could walk along 40th Street and know no one.
That has all changed since the creation of the Castle and Cathedral Creative District in July 2023. Joslyn Castle & Gardens, Cali Commons, the Cathedral Arts Project and the Joslyn Castle Neighborhood Association formed a partnership that resulted in a $250,000 grant from the Nebraska Arts Council.
Richardson said the new district has the feel of a little town in the middle of a big city.
“I think we have developed a sense of community, a neighborhood that we have places to gather, a place to celebrate the arts and creatives,” she said.