CARSON CITY, NV — On October 16, the Nevada State Library, Archives and Public Records (NSLAPR) will host a dual celebration recognizing two pivotal figures in Nevada and American history: Sarah Winnemucca, a trailblazing Northern Paiute activist and author, and Mark Twain, the legendary American humorist whose literary journey began in the Silver State.

This special day will feature the dedication of the new Mark Twain Reading Room and a public celebration of Sarah Winnemucca Day, honoring each figure’s profound impact on Nevada’s cultural legacy.

Honoring Sarah Winnemucca: A Voice for Her People

Sarah Winnemucca, a Northern Paiute author, educator, and activist, is honored each year on October 16 for her tireless advocacy on behalf of Indigenous communities. Born in what is now Nevada, she was a trailblazer as the first Native American woman to publish a book in English, “Life Among the Paiutes: Their Wrongs and Claims”, which remains a foundational work in Native American literature and activism.

Winnemucca traveled across the country in the late 1800s, speaking to audiences and U.S. government officials about the injustices facing her people. Her legacy as a fierce advocate for Indigenous rights and education continues to inspire generations across Nevada and the nation.

Ribbon-Cutting: The New Mark Twain Reading Room

In conjunction with the Sarah Winnemucca Day celebration, the Nevada State Library will unveil the new Mark Twain Reading Room during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 16 at 4:00 PM.

This permanent exhibit honors Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, who began his storied literary career while working as a journalist for the Territorial Enterprise in Virginia City in the 1860s. Twain’s witty observations of life in Nevada fueled some of his earliest works, including Roughing It, offering vivid, humorous depictions of the American West.

The Reading Room features one of the most significant Twain collections in the western United States, as recognized by leading Twain scholars. The exhibit also includes books from other Sagebrush School authors, such as Dan DeQuille and Sarah Winnemucca. Visitors will have access to the Territorial Enterprise via databases on the library’s website and microfilm.

3rd Annual Mark Twain Days – Event Schedule at the Nevada State Library

The library’s October 16 ribbon cutting kicks off a series of events in partnership with the Brewery Arts Center and Visit Carson City for the 3rd Annual Mark Twain Days:

Thursday, October 16, 2025 @ 4:00 PM

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony – Mark Twain Reading Room
Nevada dignitaries and community leaders will gather at the library to celebrate the official opening of the new Mark Twain Reading Room.

Friday, October 17, 2025 – Literary Workshops (2:00–4:00 PM)

• Dani Putney, poet and author, will lead a creative session on poetry and the writing process.
• Brad McMullen, Nevada State Folklorist, will discuss the state's rich traditions and storytelling heritage.
  Each workshop will last approximately 45 minutes.

Friday, October 17, 2025 – All Day Activities

• Nevada State Archives Exhibit
  Explore self-guided exhibits from Twain’s era, including early territorial government records that framed the historical backdrop of his writings.
• Twain-Themed Library Activities
  Participate in a Twain-themed scavenger hunt, enjoy coloring sheets, and take home a printed souvenir page from the Territorial Enterprise.

Celebrating Nevada’s Diverse Literary and Cultural Heritage

By honoring both Sarah Winnemucca and Mark Twain on the same day, Nevada acknowledges two powerful yet distinct voices that helped shape the state’s identity. One spoke from the heart of the land and its first people; the other captured its spirit in ink and humor.

For a full schedule of Mark Twain Days events, visit the Brewery Arts Center’s website.

Funding for the Mark Twain Reading Room is provided in part by a federal grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).