Carson City celebrates historic preservation and archaeology with events

Since the early 1980s, May has been a month for celebrating historic preservation and archaeology in Nevada. Agencies and organizations have teamed to spread awareness of archaeological and historic preservation efforts throughout the state and encourage both residents and visitors to explore and learn about Nevada’s significant archaeological and historical treasures.

Events in Carson City will include:

May 1-27: Carson City Historic Resources Commission Scavenger Hunt. This popular scavenger hunt consists of two contests, one for adults, and one for kids. The goal is to find all of the architectural building features from the pictures provided and give the correct address. Participants with all of the correct answers will be entered into a drawing for either a free lunch for two at Adele’s (adults) or a gift certificate for a free pizza at Brugos (kids). There’s no cost to enter.

Information: Janice Keillor, (775) 283-7069, jkeillor@carson.org or http://carson.org/index.aspx?page=2542.

May 2: Family Fun Saturday: Young Chautauqua. Young performers bring historical characters to life, including Osa Johnson, Robert Baden-Powell, John Muir, Amelia Earhart, Anne Frank, and Coco Chanel. All ages are welcome to attend performances directed by Anita Watson, Ph.D.

The event will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. and 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Nevada State Museum. Cost is $8 for adults and free for museum members and ages 17 and under. Reservations are not required but early arrival is encouraged.

Information: Deborah Stevenson, Curator of Education, (775) 687-4810, ext. 237; dstevenson@nevadaculture.org or www.museums.nevadaculture.org.

May 28: Andean Prehistory: The Archaeology of Ancient Civilizations in Peru by Hal Starratt, Ph.D. Nevadans are invited to this lecture that goes beyond the Incan culture to explore the archaeological past going back 1000s of years to ancient Peru. Discover the Moche civilization that flourished for 800 years in the first millennium AD, and stretched for 500 miles, encompassing several river systems and many large cities in the arid coastal plain.

The event will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Nevada State Museum. Doors open at 6. Cost is $8 for adults and free for museum members and ages 17 and under. Reservations are not required by early arrival is encouraged.

Information: Deborah Stevenson, Curator of Education, (775) 687-4810, ext. 237; dstevenson@nevadaculture.org or www.museums.nevadaculture.org.

May 29: Demonstration of Coin Press No. 1. Volunteer Ken Hopple will demonstrate the operation of this original Coin Press in the Historic Carson City Mint building.

The event will be held from 10:30 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 3 p.m. Cost is $8 for adults and free for museum members and ages 17 and under.

information: Robert Nylen, (775) 687-4810, ext. 245; rnylen@nevadaculture.org or www.museums.nevadaculture.org.

Events in Lyon County will include:

May 1-31: The Dayton Museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. all month in celebration of Historic Preservation and Archaeological Awareness Month. Admission is free.

Information: (775) 246-6316 or www.daytonnvhistory.org.

May 7: Dayton 1875 Firehouse and Jail History Public Lecture. Stony Tennant will present a history of the 1875 Firehouse and Jail at 7 p.m. at the Dayton Valley Community Center, 170 Pike Street. Admissio is free.

Information: (775) 246-6316 or www.daytonnvhistory.org.

May 9: A Tour of Historic Schools on the Comstock This tour features three 19th century schools on the Comstock. Although none are still used as schools, all remain active links to our history. The first school on the tour is the 1865 Dayton Grammar School, which is celebrating its 150th birthday this year. This makes it the oldest school in Nevada that’s still at its original location. The second stop on the tour will be in Silver City. The final stop will be in Virginia City at the historic Fourth Ward School. Meet at 135 Shady Lane, Dayton at 1 p.m. Cost is $15 per person. Groups are limited to 25 people. Advanced reservations are required and participants are encouraged to arrive early to sign in. Information: Ron Reno, (775) 846-3474 or RLReno@gbis.com, Silver City Historic Preservation Society (on Facebook at Silver City School House), www.daytonnvhistory.org or www.fourthwardschool.org.

May 14: School Life in 1960s Dayton, Public Lecture. Julie Minor Workman and Jannette Hoffert will present a lecture on school life in 1960s Dayton at 7 p.m. at the Dayton Valley Community Center. Admission is free. Information: (775) 246-6316 or www.daytonnvhistory.org

May 16: “Cultural Repopulation” of Silver City. This event will include a display of rarely seen photographs, newspaper columns, essays, books, posters and other artifacts related to the “cultural re-population” of the historical community of Silver City between, roughly, 1965 and 2005. The evening will also include a screening of the documentary film Rockin’ at the Red Dog — The Dawn of Psychedelic Rock by Mary Works Covington. Covington will introduce the film and she and other long-time residents of Silver City will host a Q & A after the screening.The event will be held at 6 p.m. at the Silver City School House/Community Center, 385 High St. Admission is free. Information: Quest Lakes, (775) 847-0742

May 28: Dayton Elementary School History. Don Dallas, Dayton Elementary School Principal in the 1970s, will discuss his experience with education in Dayton. The event will be held at 7 p.m. at the Dayton Library Meeting Room, 321 Old Dayton Valley Road. Admission is free. Information: (775) 246-6316 or www.daytonnvhistory.org.