Smokey Bear at the opening of the Archives Month Exhibit, October 01, 2024
Did you know that October was American Archives Month? I didn’t know either, until I started working at the Nevada State Archives! Archives Month is a time to celebrate and embrace our past, while also looking to our future. Every October repositories all over the country raise public awareness on the importance and value of historic documents, records, and the archival profession.
For Archives Month 2024, the Nevada State Archives partnered with the
National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC) and the Nevada Division of Forestry to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Smokey Bear’s fire prevention and education campaign. The Nevada Division of Forestry generously sponsored the poster printing through the State Fire Assistance Grant Program, funded by the USDA Forest Service. The National Historical Publications and Records Commission supported postage costs through a State Programming grant. Working together, we created and distributed Archive’s Month posters across Nevada in English and Spanish.
The exhibit features historic photos and documents dating back to 1931 that showcase the Nevada Division of Forestry and Smokey Bear's commitment wildfire prevention education. Imaging & Preservation Services Manager Kassandra Andicoechea-Schmaling designed the poster and oversaw the digitization of images for the exhibit. Certified Archivist Taylor Chase created a display spotlighting the Clarke-McNary Act, including maps and information on the origins of state forestry. The Nevada Division of Forestry added dimension to the exhibit by lending objects used in the field, such as filed guides, fuses used to light backfires, a last resort fire shelter safety device, and firefighter field supplies that include items you might not think of (like mini toilet tissue!).
This exhibit will be on display until December 31, 2024. The Nevada State Archives is open to the public on weekdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm (excluding state holidays). While Smokey Bear is not able to be present due to his busy schedule, you can take a selfie with a life-sized cardboard cutout of the icon himself (pictured on the right)!
My elementary-school aged children loved the exhibit, and I would highly recommend stopping by with your family. With winter break right around the corner, it is a perfect time to experience a small part of Nevada’s rich history, while also learning about the Nevada State Archives.
This exhibit is self-guided - there is no appointment needed. However, we are here to answer any questions that you may have.
For any inquiries, please call the Nevada State Archives at (775)-684-3310 or submit an Ask an Archivist and we will be happy to assist you.
Many thanks to the NHPRC and the Nevada Division of Forestry for making 2024 Archives Month and the exhibit a huge success!
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