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Nevada State Museum

Introduction

Text-to-speech Audio

Founded in 1982, the Nevada State Museum is one of seven museums operated by the Nevada Nevada Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs. It is dedicated to preserving and promoting the state's natural and cultural history through its exhibitions, research library, collections, and educational programming. Visitors will learn about the state's geological past dating millions of years ago, the plants and wildlife that live in the state, the Native American tribes that have inhabited the region, and the miners, settlers, ranchers, and entrepreneurs who shaped the state to what is today. The construction and impact of the Hoover Dam, the atomic era, and the emergence of Las Vegas are also explored. The research library contains numerous materials related to the city and state including manuscripts, newspapers, personal papers, and others.


Images

  • The Nevada State Museum opened in 1982. Its mission is to collect, preserve and interpret artifacts and other items related to Nevada's natural and cultural history.
  • An old wagon and other items dating to the 1800s illustrate what life was like for the pioneers and settlers back then.
  • This ichthyosaur dinosaur fossil is displayed prominently
  • The museum's exhibits feature interpretive panels, mounted animals, fossils, and other items on display.

Backstory and Context

Text-to-speech Audio

The museum was first located at Lorenzi Park. The state provided funds to build the current building at this location in 2000 but it was not finished until 2009. 

Sources

"Mission and History." Nevada State Museum. Accessed April 12, 2018.  http://nvculture.org/nevadastatemuseumlasvegas/mission-history.

Photos: Nevada State Museum

Additional Information