In Nevada, May is the month for digging a little deeper into the history and archeology of the state. A variety of organizations have created events throughout the month of May to help the state’s citizens learn more about archeological and historic preservation efforts.
Carson City:
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 the correct answers will be entered into a drawing for a free lunch for two at Adele’s (adults) or a gift certificate for a free pizza at Brugos (kids). The hunt is sponsored by Carson City Planning/Adele’s/Brugo’s Pizza. For more information, visit http://carson.org/index.aspx?page=2542.
May 2: Family Fun Saturday: Young Chautauqua — Discover a fun, engaging way to learn history. Young performers bring historical characters to life: meet 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 take place at the Nevada State Museum and tickets are $8. Visit http://museums.nevadaculture.org for more information.
May 28: Andean Prehistory: The Archaeology of Ancient Civilizations in Peru by Hal Starratt, Ph.D. — Nevadan’s are invited to this lecture that goes beyond the Incan culture to explore the archaeological past that goes back 1000s of years in 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 take place at the Nevada State Museum and tickets are $8. Visit http:// museums.nevadaculture.org for more information.
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. This event will be at the Nevada State Museum and tickets are $8. Visit http://museums.nevadaculture.org for more information.
Reno:
May 2: Newlands Neighborhood Walking Tour — Enjoy an architectural walk through one of Reno’s oldest and most prestigious neighborhoods. The tour will meet at My Favorite Muffin and continue from there. The cost to participate is $10 and reservations are required. For more information, visit http://historicreno.org.
May 2: Reno Main Post Office Tour and Lecture — The Reno Main Post Office, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was designed by noted architect Frederic Joseph DeLongchamps in 1932. The property has recently been rehabilitated and the tour provides a unique opportunity to see the results The tour is free and will take place at the Reno Main Post Office on South Virginia. For more information, visit http://nevada-aha.org.
May 8: Magic & Mystery: The Cave Sites of Prehistoric Nevada — Caves provided some of the first shelters, storage spaces and ceremonial centers for the prehistoric peoples of Nevada. Consequently, these cave sites have provided archaeologists with invaluable information about the ancient environment, diets, settlement patterns, religious practices and cultural lives of ancient groups. The importance of many of these caves has extended into the present, as many are considered ‘Traditional Cultural Properties’ and still used in ceremonies by modern Native American tribes. The lecture will take place at Truckee Meadows Community College and is free. For more information, visit http://nvfcp.org.
May 9: Cultural Crossroads, East Side Walking Tour — Some call Lake Street “Paradise Lost” but we will recreate the vibrant Chinese, Italian and Basque neighborhoods of historic Reno. The tour will begin in the parking lot of the National Automobile Museum and continue from there. The cost is $10 person. For more information, visit http://historicreno.org.
May 16: Bricks & Stones Walking Tour — A walk through the Humboldt and Lander Streets Neighborhood. Discover the architectural treasures of this area, a mix of bungalows, Tudor and mission revivals and cottage styles. The tour is $10 and will begin at My Favorite Muffin. For more information, visit http://historicreno.org.
May 23: Movie Footprints in Reno Walking Tour — Walk in the footsteps of Marilyn Monroe, Kirk Douglas, Kevin Costner, Clint Eastwood, Maggie Smith, Helen Mirren and more. The tour covers downtown Reno’s rich filming history inspired by divorce, gambling and the city’s distinct look. The tour will begin at the National Automobile Museum and is $10. For more information, visit http://historicreno.org.
May 30: Beyond the Arches Walking Tour — Witness downtown Reno as it has reinvented itself for 150 years. This tour links the downtown Reno arches with stories of the forces that shaped the town: railroad and mining, immigrants and its legacy as a notorious divorce and gambling mecca. The tour will begin at the National Automobile Museum and is $10. For more information, visit http://historicreno.org.
There are a variety of other events taking place throughout the state during May so be sure to check the website of your county or city for further information.
