Second Sunday Talks: with Christopher Swancara on the Omaha Filter Center

Christopher Swancara speaking on the GOC basic functions with a focus on the Omaha Filter Center

Sunday, May 17th, 2pm, Metro Community College, Fort Omaha, Building 10, Rm. 110

Join us this Second Sunday as we welcome Christopher Swancara as he explores the history of the Ground Observer Corps in the United States, from its World War II beginnings to its Cold War revival.

Learn how over 1.5 million civilian volunteers once scanned the skies from 14,000 observation posts, using only their eyes and binoculars to help protect the nation. Discover how this effort evolved in the 1950’s to support radar networks and Air Defense Command, and how Omaha played a role, with a Ground Observer Corps site located near 20th and Dodge.

Christopher will share his research, along with artifacts and stories that bring this fascinating chapter of civil defense history to life.

Meet Your Speaker

Christopher Swancara has spent most of his life in Lincoln, Nebraska, Building a strong connection to the state and its history. He is a graduate of Lincoln Lutheran High School and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education from Concordia University in Seward.

Over the past decade, Christopher has worked in the museum field, including eight years at the Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum in Ashland. During that time, he also earned his Master’s Degree in Museum Studies from the University of Oklahoma. Outside of his professional work, he enjoys video and board games, researching his aircraft spotting collection, and training as a voice actor.