SUBMITTED NEWS RELEASE
The Sparks Museum’s exhibits will literally come to life on May 11th at 6 pm during their “Night at the Museum” Silver Anniversary Celebration and Fundraiser. During this gala event Young Chautauqua actors and musicians will be performing inside the actual displays. After watching the performances, guests will be entertained by acoustic Guitarist Joe Bonauro in the “grandeur” of the Old Library.
In 1932 renowned Nevada architect Fredrick DeLonchamps designed the building at 814 Victorian Avenue to be used as a Library and Justice Court. The building is the oldest existent government building in Sparks and is a Nationally Registered Historic Building. In March of 2010, as part of the Museum Revitalization Project, the Sparks Heritage Museum began restorative work on the upstairs portion of the building. Guests will have the opportunity to see the progress that has been made to date and enjoy the wide open spaces that once made up the first library in Sparks.
Each “Night at the Museum” performance is about a half hour long and famous historical Nevada characters such as Josie Reed Pearl will be depicted. The performances will occur throughout the evening until approximately 8 pm and audience numbers will be limited.
The Sparks Heritage Museum, founded in 1985, exists to preserve the historical and cultural history of Sparks and the Truckee Meadows. Almost entirely designed and built by Volunteer labor the Museum is a true product of the community. This celebration of twenty five years of service and accomplishments is a merger of the Past, Present and Future. Future plans include the development of a Multipurpose Educational space and an Archival Research Room.
Funds raised on Tuesday, May 11 will go towards the Museum Revitalization Project. To date $253,000 has been raised in grant funding primarily from the Commission of Cultural Affairs. The CCA grant funds are specifically for “bricks and mortar” and do not cover operating expenses or soft furnishing such as computers or tables and chairs. These funds are designed specifically to create a network of Cultural Centers throughout the State of Nevada to stimulate economic growth, enhance tourism, preserve our heritage, and provide education and enjoyment to the citizens of Nevada.
The Costs to attend the ‘Night at the Museum” is $25.00 per person or $40 per couple; this includes a “Museum Comes Alive” performance, a light buffet, live music, opportunities in a silent auction & 50/50 raffle. Advance reservations are strongly encouraged as ticket numbers are limited. To RSVP phone: (775) 355 1144 or email: [email protected]. The Sparks Heritage Museum is located at 814 Victorian Avenue, Sparks.
