exhibits

Eilley Orrum Bowers

Eilley Orrum Bowers, once the nation’s wealthiest women with an ultimately sad life story that is indicative of this ‘boom and bust’ era. Come and see our hologram of Eilley talking about her life in our galleries.  Born in Scotland, Eilley was one of a few women living in the Comstock Mining District at the […]

Margaret Wheat

Margaret Wheat (1908-1988) was a self-taught geologist and anthropologist with a special interest in ichthyosaurs – the Nevada State fossil. Born to pioneer parents in Fallon, NV., she went on to study at the University of Nevada, Reno. Her field work experiences ranged from U.S. Geological Survey work to protecting important cave sites from vandals. […]

Updating Our Geologic Story in the Galleries

The museum would like to say thank you to local experts who participated in updating our Geologic Story exhibit in the permanent gallery. Reaching out to experts within our community provides opportunities for long lasting partnerships and benefits the museum in many ways. Long-time volunteer Pamela Prim, a UNLV graduate in geology and currently a […]
Bronze statue of Sarah Winnemucca in Washington D.C.

Sarah Winnemucca

Sarah Winnemucca was born around 1844 in what is now Nevada, to Chief Winnemucca of the Paiutes. Her grandfather was Chief Truckee, leader of the Paiute nation, and he influenced her early upbringing and education. By the time she was 14, she spoke five languages, three Native American dialects, English and Spanish.  These skills would […]

Lilly Fong

Lilly Fong (1925-2002) nee Hing, was a champion for education throughout her lifetime. Lilly’s deep-rooted belief in education stemmed from her childhood, instilled by her parents.  Her father was known to quote the teachings of Confucius as he agreed that ‘education was the equalizer of all’ and she, along with her nine siblings, all would gain future college degrees.       Lilly met her husband Wing Fong, while she was studying at […]
Picture of The Art of Crafting Exhibit

New Exhibit – The Art of Crafting

The Art of Crafting The Art of Crafting, features artifacts that showcase dressmaking, quilting, crochet and more.  The museum team was inspired by how many people have been completing unfinished craft projects or learning new skills while sheltering at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.  On returning to the museum, they began to wonder how many […]

New exhibit showcases women’s suffrage effort

Nevada State Museum Las Vegas exhibit showcases women’s suffrage effort The year 2020 marks the centennial of the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, giving women the right to vote. Yet, it was not the answer to all women, and was not the end of the fight to win suffrage for all. […]

Black History Month 2020

Nevada State Museum plans exhibit, lectures for Black History Month Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas will be celebrating Black History Month with a new, large-scale photography exhibit and a series of lectures throughout February. The exhibit, “Obsidian & Neon: Celebrating Black Life and Identity in Las Vegas”, is a photo-narrative exhibition of large-scale black-and-white photography […]

Donated Hollywood costumes from Debbie Reynolds’ Collection

Donated Hollywood costumes from Debbie Reynolds’ Collection   The museum has been gifted with four historic film costumes that were acquired at the first auction of Debbie Reynolds’ Hollywood memorabilia in 2011. A much-beloved star of stage and film, Reynolds (1932-2016) was also a Las Vegas resident and businesswoman. Her off-Strip Debbie Reynolds Hotel Casino & […]