Museums share Nevada’s great stories as yearlong 150th birthday celebration kicks off

From the relics of Nevada’s first hilltop exploration in the 1800s to steam locomotives and 21st century archeological discoveries, Nevada State Museums cover the state’s stories and care for historical objects for generations. To honor Nevada Day and the state’s 150th birthday kickoff, Nevada state museums offer free admission and celebrations across the state Friday, Oct. 25.

The Nevada State Museum in Carson City will be free on both Friday and Saturday, as the custom in the capital is to enjoy the museum and its store during the parade, held each year on Saturday following the official state holiday on Friday. 2013 marks the 75th anniversary of the Nevada Day parade.

In Carson City, the museum will start the festivities Friday with the first minting of the Nevada Sesquicentennial medallions, sold through the NV150 Commission at the legislature’s gift shop. Saturday, the historic and collectible Nevada Day medallions, both in silver and brass, will be minted and sold at the museum. Minting both days will be 10:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. Visitors are also welcome to see a new exhibit that includes a rare peek at what is thought to be the Frémont Cannon, left behind by the explorer who named the state.

Also new in Carson City for Nevada Day is “Our Nevada Stories: Objects Found in Time,” where visitors can learn about the state symbols and minerals, and see a detailed model of the State Capitol. The display shows a beautiful commemorative quilt, the first known specimen of the North American Ice Age Cheetah, original American Indian art and artifacts of historic value to Nevada. Hours for the museum are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

New at the state’s railroad museum in the capital is a rare black and white photography collection displayed against the authentic background of the historic depot. Ely photographer Joel Jensen’s phenomenal collection of photos that show railroad operations in action across the country are a must see on Friday and Saturday. Jensen will offer an artist talk in the depot at 4:30 p.m. Saturday as the last train trip ends. The museum’s famous McKeen Motor Car will operate from 10 to 4 p.m. Saturday. Train rides are $8 for adults, $4 for members and children 4-11 and free for those 3 and younger. Exhibits in the Jacobsen Interpretive Center tell the story of the railroad’s contribution to the creation of communities and industries that built Nevada.

The Nevada Historical Society in Reno will be closed Friday and Saturday due to homecoming events on the campus of UNR.

The Nevada State Museum in Las Vegas invites guests to enjoy conversations with real characters who bring history to life—in person. Visitors will meet a miner and climb in his footsteps, a trapper who hunts for survival and a pioneer who sings to entertain her community. The museum’s curators will perform their respective work in the public area so visitors can see what they do, how they do it and ask questions. On Saturday, finalists for the Name the Sloth contest will tour the museum and the winner is announced. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

In Overton at the Lost City Museum, visitors are invited to explore the sesquicentennial exhibit “Nevada Milestones.” Featured will be panels, photographs, and artifacts on Nevada history including gaming, mining, state symbols, notable women, and Native Americans in a collection of photographs of Southern Paiutes taken by John K. Hillers between 1871 and 1873. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
In Boulder City, the Nevada State Railroad Museum celebrates Nevada Day with the Halloween Express Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 26 and 27. The train is decorated in family-friendly style, and visitors are encouraged to come in costume. Children in costumes ride free. New for 2013, the train will feature story time and crafts in the dining car, and free face painting and balloon creations on the platform. A model train show and rides on the mini steam engines are also available thanks to the friends of the museum. Train rides are at 10 and 11:30 a.m. and 1 and 2:30 p.m. Adult fares are $10 for those 12 and older. Children 4-11 not in costume are $5 and those 3 and younger are free. The museum is open from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

In East Ely, visitors are invited to tour the East Ely Railroad Depot Museum that focuses on the historical industrial development of Nevada as evidenced by the massive copper production that began in the area in 1900. Located in the historic Nevada Northern Railroad Depot building, the museum interprets mining and transportation heritage, open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Governor Brian Sandoval proclaimed October as Nevada History Month and urged Nevada residents and tourists to learn more about the state’s history during the celebration.