Postcards from Lincoln: A History of Lincoln Speaker Series

Saint Paul UMC is excited to welcome back Ed Zimmer and Jim McKee, as well as favorite guest speakers Bob Ripley and Lynn Roper, for the ninth season of our popular speaker series, “Postcards from Lincoln.” These talks explore this city’s history, those who shaped that history, and feature some of Lincoln’s leading historians and notable figures dedicated to preserving and sharing our community’s story.

All sessions will be meeting on Mondays, from 7:00-8:00 pm at Saint Paul United Methodist Church in the Sanctuary, and are free to attend.

Click here for Vimeo recording

Spring 2026 Series Schedule 
February 9 – “Remember the Ladies...” (Part I)
Speakers: Ed Zimmer & Jim McKee

February 23 – “The Many Careers of Harry Francis Cunningham”
Speaker: Ed Zimmer

March 9 – “A Letter from Lincoln: A History of the Lincoln Post Office"
Speaker: Jim McKee

March 23 – “Remember the Ladies...” (Part II)
Speakers: Ed Zimmer & Jim McKee

April 6 – “The Murals of the Nebraska State Capitol” 
Speaker: Bob Ripley

April 20 – “Nebraska's Women Suffragists”
Speakers: Lynn Roper

Speakers   

Jim McKee
Selected Bio
Born and raised in Lincoln, Jim McKee has authored over 1,500 articles and books on Lincoln and Nebraska history and numismatics. He currently presents about 50 talks a year to groups around Nebraska, and has taught history at Southeast Community College since 1970.

Ed Zimmer, Ph.D.
Selected Bio
Ed Zimmer is a native of Omaha who served as Lincoln’s historic preservation planner from 1985 to 2020. Additionally, he was an elected member of the LPS Board of Education from 1995 to 2014, and he has served as an adjunct instructor for the University of Nebraska – Lincoln.

Bob Ripley
Selected Bio
Bob Ripley was the Nebraska State Capitol Administrator for over 40 years, overseeing numerous renovations and restorations, all in an effort to maintain our beautiful, landmark, capitol building. His work has led him to national recognition, including winning the prestigious 2015 Harry F. Cunningham Gold Medal for Architectural Excellence in the State of Nebraska.

Lynn Roper
Selected Bio
Lynn Roper has enjoyed a long and distinguished career of financial analysis and community involvement. She was named to the Barron’s Winner’s Circle of Women Financial Advisors in 2007 and 2008, and she was selected by Barron’s in 2009 as one of the top 1000 Financial Advisors in the United States. In addition to her numerous business accolades, she has also been an active volunteer serving Lincoln’s non-profit groups and foundations, including the Mari Sandoz Society, Center for People in Need, Western History Association, and Nebraska Community Foundation. In 2002 Roper was awarded the Merrill Lynch Lifetime Community Achievement Award.