Carson City scavenger hunt celebrates historic Nevada preservation and archaeology

Since the early 1980s, May has been a month for celebrating historic preservation and archaeology in Nevada. To kick off the celebration, there will be a monthlong Historic Resources Commission Scavenger Hunt in Carson City and other events around northern Nevada.

Organizations and agencies have maintained a long tradition to promote history and spread awareness of archaeological and historic preservation efforts throughout the state, encouraging both residents and visitors to explore and learn about Nevada’s significant archaeological and historical treasures.

In Carson City, the free scavenger hunt takes place in the historic district and 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 addresses. Participants with all of the correct answers will be entered into a drawing for a free lunch for two at Adele's (adults) or a gift certificate to Brugo's pizza (kids). For more information go here or contact Janice Brod at (775) 283-7069.

In addition to many fun and interesting events in May (listed by county below), this year the Nevada Rock Art Foundation, along with the State Historic Preservation Office and the Nevada 150 Commission, created a deck of commemorative playing cards to highlight some of Nevada’s spectacular cultural and natural resources.

The images were chosen by a broad coalition of partners, including the Governor’s Office, the Lieutenant Governor’s Office, state departments and agencies such as the Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs and the divisions of Nevada Natural Heritage and State Parks, federal resource agencies and preservation organizations across the state such as Preserve Nevada. The playing card decks, funded through a federal grant, will be divided for distribution among the nearly 25 partner organizations involved in the cards’ creation. Images of the cards, and an informative narrative about each, can be found at www.dcnr.nv.gov. More information about sesquicentennial events can be found at nevada150.org.

Here are some upcoming events:

CHURCHILL COUNTY
May 17: Cold Springs Ruins Tour
A BLM archaeologist will give a tour of the telegraph and stage stations on the side of Highway 50, then a tour to the pony express station for those interested. The pony express station is one mile up a hiking trail, so pack water, and food accordingly.
Where: Highway 50, Cold Springs, NV 89508; 60 miles east of Fallon, NV
When: May 17, 10 a.m.
More information: Kristin Bowen, 775-885-6005
Cost/Admission: Free

DOUGLAS COUNTY
May 9-11: Nevada Anthropological Conference
The Nevada Anthropological Conference (NAC) is intended to explore the shared research interests of archaeologists, rock art scholars, anthropologists, and avocationalists. The conference will highlight recent advances in archaeology and rock art studies that have complementary goals and ultimately strengthen the anthropological foundations of both disciplines. There are two days of presentations, social events in the evening and field trips scheduled for Sunday.

Where: Carson Valley Inn, Minden, NV 89423
When: May 9-11
More information: Mark Giambastiani, PhD, 775- 324-6789
Cost/Admission: $40 preregistration for members; $60 preregistration for nonmembers; $20 student rate. Add $20 for registration at door.

WASHOE COUNTY
May 3: Beyond the Arches Walking Tour
Discover 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, a notorious divorce and gambling mecca, and now as a livable cultural hub. Walk in the footsteps of Bill Harrah, Myron Lake, Baby Face Nelson, Frederic DeLongchamps, and others. Reservations are required and can be made at 775-747-4478 or www.historicreno.org.

Where: Meet at the National Automobile Museum, 10 S. Lake Street, Reno, NV 89501
When: May 3, 10:00 a.m.
More information: Cindy Ainsworth, 775-747-4478
Cost/Admission: $10 per person or free to Historic Reno Preservation Society members

May 9-10: Parks: Past/Present Perspectives
The visual arts exhibition showcases 18 historical photographs, recreated to show the evolution of parks in the Truckee Meadows. Short texts accompany each photograph to help connect citizens with our cultural history and develop sense of place. The exhibition is a component of the Truckee Meadows Parks Rephotography Project, an initiative designed to engage citizens in a better stewardship of our parks.

Where: California Building, 1000 Cowan Dr., Idlewild Park, Reno, NV 89509
When: May 9, Noon - 8:00 p.m.
When: May 10, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
More information: Nathan Daniel, 775-453-0698
Link to Map: http://goo.gl/maps/pDRnF
Cost/Admission: Free ($5.00 recommended donation)

May 10: Lake Subdivision Walking Tour
Meander past divorce-trade dwellings and Victorian architecture and through one of Reno's earliest subdivisions. Tour includes a stop at the Lake Mansion. Tour guide: Debbie Hinman. Reservations are required and can be made at 775-747-4478 or www.historicreno.org.

Where: Meet at Nevada Museum of Art, 160 West Liberty St, Reno, NV 89501
When: May 10, 10:00 a.m.
More information: Cindy Ainsworth, 775-747-4478
Cost/Admission: $10 per person or free to Historic Reno Preservation Society members

May 17: Roads and Rails, Historic Fourth Street
Discover the historic origins of the Lincoln Highway and the Nevada, California and Oregon Railroad, stopping to appreciate the Barengo/NCO building, Flanigan warehouse and other vestiges of the corridor’s heyday. Tour guide: Cindy Ainsworth. Reservations are required and can be made at 775-747-4478 or www.historicreno.org.

Where: Meet at Louis’ Basque Corner, 301 E. 4th Street, Reno, NV 89512
When: May 17, 10:00 a.m.
More information: Cindy Ainsworth, 775-747-4478
Cost/Admission: $10 per person or free to Historic Reno Preservation Society members

May 20: Mid-Century Modern Walking Tour
Be part of the statewide effort to honor Mid-Century Modern architecture! The 2013 Nevada Assembly passed a resolution designating May 20, 2014 as MCM Day. The Historic Reno Preservation Society is celebrating by offering a special tour with in-depth, interior visits to the Downtown Reno Library, “old” City Hall (now the Discovery Museum), “new” City Hall (formerly FIB building) and the Pioneer Center. Participants will also receive a list of other notable MCM buildings to visit on their own. Tour guide: Sharon Honig-Bear. Reservations are
required and can be made at 775-747-4478 or www.historicreno.org.

Where: Meet in the lobby at the Reno City Hall, 1 East First St at N. Virginia St, Reno, NV 89505
When: May 20, 3:00 p.m.
More information: Cindy Ainsworth, 775-747-4478
Cost/Admission: $10 per person or free to Historic Reno Preservation Society members

May 24: Newlands Neighborhood Walking Tour
Enjoy an architectural walk through one of Reno’s oldest and most prestigious neighborhoods. Tour guide: Scott Gibson. Reservations are required and can be made at 775-747-4478 or www.historicreno.org.

Where: Meet at My Favorite Muffin, 340 California Ave, Reno, NV 89502
When: May 24, 10:00 a.m.
More information: Cindy Ainsworth, 775-747-4478
Cost/Admission: $10 per person or free to Historic Reno Preservation Society members

May 31: Parsons/Mills Architecture Walking Tour
Stroll one of Reno's most unique neighborhoods to view some designs of Reno architects Edward Parsons and Russell Mills, who sometimes collaborated. Hear about the families who first lived in these homes. Tour guide: Anne Simone and April Kempler. Reservations are required and can be made at 775-747-4478 or www.historicreno.org.

Where: Meet at the corner of March Ave and LaRue, Reno, NV 89509
When: May 31, 10:00 a.m.
More information: Cindy Ainsworth, 775-747-4478
Cost/Admission: $10 per person or free to Historic Reno Preservation Society members