“All for Our Country” commemorates the 250th birthday of the U.S. armed forces. The exhibit opens on Flag Day, June 14 as part of the Nevada National Guard’s birthday celebration. Please join us at 10:00 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial at the State Capitol adjacent to the State Library and Archives at 100 N. Stewart Street, Carson City. The exhibit is largely funded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission.

When Nevada became a state in 1864, Nevadans stood ready to give “All for Our Country,” which became the state’s motto. The exhibit honors Nevadans’ contributions to U.S. efforts during the Civil War, Spanish-American War, World War I, and World War II. It also tells the story of the Nevada National Guard. It features historical documents, photographs, objects, and uniforms from the Nevada State Museum, Nevada Historical Society, Stewart Indian School Cultural Center and Museum, Westwall Militaria antique store, Nevada National Guard, and Nevada State Archives.

This year, as we observe the 250th birthday of the U.S. armed forces, we recognize its essential role in the founding of our nation. The United States armed forces began with the establishment of the Continental Army on June 14, 1775 during the fight for American independence. The 250th birthday of the armed forces heralds the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of our nation in 1776. The Nevada State Archives is pleased to host this exhibit as part of the America250 celebration, which will last throughout the coming year. For more information about opportunities to become involved with America 250 initiatives in Nevada, visit https://www.america250nevada.org/.

Above: Photograph of Nevada Governor John Sparks and his military staff, taken on Labor Day in Reno, Nevada, September 3, 1906.

The exhibit will be open to the public June 14 to November 14, 2025 from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm, Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) at the Nevada State Archives, 100 N. Stewart Street, Carson City.

Funding provided by the National Historical Publications & Records Commission

The Nevada State Archives and State Historical Records Advisory Board (SHRAB) is excited to announce the receipt of a $79,754.00 State Programming Grant from the National Historical Publications & Records Commission (NHPRC). The award will support the State Archives and SHRAB as they plan and carry out activities aligned with SHRAB's Strategic Plan, provide direct assistance and mentoring to Nevada institutions to promote and support institutional advancement, and promote archives awareness.

The National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC) administers grants for the National Archives. NHPRC supports a wide range of projects to help people discover, access, and use historical records held by repositories across the United States of America.

Learn more about the goals of Nevada's grant here: Nevada SHRAB State Programming Grant 

For additional information on Nevada's SHRAB members, meetings, and activities, see https://nsla.nv.gov/state-historical-records-advisory-board

Woodrow Wilson (1971) - Nevada State Archives Photo # LEG-0329

February is Black History Month and coincides with the beginning of the 83rd Nevada Legislative Session. This month celebrates the achievements and legacy of African Americans, remembers their struggles to gain full citizenship, and honors their contributions to medicine, industry, politics, culture, and science. The Nevada State Archives has a large collection of legislative records, including photographs and documents of prominent African American politicians in Nevada.

Pictured above is Woodrow Wilson (1915-1999), the first black legislator elected to the Nevada Assembly. Mr. Wilson was a Republican from Clark County and he served from 1966-1972. He worked hard to end segregation, was instrumental in pushing through the Nevada Fair Housing Law, and served as the chairman of the Nevada State Advisory Committee for the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. You can find a biography for him on the Nevada Legislature's website here.

Pictured below (left) is Joe Neal (1935-2020), a Democrat from Clark County and the first African American elected to the Nevada Senate. He served from November 1972 until his retirement in November of 2004. With 32 years, Senator Neal holds the 2nd longest service in the history of the Nevada Senate. During his legislative service, Senator Neal fought for social justice, the African-American community in Nevada, and healthcare. Read more about him in his biography available here at the State Library.

Also pictured below (right) is Bernice Martin-Matthews (1933-), a Democrat from Washoe County and the first African American woman elected to the Nevada Senate. She served in the Senate from 1994 until she retired in 2010. During her 18 years of service, she advocated for education and women's rights and was the Assistant Minority Leader in 2007. She was also a member of the Governor's Commission on Nursing and Nursing Education, and a former City Councilwoman, City of Reno.

Joe Neal (n.d.) Nevada State Archives Photo # LEG-0403	Bernice Martin-Matthews (n.d.) Nevada State Archives Photo # LEG-0401

The Nevada State Archives has a large, but incomplete photograph collection of previous Nevada Legislators. If you would like to donate photographs that add to the history of the Nevada state government, please contact the Archives via our Ask an Archivist form here: https://nsla-nv.libwizard.com/f/archivist. 

Historic Images of the Nevada Division of Forestry on Exhibit through December 31, 2024

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 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!

The National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC), the Nevada State Historical Records Advisory Board, the Nevada State Archives, and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas University Libraries partnered to offer a popular workshop on paper conservation.

Post written by Maggie Gaspar:

In October, the State Historic Records Advisory Board (SHRAB) held two Conservation Fundamentals for Archives workshops taught by Michael Don Fraser of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). The workshops were offered at no cost to participants thanks to the support of UNLV, SHRAB, and the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC). In order to serve the greatest number of people, one workshop was held in Northern Nevada, in Carson City, and one was held in Southern Nevada, in Las Vegas.

In 2023, SHRAB conducted a needs assessment survey for those working with historic records in the state of Nevada and one major finding was the need for more archival education. The Conservation Fundamentals for Archives workshops were a response to the number one desire survey participants voiced for more education on how to protect and preserve paper-based records. 

Twenty-six participants from museums, libraries, archives, and records organizations across the state attended the seven-hour workshop during which they learned the basics of how to assess the physical conservation needs of paper-based historical records, repair fragile and damaged materials, rehouse materials following best practices, and protect materials from future damage. 

Participants particularly enjoyed the hands-on nature of the workshop, with one participant reflecting that they most liked, “The practical pieces that were woven throughout the workshop. For example, learning to make paste and then using it to fix documents later. It kept the workshop interesting and allowed you to practice the skills that you were being taught.” Another attendee reflected that the workshop gave them confidence, saying that, “This made repairing paper feel doable, rather than something daunting, which will aid me at work. I would strongly recommend this workshop to others. Extremely worthwhile. 

Workshop participants in Las Vegas

Post by Sarah Patton:

In 2023, the State Historic Records Advisory Board (SHRAB) conducted a needs assessment survey for those working with historic records in the state of Nevada, and one major finding was the need for more education, including arrangement and description of paper records. Responding to this expressed desire, SHRAB worked with the Nevada Museums Association (NMA) to offer a free workshop, Archives 101 for Museum Professionals, as part of NMA’s annual conference, held this year in Tonopah from October 15 to 18, 2024.

Facilitated by Emily Fellmer (The Neon Museum) and co-taught by Maggie Gaspar (The Neon Museum), Sarah Patton (Nevada Historical Society), and Cyndi Shein (Nevada State Library, Archives, and Public Records), the four-hour workshop focused on some of the fundamentals of archival work, including ethics; key concepts, such as provenance and original order; acquisition and accessioning of material; processing, including arrangement, description, and creating a finding aid; and providing access to researchers. Hands-on activities were interspersed throughout to give participants an opportunity to synthesize and digest the information presented.

The workshop attracted nineteen participants, including volunteers, registrars, curators, and directors, from museums and historical societies across Nevada. Feedback from participants in an anonymous post-workshop survey was positive, with one participant noting, “Access to learning opportunities like these will only increase understanding and improve the care of archives across the state. What an excellent professional development opportunity.” Another reflected, “This workshop was a great use of my time and was immediately applicable to my work. Your funding has made a demonstrable contribution to Nevada museums. Thank you!” There were also great suggestions for how to improve future workshops and topics participants would like to see covered.

In talking with participants before, during, and after the workshop, it was clear that Nevada has dedicated professionals who deeply care about the material in their collections. They strive to adhere to best practices and share their materials with researchers. SHRAB is grateful to these individuals and is committed to continuing to support them through future educational opportunities.

The workshop was offered at no cost to participants thanks to a collaboration between the Nevada Museum Association and the Nevada State Historical Records Advisory Board, the generosity of the workshop instructors, and the support of the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC).

Nevada Archives Month 2024 celebrates the legacy of Smokey Bear and his enduring commitment to wildfire prevention. Together, let’s protect our natural and cultural heritage for generations to come!

Archives Month is a time to raise awareness about the importance of preserving history for future generations by highlighting available information about our past. Archival and historical repositories across the United States celebrate Archives Month in October of each year and Nevada is no exception.

In recognition of the occasion, Governor Lombardo issued a proclamation declaring October 2024 in Nevada as Archives Month. Visit the Archives Month 2024 webpage to learn more about early efforts of the State Forester Firewarden's role in implementing the Clarke-McNary Act of 1924 in Nevada, and the Nevada Division of Forestry's dedication to the protection and management of our state's lands. On this page, you can also find the 2024 Archives Month Poster and information on Smokey Bear's 80 Years of preventing wildfires.

• View the Proclamation here: https://nsla.nv.gov/ld.php?content_id=78375250

We invite you to visit the Nevada State Archives in Carson City to view photographs, maps, correspondence, and other historical records that document Nevada’s history of forestry, fire prevention, fire control, and forest management. Learn about Nevada’s rich history of forestry, fire prevention, fire control, and forest management dating back to the 1930s. Materials will be displayed here online and in person at the Nevada State Archives from October 1 to December 31, 2024.

The State of Nevada is pleased to announce the launch of a collaborative pilot project funded through the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Collections and Reference Resources grant program. The Nevada partnership—comprised of the Nevada Historical Society, the Stewart Indian School Museum and Cultural Center, the Nevada State Museum (Carson City), and the Nevada State Archives—has been awarded $59,999 to explore a shared online platform that has the potential to make descriptions of their historic archival materials discoverable for public use. The Nevada partnership was awarded one of only 33 awards out of 174 eligible applications. The Nevada partners are working with Atlas Systems, Inc. to implement a multi-institutional instance of ArchivesSpace.

Mike Strom, Administrator of the Nevada State Library, Archives and Public Records Division stated, “We are excited to collaborate with our partners on this project that will lead to increased discoverability of historic records. This will benefit those interested in Nevada history and the institutions that house and preserve those records. We thank NEH for this opportunity.”  

ABOUT THE NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE HUMANITIES 

Created in 1965 as an independent federal agency, the National Endowment for the Humanities supports research and learning in history, literature, philosophy, and other areas of the humanities by funding selected, peer-reviewed proposals from around the nation. Additional information about the National Endowment for the Humanities and its grant programs is available at: www.neh.gov. 

In 2023, the Nevada State Archives proposed and was awarded a preservation assistance grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) to hire a preservation specialist to visit the State Archives and provide recommendations.

Funded by this NEH grant, the Northeast Document Conservation Center (NEDCC), the premier conservation center in the country, sent two specialists to assess the State Archives in April 2024 and presented their final report in June 2024. The State Archives staff will use this report to determine priorities for their preservation activities so that future generations can access government records and that state government is accountable, transparent, and meets the needs of its citizens.

The State Archives successfully completed the grant and has already acted in response to the report. One recommendation from the specialists was to monitor environmental conditions with dataloggers and reporting software. The State Archives purchased ten dataloggers, deployed them strategically in the building, and began monitoring the temperature and relative humidity in the areas where records and archives are stored.

Preserving the documentary history of Nevada is a challenging responsibility. State government records come in a variety of formats, such as fragile paper, photographs, VHS tapes, cassette tapes, dictabelts, and digital media. Regardless of the format, dramatic fluctuations in temperature or humidity can have detrimental effects on materials. Monitoring the temperature and humidity in archival storage spaces will provide the data needed to identify potential areas of improvement.

For more information, please contact the State Archives Manager at 775-684-3319 or claframboise@admin.nv.gov.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE HUMANITIES 

Created in 1965 as an independent federal agency, the National Endowment for the Humanities supports research and learning in history, literature, philosophy, and other areas of the humanities by funding selected, peer-reviewed proposals from around the nation. Additional information about the National Endowment for the Humanities and its grant programs is available at: www.neh.gov.

The Nevada State Historical Records Advisory Board is pleased to offer a free workshop, Conservation Fundamentals for Archives, to individuals at organizations that care for Nevada’s historical records/archives. The workshop will be hosted at two locations--in Southern Nevada and in Northern Nevada. The workshop is offered at no cost to eligible participants thanks to the generous support of the National Historical Publications & Records Commission, UNLV Libraries Special Collections & Archives, and the Nevada State Archives.

Apply here: Conservation Workshop Application 2024

Download Flyer: Conservation Workshop Flyer 2024

Location 1: Carson City October 11, 2024 

8:45 am – 5:00 pm 

Nevada State Archives Conservation Lab

100 N. Stewart Street, Carson City, NV 89706

Application deadline: October 1.

Location 2: Las Vegas October 18, 2024 

8:45 am – 5:00 pm 

University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Lied Library

4505 Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89154

Application deadline: October 8. 

Historical documents, manuscripts, ledgers, maps, and prints are inherently fragile but can be effectively protected. This one-day hands-on workshop will cover important preservation issues: proper care and handling, storage, limiting light exposure, and the impact of temperature and relative humidity on archives. Instruction will cover the fundamentals of surface cleaning, paper repair, and humidification following professional standards. Under the guidance of a professional conservator, Michael Don Fraser, participants will learn how to assess the conservation needs of archival materials, repair torn paper, humidify and flatten rolled or crumpled documents, encapsulate documents, and protect records from further damage through proper rehousing and storage.

Each participant will receive a basic book/paper repair toolkit to bring back to their organization/institution. Applicants traveling more than 50 miles one way to their nearest workshop are eligible for a $100 travel stipend to help offset travel costs.

Due to the hands-on nature of the workshop, seating is limited to 18 persons per workshop. Workshop seats will be assigned on a first come, first served basis determined by the order in which completed applications from eligible individuals are received by the Nevada State Archives. The goal of the workshops is to provide conservation education to as many Nevada organizations as possible. Therefore, initially, only one participant from each organization will be admitted. Additional applicants from a single organization will be placed on a waiting list. Once the application deadline passes, if space permits, additional individuals from the same organization may be admitted. Space permitting, master’s students in library and information science, museum studies, public history, or closely related fields will be considered.

This is an introductory workshop. No prior experience or training is required of participants. 

Priority consideration will be given to applicants who

• are a current employee or volunteer in a Nevada-based organization,
• are tasked with care and handling of Nevada’s historical records/archives at the organization, and
• have no formal conservation training.

To apply, please complete the PDF application linked at the top of this post and email it to the Nevada State Archives: Smears@admin.nv.gov