Carson City, Nev. – May is Nevada’s Archaeological Awareness and Historic Preservation Month. Since the early 1980s, this month has celebrated archaeological and historic preservation issues in the state and encouraged both residents and visitors to explore and learn about Nevada’s significant archaeological and architectural treasures.

 

This year’s theme is the 150th anniversary of the Homestead Act with events around the state.

 

“This special month gives us a chance to educate the need to preserve our collective heritage,” said Ron James, the state historic preservation officer.

 

A list of events is below. 

 

Clark County

May 5: Join the Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park, at 500 E Washington Ave, Las Vegas, NV, and the Friends of the Fort for a series of activities and displays celebrating the life of Helen J. Stewart. Historical interpreter, Dr. Linda Miller, will give a first Person glimpse into the life of Helen J. Stewart the “first Lady of Las Vegas”. The newly dedicated statue of Helen J. Stewart surrounded by artifacts of her life will be the focus of the lesson. A documentary of her life will also be shown. Afterwards participants will be given a guided tour of the site, approximately1 hour. Costs for the event are $1. For more information please contact Dr. Linda Miller at 702-492-7742 or kckidinlv@hotmail.com or Don Bolton at 702-486-3511.

May 12: Join the Lost City Museum at 721 S Moapa Valley Blvd, Overton, NV for a Native Plants Day. Visitors will be able to learn about the native plants of the Mojave Desert and how indigenous populations would have used them for food and medicine. Visitors will also be able to try samples of the native plants and dishes with the plant as a main ingredient. The event will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The even costs $5.00 for adults and free for members and children under 18. For more information please contact Dena Sedar at 702-397-2193 or dsedar@nevadaculture.org.

May 19: Join the Lost City Museum at 721 S Moapa Valley Blvd, Overton, NV for a Kids Archaeology Day. Kids Archaeology Day will give children 13 and under an opportunity to learn about archaeology by participating in a mock excavation at the museum. The event will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This event is Free. Participation is limited to 16 children. Contact the museum to sign-up for this activity and for more information; please contact Dena Sedar at 702-397-2193 or dsedar@nevadaculture.org.

May 19: The city of Las Vegas is partnering with the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks Lodge No.1468 again this year for the Helldorado Days Parade from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm in Downtown Las Vegas on Fourth St. between Gass and Ogden Avenues. The event started in 1935 and is the longest-running civic event in the history of Las Vegas. It was originally created as a means to encourage tourism to the city upon completion of the Boulder Dam. Events include a four-day pro rodeo, parade, carnival, treasure hunt for gold, whiskerino contest, golf tournament, poker tournament, art show and auction, trail ride, exhibits and food. This event is Free. For a list of other events during Helldorado Days (throughout the month of May) and more information, please visit http://www.elkshelldorado.com or contact Esther Carter at 702-229-6672 or ecarter@lasvegasnevada.gov.

May 26: Join the Lost City Museum at 721 S Moapa Valley Blvd, Overton, NV for a book signing of Nevada’s Lost City. The book, Nevada’s Lost City, which was written by the museum’s curator, is a pictorial history of the excavation of the Lost City. The event begins at 2:00 p.m. The event costs $5 for adults and is free for members and children under 18. For more information please contact Dena Sedar at 702-397-2193 or dsedar@nevadaculture.org.

 

 

Carson City

 

May 24: Join the Nevada State Museum at 600 N Carson St. for the Frances Humphrey Lecture series: The Civilian Conservation Corps in Nevada: From Boys to Men by Renée Corona Kolvet. Book signing 6-7 pm; lecture based upon book of the same title, 7-8 pm. The presentation will explain why the nine-year program was so rewarding in Nevada with its large federal holdings and its sparse population. The CCC was a win-win situation for all involved as it was designed to salvage two of the nation’s most threatened assets—over two million young, unmarried men on relief, and millions of acres of neglected, drought-stricken federal lands. Costs for Adults are $8/person and Free for museum members and children 17 and under. For more information please contact Deborah Stevenson, Curator of Education at 775-687-4810, ext. 237 or dstevenson@nevadaculture.org.

 

Churchill County

 

May 12 and 26: Join the Churchill County Museum in cooperation with the Stillwater Field Office of the BLM for a tour of Hidden Cave. Start at the Churchill County Museum (1050 S Maine St., Fallon, NV) which opens at 9:00 am, a video of a brief history of Hidden Cave will be shown at 9:30 am. BLM staff will be on hand to caravan to Hidden Cave (located along US Highway 50, east of Fallon) and provide a walking interpretive tour, discussing the cultural and natural resources associated with the cave and the surrounding ecosystem. The tour will leave from the Churchill County Museum no later than 10:00 am. The tour is one hour, it is approximately ½ mile to the cave (ca. 20-30 minute discussion inside the cave) and there are several stops along the way including petroglyph panels, natural resources, geology, and Picnic Cave. At Hidden Cave the tour group will enter and experience the interior of the cave including a discussion of the archaeological discoveries and past use of this phenomenal cave. The group is encouraged to continue on to see the pictographs inside of Burnt Cave. Hidden Cave Interpretive Trail brochures are available at the museum. Sturdy shoes are recommended as the trail is on a slight incline, bring your own water and dress appropriately for the weather. The event is Free. For more information please contact Peggy Viney from the Education Program at Churchill County Museum at 775-423-3677 or Susan McCabe of the BLM at 775-885-6132 or smccabe@blm.gov.

 

Elko County

 

May 5: Join the Elko County Chapter of the Nevada Archaeological Association at the Northeastern Nevada Museum (1515 Idaho St., Elko, NV) for the Archaeology Fair from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. The Activity Fair includes exhibits, demonstrations, and hands-on activities for kids. Admission to the Fair is Free. For more information please contact Donna Murphy at 775-738-6269 or murphys@citlink.net,

 

Storey County

 

May 18 – 20: Come to the 26th Annual Comstock Historic Preservation Weekend in Virginia City, NV. The Boom to Bust days of the Comstock lode left a rich history of mining, technology, and stories of fortunes made and lost. Discover the remaining wealth from that era at these hidden gems during Preservation Weekend on the Comstock. A weekend of events including the Fourth Ward School Kickoff Party, a Children’s Comstock Chorus performance, a collection of unique-exclusive programs at different venues throughout the area, and a Free self-guided walking tour of “If This House Could Talk” where Comstock neighbors and businesses display original signs sharing choice tidbits about events contemporary or historic, personal or public that happened in their buildings. Costs vary by venue and event. For more information please contact Barbara Mackey at 775-847-0975 or director@fourthwardschool.org or check out their website for various event dates and times at www.fourthwardschool.org.

 

May 18:

5:30 – 7 pm – Fourth Ward School Kickoff Party

 

May 19:          

10 am – 5 pm – “If These Houses Could Talk” self-guided walking tour

10 am – 5 pm – Fourth Ward School Museum

10 am – 5 pm – Mackay Mansion Tour (Free Admission)

11 am – 4 pm – SMAC Historic Bed Pan Tour and Crossroads Exhibition Series (Donations Appreciated)

11 am – 4 pm – St. Mary’s in the Mountains Cathedral and Museum (Donations Appreciated)

12 – 4 pm – Piper’s Opera House tours (Free Admission)

1:30 – 2:30 pm – Children’s Comstock Chorus – “Of Mice and Mozart” a musical at the Fourth Ward School (Free Admission)

4 pm – Closing – The Return of the Crystal Bar – Celebrate the Restoration (Admission by Donation)

6 pm – Piper’s Dinner Murder Mystery Theatre (Cocktails at 6 pm, Show starts at 7 pm) – Call 775-847-0433 for tickets.

 

May 20:

10 am – 5 pm – “If These Houses Could Talk” self-guided walking tour

10 am – 5 pm – Mackay Mansion Tour (Free Admission)

11 am – 4 pm – SMAC Historic Bed Pan Tour and Crossroads Exhibition Series (Donations Appreciated)

11 am – 4 pm – St. Mary’s in the Mountains Cathedral and Museum (Donations Appreciated)

12 – 4 pm – Piper’s Opera House tours (Free Admission)

 

Washoe County

 

May 4: Join Kautz Environmental Consultants, Inc. at 1140 Financial Blvd, Suite 100, Reno, NV for an Educational Open House. The Open House will feature a variety of educational programs and activities, such as: Inquiry-based projects including the creating and mapping of historic artifacts for children aged 4 to 13; Interactive games and exercises for all ages; Archaeologists will demonstrate the basic principles of flint knapping and the manufacture of prehistoric stone tools; a continuously-running PowerPoint presentation showing a variety of ways GIS can be used for analytical purposes in the field of archaeology; Lecture and slide show The Style Tells the Story: Reno’s Architectural History. Meet the archaeologists and enjoy refreshments from 10 am to 4 pm. This event is Free. For more information please contact Mella Harmon at 775-829-4411 or harmon@kecnv.com.

 

Throughout May: The Historic Reno Preservation Society Presents Preservation Month Walking Tours throughout the Reno area. The tour costs $10 per person and is Free to HRPS members. Walks generally last from 1 ½ to 2 hours. No dogs please. Reservations are required and space is limited.  Please contact Cindy Ainsworth at 775-747-4478 or go to www.historicreno.org for more information and reservations.

 

Tuesday, May 1, 6:00 p.m. — WEST OF WELLS — Discover an often overlooked treasure trove of fascinating Reno history. Join us as we walk the neighborhood West of Wells Avenue, along the former path of the V and T railroad. Experience unusual architecture unique to this neighborhood and learn the history of the colorful characters who gave birth to Reno’s neighborhood on the other side of the tracks. Meet outside Silver Peak at 140 Wonder Street. Tour Guide: Barrie Schuster

 

Saturday, May 5, 10:00 a.m. —- MONROE STREET — Stroll along Monroe and Joaquin Miller Streets, savoring the history and architecture of this lovely residential area south of the Newlands Neighborhood. You will see the Hart House, the Patrick Ranch House, Greystone Castle, and other homes. Meet at the corner of Monroe and Manor Drives. Tour Guides: Elsie Newman, April Kempler.

 

Tuesday, May 8, 6:00 p.m. — DELONGCHAMPS RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE — This walk takes you on a neighborhood tour of many noteworthy homes, both large and small, designed by Reno’s notable architect, Frederic Delongchamps. Also, hear about his life and what made him so unique to this area. Meet at the Hardy House, 442 Flint Street. Tour Guide: Sharon Honig-Bear.

 

Saturday, May 12, 10:00 a.m. — PROHIBITION IN RENO — We’ve turned back the clocks to the 1920s and 30s. We’ll walk streets and alleys and visit significant buildings, recalling Reno’s saloons and reformers (the WCTU and Anti-Saloon League) and feature a guest appearance by a local dignitary of the area. Tour starts at Amtrak’s Reno Station, 135 East Commercial Row, Tour Guides: Debbie Hinman and Sharon Honig-Bear

 

Tuesday, May 15, 6:00 p.m. — UNIVERSITY HISTORIC DISTRICT (CAMPUS) — Visit Morrill Hall, MacKay School of Mines and the Keck Museum to learn the history of this beautiful campus. Meet at Honor Court, 9th and Center Street. Tour Guide: Jack Hursh.

 

Saturday, May 19, 10:00 a.m. — ROADS AND RAILS, HISTORIC FOURTH STREET CORRIDOR — Discover the historic origins of the Lincoln Highway and the Nevada, California and Oregon Railroad, stopping to appreciate the Barengo/NCO building, Flanigan warehouse, and other vestiges of the corridor’s heyday. Meet at Louis Basque Corner, 301 E. 4th Street. Tour Guide: Cindy Ainsworth.

               

Tuesday, May 22, 6:00 p.m. — UNIVERSITY NEIGHBORHOOD — A walk through an historic and endangered neighborhood at the foot of the campus—with vintage Queen Anne homes and charming bungalows. Meet at the base of the 9th Street university steps. Tour Guide: Debbie Hinman.

 

Saturday, May 26, 10:00 a.m. — ETHNIC RENO, EAST SIDE — Some call Lake Street “Paradise Lost” but we will recreate the vibrant neighborhoods of Chinatown, Little Italy, and Basque life. Meet at the National Automobile Museum, 10 Lake Street. Tour Guides: Sharon Honig-Bear and Drew Gerthoffer

 

Tuesday, May 29, 6:00 p.m. — BRICKS AND STONES — A walk in the Humboldt and Lander Streets Neighborhood. Discover the architectural treasures of this area, a mix of bungalows, Tudor and mission revivals and cottage styles. Meet at My Favorite Muffin, 340 California Avenue. Tour Guide: Bill Isaeff

 

White Pine County

 

May 19: This is the first part of a two part event (all are welcome for one or both events). Join Great Basin National Park, Baker, NV in making prehistoric pottery from 10 am – 3 pm at the Great Basin Visitor Center Resource Classroom. Everyone is welcome to watch a demonstration of prehistoric pottery making techniques including selecting and grinding clay, preparing the clay and temper, and hand building a coiled pot. Anyone is welcome to observe. A small number of people may sign up to make their own pottery, pre-registration is required for up to 6 participants. For more information and to pre-register please contact Eva Jensen at 775-234-7331 ext. 235 or Eva_Jensen@nps.gov.

 

June 2: This is the second part of a two part event (all are welcome for one or both events). Join Great Basin National Park, Baker, NV in a pottery firing demonstration at 11 am, meet at the Great Basin Visitor Center. Watch a pottery firing demonstration of open firing technique (no kiln) used by Native American potters from A.D. 600 through the late 1800’s. For more information please contact Eva Jensen at 775-234-7331 ext. 235 or Eva_Jensen@nps.gov.

 

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The Nevada State Historic Preservation Office encourages the preservation of Nevada’s historic and prehistoric heritage through federal and state programs. It provides federal grants from the National Park Service to fund historic preservation activities in Nevada. The Office assists federal and state agencies, local governments, private non-profit organizations and private citizens to preserve buildings and archaeological sites.

 

STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

901 S. Stewart Street, Suite 5004

Carson City, NV 89701-5248

775-684-3448

www.nvshpo.org