Statewide events in May celebrate historic preservation, archaeology

May is a month to celebrate historic preservation and archaeology in Nevada.

Nevada agencies and organizations have worked to spread awareness of archaeological and historic preservation efforts throughout the state, encouraging both residents and visitors to explore and learn about Nevada’s significant archaeological and historical treasures.

The following are scheduled events throughout Nevada:

Carson City

— Historic Resources Commission Scavenger Hunt: This scavenger hunt is open to both adults and kids. The goal is to find all of the architectural building windows from the pictures provided and give the correct address. All of the pictures are from properties located in the Carson City Historic District. Participants with all of the correct answers will be entered into a drawing for a free lunch for two at Adele's.
Where: Carson City Historic District
When: May 1–26
Contact Krysten Haemel for more information at 775-283-7080 or via email: khaemel@carson.org
Cost/Admission: Free.

— Open House at the Historic Wungnema House: Open House and exhibit of Native American art from a private collection at Carson City’s historic Wungnema House. The house was built in 1948 by a family of Hopi stonemasons, the Wungnemas, and served as their home until the early 1970s. Notable, in addition to the house’s exterior masonry, is the inclusion of the family’s clan symbol in rock surrounding the fireplace. The Wungnema’s distinctive masonry can be seen in churches, ranches, homes and other structures at Lake Tahoe, Washoe Valley and Reno, as well as in Carson City.
Where: Wungnema House, East Side of Mills Park, on the Seely Loop, off N. Saliman Road in Carson City.
When: Sunday, May 28, 2-5 p.m.
More information: Foundation for Carson City Parks and Recreation
Link: http://carsoncityparks.org/index.htm
Cost/Admission: Free, donations welcomed.

Lyon County

— May Historic Preservation Display at the Silver City Post Office: The Silver City post office will display rare black and white photographs from the 1970s-1980s of some of Silver City’s archaeologists, writers, history and culture researchers/consultants and photographers from the Germino Archive, courtesy of Sam Toll. Driving/walking tour maps of selected public historic sites in Silver City will be available at the display and online.
Where: U.S. Post Office in Silver City, which is an addition to the historic Golden Gate building, 270 Main Street, Silver City. Silver City is located within the federally designated Virginia City Historic Landmark District, 3 miles from Virginia City, 12 miles from Carson City and 30 miles from Reno and Lake Tahoe.
When: May 1-31, during normal business hours
More information: Quest Lakes, 775-847-0742
Cost/Admission: Free

— 1938–1950 (Old –Time) Movie Presentation: This program includes 1938-1950 (old-time) movies of Dayton and western Nevada with the life and times of the Gene and Del Minor family along with a photo story presentation by Linda Conlin that shows the Carson River floods the Minor family endured over the years.
Where: Dayton Valley Community Center, 170 Pike Street, Old Town Dayton
When: Wednesday, May 3, refreshments served at 7 p.m., program begins at 7:30 p.m.
More information: The Historical Society of Dayton Valley, Laura Tennant, 775-246-3256, or Gloria Manning, 775-461–3829
Link: www.daytonnvhistory.org
Cost/Admission: Free

— A Dayton and Carson City Rancher Wife’s Life: Kay Winters presents, "A Dayton and Carson City rancher wife’s life in the 1950s-1960s."
Where: Dayton Valley Community Center, 170 Pike Street, Old Town Dayton
When: Wednesday, May 10, refreshments served at 7 p.m., program begins at 7:30 p.m.
More information: The Historical Society of Dayton Valley, Laura Tennant, 775-246-3256, or Gloria Manning, 775-461–3829
Link: www.daytonnvhistory.org
Cost/Admission: Free

— 1870 Union Hotel Presentation: Katie and Glenn Hasbrouch have purchased and are rejuvenating the 1870 Union Hotel on Pike Street. Hear all about the challenges and rewards of restoring a historic structure.
Where: Dayton Valley Community Center, 170 Pike Street, Old Town Dayton
When: Wednesday, May 31, refreshments served at 7 p.m., program begins at 7:30 p.m.
More information: The Historical Society of Dayton Valley, Laura Tennant, 775-246-3256, or Gloria Manning, 775-461–3829
Link: www.daytonnvhistory.org
Cost/Admission: Free

Storey County

— Open House for the Courthouse Slammer and Storey County Museum: Tour the jail of the historic Storey County Courthouse. This impressive building was constructed in 1877 in the high Italianate style that embodies 19th-century ideals of decorative opulence as well as law and order. The total cost of construction, including fixtures and the jail, was $117,000, a remarkable sum even for the Comstock boom years.
Where: Storey County Courthouse 26 South B Street Virginia City
When: Wednesday, May 31, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
More information: Storey County, www.storeycounty.org
Cost/Admission: Free.

Washoe County

— Lake Mansion Lives! Guided Tours: Built in 1877, this stately building is intimately tied to the City of Reno’s life story. Formerly located at the corner of South Virginia and California Ave., the mansion was purchased by Myron C. Lake, the founder of Reno, in 1879. After two moves, the mansion is an example of successful adaptive re-use. It is now owned and operated by the non-profit organization Arts for All Nevada who utilizes the mansion for art classes/camps, art exhibits, art festivals and fundraisers. The facility is also available for the public to rent for special events and meetings. There are several family pieces on exhibit and period furnishings throughout the main floor.
Where: Lake Mansion, 250 Court St. at Arlington Ave., Reno
When: May 5, 12 and 19 at Noon
More information: Arts for All Staff, 775-826-6100, 2#, info@artsforallnevada.org
Link: https://www.artsforallnevada.org
Cost/Admission: Free

— We Won’t Stay Long: Anticipated Mobility at Rabbithole Springs, Nevada: Located near the Black Rock Desert, Rabbithole Springs, Nevada is a remote mining district originally named by emigrants on the Applegate Trail. Families squatted at the Double O Mine in order to escape the effects of the Great Depression and were able to make a living placer mining for gold. The community was inhabited from 1935-1941 and the residents improvised by living in tents or dugouts built from scavenged materials. This project is a continuation of research conducted by the University of Nevada, Reno and focuses on the anticipated mobility of the community. The patterns of trash disposal, the residential features, and locations of work areas fit together to tell the story of how long the residents thought they would stay at Rabbithole.
Where: Sierra View Library Meeting Room, Reno Town Mall, 4001 S. Virginia, Reno
When: Saturday, May 6, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
More information: Historic Reno Preservation Society. 775-747-4478
Link: www.historicreno.org
Cost/Admission: Free.

— Reno’s 149th Birthday at the Lake Mansion: Celebrate Reno’s 149th birthday at “Reno’s First Address,” the Lake Mansion. Reno was founded by Myron C. Lake who owned the historic Lake Mansion built in 1877. Celebrate with the non-profit Arts for All Nevada with guided tours at 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 12:30 p.m., a free book for each child, a Myron Lake impersonator and an exhibit of vintage kitchen equipment. The main floor is furnished with several family pieces and donated period furnishings. Birthday cake and lemonade will be served at high noon.
Where: Lake Mansion, 250 Court St. at Arlington Ave., Reno
When: Tuesday, May 9, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
More information: Arts for All Staff, 775-826-6100, 2#, info@artsforallnevada.org
Link: https://www.artsforallnevada.org
Cost/Admission: Free, Donations are appreciated to help preserve and maintain the mansion.

— Reno 150 Kick-off Event: Reno will celebrate its 150th birthday on May 9, 2018. We will officially start the countdown on May 9, 2017 and celebrate throughout the year leading up to Reno's 150. This free family-friendly event will include: A 149th birthday cake; speakers from the community representing Reno’s history; a photo booth with the backdrop of a painting titled “Reno Twenty Years Ago” painted by C.B. McClellan (1827-1883), painted in 1882 depicting Reno in 1862 with the Lake House, the bridge, Myron Lake, Chief Winnemucca and his family (now the location of the Virginia Street Bridge): entertainment by the Reno Municipal Band and the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony; a history representation of the Reno Rodeo’s Chuck Wagon, a vehicle from Hot August Nights, a hot air balloon from the Reno Balloon Races, showgirls featuring costumes from Reno’s MGM productions and mascots from Truckee Meadows Community College, the University of Nevada Reno and Archie from the Reno Aces.
Where: 30 N. Virginia, Reno City Plaza
When: Tuesday, May 9, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
More information: Alexis Hill, 775-326-6697, hilla@reno.gov
Link: Reno.gov/Reno150
Cost/Admission: Free

— Delongchamps Residential Architecture Walking Tour: This walk takes you on a neighborhood tour of homes, large and small, designed by Reno's notable architect, Frederic DeLongchamps. Hear about his life and what made him so unique to this area. Walks generally last from 1.5 to 2 hours. No dogs please. Tour guides: Anne Simone, David Vill and ZoAnn Campana.
Where: Meet at the Hardy House/Arte Italia, 442 Flint Street, Reno
When: Saturday, May 13, 10 a.m.
More information: Historic Reno Preservation Society (HRPS), call 775-747-4478 for reservations and information. Reservations required and space is limited.
Link: www.historicreno.org
Cost/Admission: Tour cost is $10 per person, free to HRPS members. Access to HRPS Walking Tours varies according to venue. Certain areas may not be fully accessible to individuals with disabilities due to architectural barriers inherent in the historic construction of the structures or uneven walking surfaces.

— Wells Avenue Neighborhood Walking Tour: Take a stroll through a working-class neighborhood along the path of the Wells Avenue streetcar, across the V&T tracks, and past the homes of the "Thoma Street Gang.” Walks generally last from 1.5 to 2 hours. No dogs please. Tour guides: Mark Taxer and Joan Collins.
Where: Meet at the Sinclair Street side at the historic Southside School Annex, 190 East Liberty Street.
When: Tuesday, May 16, 6 p.m.
More information: Historic Reno Preservation Society (HRPS), call 775-747-4478 for reservations and information. Reservations required and space is limited.
Link: www.historicreno.org
Cost/Admission: Tour cost is $10 per person, free to HRPS members. Access to HRPS Walking Tours varies according to venue. Certain areas may not be fully accessible to individuals with disabilities due to architectural barriers inherent in the historic construction of the structures or uneven walking surfaces.

— Downtown Sparks Walking Tour: Learn about the history of the rail city with a guided walking tour of Victorian Square and Downtown Sparks. This interactive tour is designed to show how this area has transformed itself from a railroad hub, to a vibrant commercial district, to a rundown urban area and finally to a successful redevelopment area that has changed the image and future of the city. The tour includes 17 buildings and sites that have played an important role in the history and development of Sparks and Nevada. Walks generally last from 1.5 to 2 hours. No dogs please. Tour guide: Scott Carey.
Where: Tour begins and ends at the Sparks Heritage Museum, 814 Victorian Avenue, Sparks.
When: Saturday, May 20, 10 a.m.
More information: Historic Reno Preservation Society (HRPS), call 775-747-4478 for reservations and information, Reservations required and space is limited. This tour is in collaboration with the Sparks Heritage Museum (www.sparksmuseum.org) but reservations need to be made through HRPS.
Link: www.historicreno.org
Cost/Admission: Tour cost is $10 per person, free to HRPS members. Access to HRPS Walking Tours varies according to venue. Certain areas may not be fully accessible to individuals with disabilities due to architectural barriers inherent in the historic construction of the structures or uneven walking surfaces.

— UNR Walking Tour: Visit Morrill Hall, Mackay School of Mines and the Keck Museum to learn the history of this beautiful campus. Walks generally last from 1 ½ to 2 hours. No dogs please. Tour guides: Jack Hursh and Bob Shriver.
Where: Meet on campus at the Honor Court just off 9th and Center Streets.
When: Tuesday, May 23, 6 p.m.
More information: Historic Reno Preservation Society (HRPS), call 775-747-4478 for reservations and information. Reservations required and space is limited.
Link: www.historicreno.org
Cost/Admission: Tour cost is $10 per person, free to HRPS members. Access to HRPS Walking Tours varies according to venue. Certain areas may not be fully accessible to individuals with disabilities due to architectural barriers inherent in the historic construction of the structures or uneven walking surfaces.

— Upper Ralston/Northern Little Italy Walking Tour: Enjoy a walk in a residential neighborhood with a mix of architectural styles. Proximity to the University has traditionally determined the mix of residents, professors and students alike. Walks generally last from 1.5 to 2 hours. No dogs please. Tour guides: Jim and Sue Smith.
Where: Meet at the intersection of Washington Street, The Strand and College Avenue.
When: Saturday, May 27, 10 a.m.
More information: Historic Reno Preservation Society (HRPS), call 775-747-4478 for reservations and information, Reservations required and space is limited.
Link: www.historicreno.org
Cost/Admission: Tour cost is $10 per person, free to HRPS members. Access to HRPS Walking Tours varies according to venue. Certain areas may not be fully accessible to individuals with disabilities due to architectural barriers inherent in the historic construction of the structures or uneven walking surfaces.

— University Neighborhood Walking Tour: Walk through a historic and endangered neighborhood at the foot of the campus, with vintage Queen Anne homes and charming bungalows. Walks generally last from 1.5 to 2 hours. No dogs please. Tour guide: Debbie Hinman.
Where: Meet at the base of the 9th Street University steps.
When: Tuesday, May 30, 6 p.m.
More information: Historic Reno Preservation Society (HRPS), call 775-747-4478 for reservations and information. Reservations required and space is limited.
Link: www.historicreno.org
Cost/Admission: Tour cost is $10 per person, free to HRPS members. Access to HRPS Walking Tours varies according to venue. Certain areas may not be fully accessible to individuals with disabilities due to architectural barriers inherent in the historic construction of the structures or uneven walking surfaces.

Churchill County

— Cold Springs Ruins Tour and Walk: An archaeologist with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Stillwater Field Office will give a free tour of the Cold Springs Pony Express Station. The gates at the station will be opened for the tour so visitors can see the sites firsthand. The tour will include a 1.5-mile walk to the station from the Cold Springs Pony Express Station trailhead. The group will begin the walk from the trailhead at 11 a.m. Please pack water, food and sun protection accordingly.
Where: Cold Springs Pony Express Station Trail, about 60 Miles East of Fallon. From Fallon, follow Highway 50, 15 miles past SR 361. The trailhead (meeting place) is about 1.5 miles south of the Cold Springs Station restaurant and hotel.
When: Saturday, May 20, 11 a.m.
More information: Christine McCollum, 775-885-6005, cmccollum@blm.gov
Cost/Admission: Free

Elko County

— Archaeology Fair: This family-friendly event will feature archaeological exhibits, flint knapping and other demonstrations, native plant foods display, hunting tools display, diorama exhibits and hands-on activities for the kids.
Where: Northeastern Nevada Museum, 1515 Idaho Street, Elko
When: Saturday, May 6, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
More information: Donna Murphy, murphys@citlink.net, 775-738-6269
Link: elkoarchaeology.org or museumelko.org
Cost/Admission: Free

Clark County

— Morelli House Tours: In celebration of Nevada's Historic Preservation and Archaeological Awareness Month, the Junior League of Las Vegas is offering two docent-led tours of the Morelli House, a classic example of Las Vegas mid-century residential architecture built in 1959 by Antonio Morelli, the orchestra conductor and musical director for the Sands Hotel and Casino’s Copa Showroom from 1954-1972. In recognition of the musical heritage of this important architectural resource, there will be a performance at 12 p.m. by the award-winning Celebrity City Chorus of the Sweet Adelines.
Where: 861 East Bridger, Las Vegas
When: Saturday, May 13, docent-led tours at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.; performance at 12 p.m.
More information: Kris Hostetter kris.enotes@gmail.com or info@jllv.org
Link: http://morellihouse.org/ or http://celebritycitychorus.com/
Cost/Admission: Free

— Home + History Las Vegas: In celebration of Nevada's Historic Preservation and Archaeological Awareness Month, the Nevada Preservation Foundation will hold various events, including cocktail parties: Welcome Reception at Historic Westside School, Martini Tour at Liberace Mansion, Golden Steer After Party; Bus Tours: Under the Neon, Institutionally Modern, and A Tale of Two Neighborhoods; Home Tours: Phoenix House Tour, Vintage Vegas Home Tour; Walking Tours: Tract Development of the Chic and Fabulous, The Magic Hour on Fremont Street; Educational Events: Family Feud: Havana vs. Las Vegas, Modernism with a Twist, Legacy of Julius Shulman, Hugh E. Taylor: Midcentury Master; Exhibits: Timeless Classics: Architectural Photography Exhibit by Jeff Green.
Where: Varies by event. Most events take place in and around Downtown Las Vegas.
When: April 28-30
More information: Michelle Larime, 855-968-3973 x 702, Info@NevadaPreservation.org
Link: https://nevadapreservation.org/home-history/
Cost/Admission: Varies, $15 - $65 depending on event

— The Secret Life Of Old Cans: Deciphering The Past By Studying The Trash
What is archaeology? Why do archaeologists get so excited about old cans? What can you learn from one rusty bit of tin? Death Valley National Park archaeologist, Wanda Raschkow, will reveal the secrets that can be learned from old cans, bottles and other “trash.” Using examples from throughout the desert, including Las Vegas’ neighbor Death Valley, Raschkow will teach you to determine how old an artifact is and what pieces of tin or glass could tell you about the people who left them behind. The presentation will conclude with a hands-on opportunity to analyze artifacts. What are they? How old are they? What do they say about the place they were found and the people who lived there?
Where: Nevada State Museum, 309 S. Valley View Blvd., Las Vegas
When: Saturday, May 13, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
More information: Stacy Irvin, 702-822-8746, sirvin@nevadaculture.org
Link: http://nvdtca.org/nevadastatemuseumlasvegas/
Map: http://nvdtca.org/nevadastatemuseumlasvegas/plan-your-visit/location-dir...
Cost/Admission: Free with admission to the Springs Preserve ($9.95 for Nevada residents, $19.95 for out of state residents, children under 18 are free)/ Free to members of the museum and Springs Preserve

— The Archaeology of Spring Mountain Ranch State Park: Archaeologist Dr. Kevin Rafferty will speak and answer questions about the archaeology of Spring Mountain Ranch State Park. Bring a picnic dinner and join the staff of the Nevada Site Stewardship Program for an engaging talk.
Where: Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, 6375 Hwy. 159, Blue Diamond
When: Thursday, May 25, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
More information: David Low, smr-interp@parks.nv.gov, 702-875-4141
Link: http://parks.nv.gov/parks/spring-mountain-ranch
Map: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Spring+Mountain+Ranch+State+Park/@36.0691086,-115.4609248,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x80c8bb42da0cbb2d:0xb30a4b35215c632d!8m2!3d36.0699092!4d-115.4533769
Cost/Admission: Entry to Spring Mountain Ranch State Park is $9 per vehicle (Nevada residents receive a $2 discount) and $1 per bicycle. There is no additional fee for this event.