We Need Your Help to Build an Exhibit

The Friends of NSMLV is raising funds to purchase a Rio Grande Blanket to add to the museum’s collection. This piece will be featured in the upcoming The Old Spanish Trail: Connecting a Network of Paths exhibit, opening in January 2024. Beyond the exhibit, the blanket will help diversify the museum’s permanent collection.

Description: This is a rare early Rio Grande blanket with an unusual amount of very light indigo blue. It is original with no restoration, woven in two parts, and seamed up the center. The style indicates Navajo weaving. 
Origin:  Produced in Spanish Colonial New Mexico, 1860s or earlier
Material: Wool
Size: 89” by 52”

The original price was $11,500, negotiated down for the Friends to $9,750. And they are so close to reaching their goal!

The fundraising campaign has been extended to September 20 with this special promotion: If you donate today using our online PayPal form, you will receive A SPECIAL GIFT at the Members’ Only Preview Party to open the Old Spanish Trail exhibit on January 26, 2024.

Donations by check can be sent to:
Friends of NSMLV
309 S. Valley View Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89107

Our Friends are History and Culture Champions. These are recent acquisitions made by the Friends of Nevada State Museum Las Vegas:
2022: A large document/map scanner that allows the museum to scan historical documents that are in fragile condition. The scanner is in the library and used daily.
2021: Eight museum-quality mannequins so that the museum can properly and safely exhibit some of the many clothing items in its collection. Three of the mannequins are currently on display in the lobby displaying period dresses.
2020: Six new taxidermy native animals, ranging from a porcupine to a black bear, are currently on display in the gallery.

You can join the Friends of Nevada State Museum Las Vegas in their mission of good stewardship of the history of Southern Nevada. Your contribution to this campaign and continued support of the museum is greatly appreciate!