Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center

---

---

For a number of years this was the Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center's website.
Content is from the site's 2000- 2003 archived pages.

To find the most up to date information about the Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center go to: http://historicnv.org/locations/

 

---

---

 

Check this: The lush Carson Valley framed by the Carson Range of the Sierra Nevada and the Pinenut Mountains, unfolds on Nevada’s western border. Today it retains its broad and green lushness, nourished by the Carson River and its tributaries appearing as the oasis early western settlers passed through drawn by the California Gold Rush of the 1840’s. My wife and I travel back to our roots every couple of years. This past was a visit in the spring to the Genoa Cowboy Poetry & Music Festival and to play golf. Golfers, such as myself, will feel right at home here with four valley courses which vary widely in terrain and difficulty. There are tight fairways that meander along the river or open links-style courses tucked against the mountains offering splendid views. It's a real change of pace from how and where we live on the East coast. But thanks to Google and SEO services like CEO Bob Sakayama's TNG Earthling, we're able to quickly find this website and the familiar lodging and restaurants that are part of our past. Stepping into the Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center brings us back to the rustic, practical, 19th century period rugged of make-do living. We love it.

 

---

---

 

Open year round, Monday through Friday 10 am to 4 pm
First Saturdays of each month, 11 am to 2 pm, unless otherwise posted
Closed Saturdays the rest of the month unless we have a special event scheduled.

Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center, Gardnerville, NV

 

Located on Highway 395 in the heart of Gardnerville on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, this museum reflects the history of the Carson Valley from 1915 through to the present. Washoe Indian and Basque heritage exhibits are featured along with agriculture, early telephone, doctors, and restored 19th century vehicles. Changing gallery highlights people, places and activities. A current exhibit is about Nevada’s wild and free-roaming mustangs.

The Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center is housed in the former Douglas County High School building. The building was designed by the famed architect Federic DeLogchamps and was constructed in 1915. It is currently listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

In 1988, the school board leased the building to the Carson Valley Historical Society. The Society renovated the structure to become a museum of Carson Valley history and a cultural center to benefit and be enjoyed by visitors and residents of Douglas County and the surrounding area.

Circa 2000 - 2003

 

Juanita Schubert Rediscovered
At the Carson Valley Museum through June 30, 2000. ”Off to the Mountains” by Juanita Schubert is the featured work in a retrospective of the photographer’s work produced in the Carson Valley during the late 30s and early 40s. It was shown extensively throughout the United States from 1943 – 1946, winning many awards and garnering much critical acclaim. It was chosen as the cover photograph for Grace Dangberg’s book Carson Valley, published in 1972.

“Seen About Town, The Art of Lew Hymers”
Can be seen in the Changing Gallery at the Carson Valley Museum until October 31, 2000.

Lew Hymers was a significant force in Reno’s commercial and social life during the 1930s and 1940s. His incisive pen and ink caricatures of northern Nevada’s movers and shakers” appeared in the Reno Evening Gazette for seven years. At the age of 20, Hymers joined the art staff of the San Francisco Chronicle, where he shared offices with Robert Ripley, later of “Believe it of Not” fame, and John Terry, creator of the popular “Terrytoon” cartoon series in Hollywood. In 1932, Hymers returned to Nevada and opened his own studio. From 1934 to1944 he lived in Genoa, commuting to Reno. The exhibit represents a true cross-section of his work from studiowork to his weekly newspaper column.

All That Glitters (2001)
The story of the boom and bust of Nevada mining. This exhibition in the changing gallery at the Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center features panoramic photographs of mining operations and towns from the 1900s to the 1930s, models of gold-extraction devices, and hard-rock mining implements. This exhibition will be replaced with Tonopah and Beyond late in May, 2001. This new exhibit, created by the exhibits crew at the Nevada State Museum, will continue the mining theme through the end of the year.

The Snowshoe Thompson (permanent) exhibit
The Genoa Courthouse Museum, commemorates John A. “Snowshoe” Thompson (1827-1876). Thompson earned his nickname by skiing over the Sierra Nevada to carry mail to Placerville, California, and back to Genoa, Nevada. The exhibit features a three dimensional diorama of winter in the Sierra Nevada.

---

---

 

NEWS

Carson Valley Historical Society received a grant of $20,342 from the Smallwood Foundation to continue the Smallwood Youth Gallery. It is an unparalleled opportunity for youth in grades 5-12 to create works of art in any media, develop the layout for the gallery and install their own exhibit. Each semester has a broad theme and youth may incorporate computer programming and music into their gallery activities. The winter 2002 Gallery Grand Opening is June 22. The theme for Fall 2002 is "Splish Splash" to compliment a temporary exhibit on "Keeping the Valley Green", water and soil conservation and recycling.

 

---

---

 

2003 Calendar of Events

Genoa Courthouse Museum -- Information 775-782-4325
Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center -- Information 775.782.2555

Year-long activities: National Trust for Historic Preservation Barn Program
April-October activities: Display of barn art & photos in community & both museums
May-September: Display of agricultural equipment at both museums.

 

 

---

---

 

2002 Calendar of Events

Beginning May 1st the admission charge to each museum is $3.00 per adult and $2.00 for youth ages 6 to 18. To visit both museums, the charge is $5.00 per adult and $3.00 per child.

COUPON Get 25% off any DOVER Publication at our gift shops with admission to our museums. Genoa Courthouse Museum Carson Valley Museum & Cultural Center Print and bring this coupon with you. Valid until October 13, 2002   COUPON Become a member of Carson Valley Historical Society and get any piece of Washo-made jewelry at 20% off Genoa Courthouse Museum Carson Valley Museum & Cultural Center Print and bring this coupon with you. Valid until October 13, 2002 July   10-11 Chautauqua in the Park Includes 20 youth portraying such well known historical people as Irving Berlin, Georgia O’Keefe, Anne Frank and Jacques Costeau, telling their life stories and answering questions. Everyone is invited to bring a picnic meal, enjoy the evening in Mormon Station Park in Genoa, NV and the creativity of the youth. Information: 775-267-3410 or 775-265-6097. 5-8 p.m. 20 Art and Wine Festival Held on the grounds of Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center, features over 20 artists, food booths, wine booths and an opportunity to win a wine cellar. Live music and a good time are assured. Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center, 1477 Hwy. 395 N., Gardnerville. Information: 775-265-6097 or 775-782-2269. 5-9 p.m 27 Opening reception of the works of Hans Meyer-Kassel (1872-1952) July 27, 7-9 p.m. at Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center. The exhibit contains over 100 works and never before exhibited sketches and studies by the artist. Several of the artists works are also on exhibit at Genoa Courthouse Museum through October 13. The Meyer-Kassel exhibit closes January 25, 2003. September   15 CVHS Annual Picnic Potluck Affair for members and prospective members welcome. RSVP required. Mormon Station State Park, Genoa – 12 noon. Information: 775-265-2579, 775-782-4325 or 775-782-2555. October   5 Beginning of activities for "The Year of the Barn" Youth barn drawing contest, youth and adult barn photography contest, planning for a film and lecture on barns and barn owners. Look for a very full year on barn projects, exhibits and activities in 2003. 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. 13 Genoa Courthouse Museum closed for the season. Closes at 4:30 p.m. for the season. 19 Cemetery Tour A self-guided tour of the Fredericksburg Cemetery, ten miles south of Minden in Alpine County. 7 – 8 p.m. Bring a flashlight and dress warmly! "Living Histories". $2.50 per person, $8.00 per family. Information: 775-782-2010 or 775-782-2555. December   8 Holiday Opera House Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center, 1477 Hwy. 395 N., Gardnerville. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Information: 775-782-3045, 775-782-2269 or 775-782-2555. Donations appreciated.

 

 

---

---

 

2001 Calendar of Events

Genoa Courthouse Museum -- Information 775-782-4325
Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center -- Information 775.782.2555

All That Glitters is a new exhibition in the Changing Exhibits Gallery of the Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center. It includes panoramic black and white photographs of Nevada's boom and bust periods of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, plus mining implements, survey equipment, ore samples and models of the implements used by the 49ers. Original mining certificates and copies of Nevada mining maps are for sale in the museum gift shop during the run of this exhibition.

 

April
29	"Meet the Author" Book-signing event showcasing local and regional authors at Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. -- Information 775.782.2555
May	National Historic Preservation Month
5	Genoa Courthouse Museum Opens Open Daily, 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. -- Information 775.782.4325
9	Lecture and Exhibit on Will James Genoa Courthouse Museum, upstairs, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. -- Information 775.782.4325
12	Antiques/Collectible Sale Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. -- Information 775. 265.6097 or 775.782.2555
June
13	Quilting, Spinning, and Weaving Demo Genoa Courthouse Museum, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. -- Information 775.782.4325
23-24	Snowshoe Thompson Festival Arts and Crafts, Antiques and Collectibles, Living History, Young Chautauquans, raffle, food, and more. Mormon Station State Park, Genoa, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.-- Information 775.265.6097, 775.265.7074 or 775.782.2555 This year we are cooperating with the Genoa Greater Business Association in a joint effort with their Snowshoe Thompson Committee to dedicate a statue of Snowshoe Thompson on the grounds of the Mormon Station State Park. The festival includes Antiques and Collectibles, Arts and Crafts and specialty booths, historical presentations, hay wagon rides to Genoa Cemetery, demonstrations, and ethnic foods, raffle, and more. Applications are now available for the Arts and Crafts section and the Antiques and Collectible area. The festival weekend rate is $50 that entitles you to a 10' x 10' reserved space. For information and application for Arts and Crafts contact Mary Jane Harding at 775.265.7074 and for Antiques and Collectibles contact Grace Bower at 775.265.6097.
June
11	Navajo Story Telling and Crafts For youths and adults, Genoa Courthouse Museum, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. -- Information 775-782-4325
August
8	Washoe Basket Weaving Demonstration Genoa Courthouse Museum, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. -- Information 775.782.4325
September
8	Antiques/Collectible Sale Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. -- Information 775. 265.6097 or 775.782.2555
12	Photograph Restoration Lecture and Demonstration Genoa Courthouse Museum, upstairs, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. -- Information 775.782.4325
October
10	Lecture/Chautauqua-Cemeteries Cemeteries of the area Genoa Courthouse Museum, upstairs, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. -- Information 775.782.4325
13	Appraisal Fair Professional appraisers, Historical Society fund raising event. Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. -- Information 775.265.6097 or 775.782.2555
14	Genoa Courthouse Museum Closes for the Season
20	Cemetery Tour A self-guided tour of the Garden Cemetery, Gardnerville, 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Bring a flashlight and dress warmly! After tour refreshments at Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center -- Information 775.782.2555
December
2	Holiday Open House Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. -- Information 775.782.2555
	This Calendar is a list of just some of the interesting events scheduled. Call 775.782.2555 for calendar updates or check back often.

 

 

---

---

 

2000 Calendar of Events

 

The Carson Valley Historical Society is pleased to announce it has received a grant from the Frances C. & William P. Smallwood Foundation to establish a Youth Gallery at the Carson Valley Museum in Gardnerville, Nevada. Fifteen students, fifth grade and up, will start the program that includes exhibit building, Internet and traditional library research, and critical thinking. The gallery will be the students' project; with the guidance of a teacher, they will plan, design, create, maintain and curate a gallery, thereby creating a "museum within a museum".

 

March	Events for 2000
5	National Women in History Month Exhibit on display at the Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
April
30	Meet the Author Book signing event showcasing local and regional author's at the Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
May
	National Historic Preservation Week
6	Genoa Courthouse Museum Opens for the Season Special exhibit "Juanita Schubert Rediscovered" from 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
13	Antiques and Collectibles Sale Join us at the Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Information -- 775.265.6097 or 775.782.2555
June
14	Pony Express Reride Arrival approximately at the Genoa Courthouse Museum 12:45 p.m.
24-25	Annual "Snowshoe" Festival Genoa crafts, antiques, living history presentations, and food. Information -- 775.265.6097 or 775.782.2555
September
9	Appraisal Fair Join us at Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Professional appraisers, 3 items per person ( $15 per item) -- general public ($10 per item) -- for historical society members. Information -- 775.265.6097 or 775.782.2555
9	Antiques and Collectibles Sale Join us at the Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Information -- 775.265.6097 or 775.782.2555
October
7	Annual Scarecrow Festival Join us at East Fork Gallery Event offering "scarecrow-making" kits at the Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center -- Information -- 775.782.7629
16	Genoa Courthouse Museum Closes for the Season
21	Annual "Living History" Cemetery Tour A self-guided tour of Genoa cemetery starting at 6:00 p.m. (bring a flashlight and dress warmly) -- Information -- 775.782.2555
December
3	Gallery of Trees and Holiday Open House Tree decorating contest from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Schools, local organizations, businesses, and individuals participate in this event, ribbons awarded. Trees on display for the month of December at the Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center -- Information -- 775.782.2555
	This Calendar is a list of just some of the interesting events scheduled. Call 775.782.2555 for calendar updates or check back often.

 

---

---

 

Executive Board

President
Marlena Hellwinkel

Vice President
Elizabeth Paul

Financial Recorder
William Palmer

Secretary
Lois Brooks

Member-At-Large
Dorothy Scossa

These five and 20 other volunteers make up the Board of Trustees of the Carson Valley Historical Society. In the two museums the Society operates, there are over 50 volunteer docents managing the gift shops and visitor areas.

The three full-time employees of the organization report to the Executive Board.

 

 

---

---

More Background On CarsonValleyMuseums.com

 

CarsonValleyMuseums.com served as a vital digital window into one of western Nevada’s most important regional cultural institutions: the Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center. Active during the early years of widespread public internet adoption, the site captured a moment when museums were beginning to translate physical collections, community history, and educational programming into an online format accessible far beyond local borders.

More than just a website, CarsonValleyMuseums.com functioned as a cultural record, documenting how a rural Nevada community preserved its heritage, celebrated its people, and presented its story to visitors, researchers, and residents alike. The site reflected a period when historical institutions were expanding their reach through early web platforms while remaining deeply rooted in physical spaces, volunteerism, and face-to-face engagement.

Today, while the website itself exists primarily through archival snapshots, its content remains a rich source of insight into Carson Valley’s historical priorities, community values, and evolving identity.

---

The Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center

Location and Setting

The Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center is located in Gardnerville, Nevada, along U.S. Highway 395, nestled between the Carson Range of the Sierra Nevada and the Pine Nut Mountains. This geographic setting has long shaped the character of the region, providing fertile land for agriculture, strategic travel corridors, and a dramatic natural landscape that influenced early settlement patterns.

The valley played a significant role in Nevada’s development, particularly during the mid-19th century westward expansion, the California Gold Rush, and the growth of ranching and mining economies. The museum’s location reflects this history, situated in a community that has remained closely tied to its agricultural and frontier roots.

---

The Historic Building

Architectural Significance

The museum occupies a building constructed in 1915, originally serving as the Douglas County High School. The structure was designed by Frederic J. DeLongchamps, one of Nevada’s most influential architects, responsible for numerous civic and institutional buildings throughout the state.

The building itself is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, not only for its architectural merit but also for its role in the region’s educational and civic development. Its adaptation into a museum in the late 20th century reflects a broader movement toward historic preservation and adaptive reuse across the American West.

Transition to a Museum

In 1988, the building was leased to the Carson Valley Historical Society and converted into a museum and cultural center. The transformation allowed the community to preserve both the physical structure and the stories associated with the valley’s past, creating a centralized space for exhibitions, education, and public engagement.

---

Mission and Purpose

The Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center was founded with a clear mission:

• To preserve and interpret the history of Carson Valley

• To educate residents and visitors about regional heritage

• To promote cultural awareness and historical literacy

• To serve as a community gathering place

• To support youth education and lifelong learning

The museum positioned itself not as a static repository of artifacts, but as an active cultural institution—one that evolved with its community and encouraged public participation.

---

Exhibits and Collections

Permanent Exhibits

The museum’s permanent collections focused on the everyday life, labor, and culture of Carson Valley across multiple generations. Core themes included:

• Washoe Indigenous history, highlighting the region’s original inhabitants

• Basque heritage, reflecting the strong influence of Basque sheepherders and ranchers

• Agriculture and ranching, including tools, photographs, and equipment

• Mining and transportation, tracing the boom-and-bust cycles of Nevada’s economy

• Early communication and medicine, including telephone systems and medical artifacts

• Historic vehicles and machinery, representing the transition from frontier life to modern industry

One of the most notable permanent exhibits centered on John A. “Snowshoe” Thompson, the legendary mail carrier who crossed the Sierra Nevada on skis during winter months. His story symbolized the perseverance and ingenuity associated with early settlement in the region.

---

Changing and Traveling Exhibitions

A hallmark of the museum’s programming was its rotating exhibitions, which kept the institution dynamic and encouraged repeat visits. These exhibits explored art, history, photography, and social change.

Notable exhibitions included:

• Juanita Schubert Rediscovered – A photographic retrospective highlighting Depression-era life in Carson Valley

• The Art of Lew Hymers – Editorial illustrations and caricatures documenting Nevada’s social and political life

• All That Glitters – A mining history exhibition examining Nevada’s boom-and-bust cycles

• Tonopah and Beyond – A continuation of mining heritage exploration

• Barn Again! – A nationally recognized exhibition examining barn architecture and agricultural traditions

These exhibitions often combined historical artifacts, interpretive text, and visual storytelling, making them accessible to a wide audience.

---

Education and Youth Engagement

One of the most progressive aspects of the Carson Valley Museum’s programming was its commitment to youth education.

The Smallwood Youth Gallery

Funded through a grant from the Smallwood Foundation, the Youth Gallery allowed students in grades 5–12 to:

• Design and curate exhibitions

• Conduct historical and archival research

• Learn exhibit layout and interpretation

• Explore art, music, and technology

• Participate in hands-on museum work

This program transformed the museum into a learning laboratory and gave young participants a sense of ownership over their local history. It also served as a model for experiential education in small museum settings.

---

Events and Community Life

CarsonValleyMuseums.com documented an unusually robust calendar of events, reflecting the museum’s central role in community life.

Recurring Programs and Festivals

• Snowshoe Thompson Festival

• Art and Wine Festival

• Chautauqua in the Park

• Cemetery Tours and Living History Nights

• Holiday Open House and Gallery of Trees

• Antiques and Collectibles Fairs

• Barn Preservation Programs

These events combined education with entertainment, often featuring live music, demonstrations, lectures, and family activities.

Cultural Partnerships

The museum frequently collaborated with:

• The Genoa Courthouse Museum

• Local historical societies

• Schools and youth groups

• Artists and craftspeople

• Preservation organizations

• State and national museum programs

This collaborative approach helped sustain a vibrant cultural calendar despite the museum’s small size.

---

Community Impact and Public Reception

Although formal online reviews were less common during the early 2000s, the museum’s impact is evident through:

• High volunteer participation

• Repeat annual events

• Continued grant funding

• Ongoing community involvement

• Long-term operation and preservation

The museum served as both a tourist destination and a community anchor, helping residents connect with their past while introducing visitors to the character of Carson Valley.

---

Digital Legacy of CarsonValleyMuseums.com

The website itself now stands as a historical artifact. Its structure, tone, and content reflect an early phase of digital cultural preservation, when institutions were just beginning to understand how the internet could extend their reach.

CarsonValleyMuseums.com offered:

• Detailed event calendars

• Educational descriptions

• Community announcements

• Historical essays

• Volunteer and membership information

In many ways, the site functioned as an online scrapbook of regional life at the turn of the 21st century.

---

Cultural and Historical Significance

The Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center occupies an important place in Nevada’s cultural landscape because it:

• Preserves rural and frontier history often overlooked by larger institutions

• Highlights Indigenous and immigrant contributions

• Supports hands-on historical education

• Encourages intergenerational learning

• Strengthens community identity

Its emphasis on accessibility, storytelling, and public participation distinguishes it from larger, more formal museums.

---

Legacy and Continued Relevance

Although CarsonValleyMuseums.com is no longer actively maintained, the institution it represents continues to operate as part of Nevada’s historical preservation network. The values embedded in the website—education, community involvement, cultural stewardship—remain central to the museum’s mission today.

The site stands as an example of how small museums used early digital tools to amplify their voices, preserve regional identity, and invite the public into meaningful engagement with history.

---

---