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).

In celebration of Archives Month 2025 and E-Records Day (October 10th), the Nevada State Archives worked with Imaging & Preservation Services (IPS) to digitize and provide online access to the World War I military records preserved at the Nevada State Archives. Click here to explore the digital collection.

The United States entered World War I on April 6, 1917. During the first year, Nevada led the nation in the ratio of volunteer enlistments for the regular Army as compared to the quota set for the state at that time. The records held at the Nevada State Archives show that thousands of Nevadans served in the U.S. Army, U.S. Army Nurses Corps, U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps during World War I.

These service member records were tracked using a card index system at the federal level and then sent to each state’s Adjutant General. The Nevada State Archives’ digital collection contains the World War I Service Cards for the Nevadans who served in the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and as Nurses in the U.S. Army. To aid in genealogy research, the digital collection allows you to filter the cards by place of birth, residence, and enlistment.

Search the digital collection here or browse through a few distinguished service members below:

The Nevada State Archives also has the service cards for any Nevadan who enlisted in the U.S. Army during World War I and World War II. Please contact the State Archives via our Ask an Archivist Form for more information.

Learn More About #ERecsDay:

Sponsored by the Council of State Archivists (CoSA), October 10th marks Electronic Records Day and promotes American Archives Month. Electronic records encompass any record that was created or “born” in a digital format. October 10th can be expressed as 1010, which is a nod to binary code. The purpose of this day is to raise awareness about the crucial role electronic records play and provide guidance to state agencies on managing their electronic records.

Nevada Archives Month 2025 honors the 250th birthday of the U.S. Armed Forces (June 14, 1775) and Nevadans who served their country. Funding for Archives Month is provided by the National Historical Publications & Records Commission. 

October is Archives Month in the United States. It is a time to spotlight the importance of archival repositories and their role as the collective memory of communities and governments across the country. It is also a time to raise awareness of historic photos, letters, and documents available for Nevadans to use. 

In celebration of Archives Month, we invite you to visit the State Archives exhibit, “All for Our Country,” which honors Nevadans’ contributions to U.S. efforts during the Civil War, Spanish-American War, World War I, and World War II. The exhibit also tells the story of the Nevada National Guard. It showcases historical documents, letters, photographs, objects, and uniforms from the Nevada State Museum, Nevada Historical Society, Stewart Indian School Cultural Center and Museum, Westwall Militaria Antiques and Collectibles, Nevada National Guard, and Nevada State Archives. 

The exhibit is open to the public through November 14, 2025, from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) at the Nevada State Archives, 100 Stewart Street, Carson City. Admission is free.

Nevada Archives Month 2025 honors the 250th birthday of the U.S. Armed Forces (June 14, 1775) and Nevadans who served their country. Funding for Archives Month is provided by the National Historical Publications & Records Commission. 

9/12/2025
Youth Services, Library Programs, Community Engagement

The Nevada State Library and local libraries across the state are proud to announce the successful launch of the Adventure Backpacks Program, a unique initiative designed to bring educational, hands-on learning experiences to families and children. These themed backpacks provide everything needed for outdoor exploration and discovery, combining books, activity materials, and resources that promote literacy and environmental curiosity.

Since the program's launch on August 5, 2025, 17 out of 20 Nevada library districts have participated, with 174 backpacks ordered and distributed statewide. Each backpack includes three carefully selected books, Nevada State Parks passports, trail guides, maps, pamphlets, and hands-on activity tools such as binoculars, magnifying glasses, compasses, flashlights, and telescopes.

This program is made possible thanks to grant funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) through the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA), administered by the Nevada State Library, Archives and Public Records (NSLAPR).

The backpacks come in four adventure themes, each designed to spark curiosity in different areas of Nevada's rich natural environment:

• Desert Plants 🌵 - Explore local flora with field guides, binoculars, and plant identification activities.
• It Moves (Wildlife) 🐾 - Become a wildlife detective with binoculars, field guides, and interactive observation sheets.
• Night Views 🌌 - Discover the night sky with a monocular telescope, star charts, and constellation flashcards.
• Treasure Hunt 💎 - Investigate rocks, fossils, and minerals while following scavenger hunts and challenge sheets.

Nevada State Parks generously supported the program by providing brochures, trail guides, passports, and maps, which were included in every backpack. These resources connect families to Nevada's incredible outdoor spaces, offering guidance and inspiration for exploration close to home.

Program Goals: 

• Encourage hands-on learning and outdoor activities for families.
• Promote reading and early literacy in fun and interactive ways.
• Position libraries as community hubs for education and engagement.

All backpacks have been cataloged and tagged for easy checkout at participating libraries, ensuring that families across Nevada can access these engaging resources year-round.

Feedback from library staff and patrons will be collected throughout the year to assess program impact and identify opportunities for expansion. The program will also feature stories and photos from participating libraries, showcasing how these backpacks are fostering curiosity, learning, and family engagement across Nevada.

The Nevada State Library, Archives and Public Records extends a special thank-you to Nevada State Parks for their invaluable support and materials, as well as to all library staff who helped make this program a success. We look forward to seeing families explore Nevada together - one backpack at a time!

Check out an Adventure Backpack at your local Nevada library today!

The following post is written by Capt. Emerson Marcus, Nevada National Guard

Capt. Emerson Marcus is the public affairs officer for the Nevada National Guard. He has a Master of Arts in history from the University of Nevada, Reno.

The Nevada National Guard’s annual Flag Day and Army Birthday celebration is a brief (about 30 minutes) and quiet event, consistent with many other celebrations around the country. The event avoids bombastic displays of militarism and jingoism and includes a historical flag presentation from the Nevada Air National Guard Non-Commissioned Officer Academy.

This year was different as thousands attended the “No Kings” protest on Carson Street, both events sharing the same time slot, separated only by the Supreme Court lawn and Capitol grounds. This made for a robust, unique display of patriotism and First Amendment rights in Carson City.

Additionally, State Archives opened for its “All For Our Country” exhibit dedicated to Nevada’s military history. This was the first event to kickoff Nevada’s “America 250” celebration that will include other events leading up to the nation’s quarter millennial birthday next year.

As the public affairs officer for the Nevada National Guard with a graduate degree in history from the University of Nevada, Reno, I helped lead the event and supported State Archives with content and writing for their exhibit. The staff at the State Archives, including Cyndi Shein, Taylor Chase, Hannah Chapman and Cynthia Lafambroise, did an excellent job on a short timeframe leading up to the Army’s 250th birthday and Flag Day. Mike Strom, the Nevada State Library and Archives Administrator, also provided remarks during the ceremony. 

But there’s one thing that I will never forget about the 2025 event: an email I received from the organizer of the “No Kings” protest.

On June 9, the Reno Gazette Journal reported on the contrast to be on display on Flag Day at the state capital. Reporter Mark Robison interviewed me and “No Kings” Northern Nevada organizer, Fassah Galt. After the news story published, Galt sent me an email that included the following:

“I'd like to ensure that all demonstrators present are conscious and respectful of your ceremony and that we as organizers do all we can to ensure that the reverence and respect of your ceremony are preserved,” Galt wrote in the email. “With that in mind I would like to adjust our programming such that our speakers begin after your ceremony has concluded. It is not our desire to impede, disrupt or detract from the ceremony… as it is important for those who will gather on Saturday to recognize that the rights which they seek to exercise are possible only because of those who have given their lives and their service to protect them.”

I’ll never forget that gracious note. He understood, as we did, that a celebration of the flag, the U.S. Army and the peoples’ rights to peaceably assemble were not mutually exclusive acts of patriotism. They were pillars of our nation’s founding that remain true today. The boisterous sound of Americans voicing concerns greatly added to the atmosphere of the day. Afterward, State Archives visitors included Nevadans from both events.

I would like to thank those who worked to support the Nevada National Guard’s 27th annual Flag Day and Army Birthday: the State Archives, the Nevada National Guard, Carson City Public Works, Capitol Police, Galt and so many other Nevadans who came together on June 14, 2025. As said before, the State Archives did a great job and I hope the public enjoys their exhibit as it remains on display through Veterans Day this year.

For me, that day will forever serve as a reminder that differences aren’t barriers — they are elements and anecdotes of our collective national identity and the American Experience. 

The Nevada State Archives would like to thank the Nevada National Guard for their assistance in making this Flag Day celebration and exhibit opening a huge success!

Photo Credits: Ahylin Arroyo, Meighan Herberg, Stephanie Mears

Funding for the exhibit provided by the National Historical Publications & Records Commission

“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