A new set of exhibits devoted to Nevada's colorful history just opened today (Wednesday). We got a sneak peek at the museum space that brings back our pioneer past. It's called "Trailblazing Nevada," celebrating Nevada's wide-open spirit…its ingenuity and the Nevadans who blazed the way. The old Senate chambers, itself a historic place on its own, now is a 2,000 square foot history book.
Attending the opening, Governor Sandoval told us a lot of work went into it: "Hours and hours to remodel this room, and repaint and restore it to its original glory. And to find the exhibits to put in here." 5 exhibits lead you on a tour, first through the mining boom. Peter Barton of the Nevada Division of Museums and History showed us “The square-set timber mining that was used throughout the Comstock to enable us to go deeper into the veins or ore."
Other exhibits take you to statehood. You see the glasses used to officially toast our new state in 1864. There’s the cutting edge of technology at the time: the telegraph, used to send the new state constitution to President Lincoln. There’s the 36-star flag, 36th being Nevada once it joined the Union. And a model of our first Capitol building, where this museum resides. As Barton told us, "For a hundred years, you can almost hear the ghosts and the debates of senators of Nevada's past in this room."
You’ll see the lamp presented to the Public Works Administrator after new power lines brought electricity,  Also on display: gifts sent by France...a thank you for post-war food and aid sent by Nevadans. And a very big wheel, which up to now was a centerpiece of the governor's office. Sandoval was proud to show off, "The original ship's wheel from the USS Nevada, the only ship to get underway at Pearl Harbor."
They are captivating chapters that make for a thrilling timeline, with panels of the people and places that define us. We’re a real American success story, with the history on display to prove it. "Trailblazing Nevada," is on the 2nd floor of the Nevada State Capitol Building, open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free.
