Nevada State Museum Hosts Behind-The Scenes Tours Of Rare Collections
Posted on July 05, 2006 at 04:50:41 pm
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The Santini Incised Stone Collection is a display of rare hand-sized portable art that may be one of the first expressions of human artistic creativity. The flat, tabular stones are finely incised with a wide variety of geometric forms, and are believed to be at least 8,000 years old. The stones were found throughout the region, with the highest concentration in southern Nevada. Although the meaning of the stones is unknown, archeologists suggest that they may have been used for ceremonial objects, pendants and personal ornaments. This is the largest collection of incised stones in the world and was donated to the museum several years ago by former Congressman James Santini.
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The Great Basin Basketry Collection includes a display of 10 Washoe Baskets made by Dat So La Lee, considered the finest basket maker in the world. Dat So La Lee was a Washoe Native American who lived in the vicinity of the Nevada State Museum between the late 1800s and early 1900s. Her exquisite “Degikup” willow baskets are known for their extremely fine weaving with up to 32 stitches per inch, their beautiful, elaborate designs and their unique, globular shape. Several rare baskets from the Pacific Northwest are also on display in the tour.
The Archaeology of the Carson City Mint includes a look at old coin dyes used to stamp the “heads” and “tails” of coins when the museum building was The Carson City Mint between 1870-1893. The dyes were found buried in the mud in the parking lot between the two museum buildings and were excavated and restored to their original condition.
The Behind-the-Scenes tours are held the last Friday of every month at 10:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Advance registration is required by calling (775) 687-4810, 237. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and is free to members of the museum and children age 17 and under. Dr. Eugene Hattori of the museum staff leads the tours and serves as interpreter.
The museum also runs Behind-the-Scenes tour of their natural history collection, which highlights some of the state's amazing plants and wildlife not currently on display. The tour is lead by Dr. George Baumbardner, Curator of Natural History and runs the last Friday of every month at 10:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
The Nevada State Museum is located at 600 N. Carson St., in Carson City and is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. The museum collects, preserves and presents Nevada’s heritage through exhibits, educational programs and publications. Exhibits highlight the state’s geology, history, a replica walk-through mine and ghost town, and the Under One Sky Native American heritage exhibit. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and children under 17 are admitted free. Annual membership fees are $35 for individuals, $20 for seniors and $50 for families. Membership includes free admission to the Nevada State Museum as well as five other state-operated museums in the area, including the Nevada State Railroad Museum. For more information on the Nevada State Museum, call (775) 687-4810 or
