Mint Edition Newsletter of the State Museum, Carson City Spring 2008 Nevada Department of Cultural Affairs Vol. XXXVIV, No. 2 beautiful display cases manufacturedby entrances. He also introduced three new to allthe collections from any one of the three display system that gives equal representation Selections History, Anthropology,an Natural unity among diverse the create To meaningful connections. from theCollections exhibit, museum’s latest each other. The world and with the natural connection with We desire to beexplorers. Many ofuslong and themselves. the museum visitors inside that draws design process the exhibit energy behind is anunderlying current, vitality, and to adiverseaudience.There inspiring exhibits notonly accessible, but techniques make Innovative design preparators livefor. his teamoftalentedexhibit Manager, RayGeiser,and challenge thatExhibits Not much—preciselythekindof and rattlesnakes, Datsolaleebaskets, It startswithavision.Whatdo Curator ofEducation Stevenson by Deborah Inspiration, Innovation,andIngenuity Selections haute couture Selections , Geiser designed afloor planand providesopportunities for haveincommon? d Historydisplays in flexibility. DaveShipmanbuiltthe quilt case called for tremendousinnovation and The textile portionof exhibits. History Natural museum staff make decisions for the future publicthe responds to How gait. and straddle, stride, Sheep’s the allow visitors to touch and closely examine horn revealsits inner ar Building.” future Anthropology displays in the North interesting becausethey are aprototype for Geiser notes, “The basket cases are Glasbau Hahn, but added specialized lighting. baskets. baskets. “fancy” Washoe some ofthese bottomsthe intricate designs on allows apeek at the Left Bighorn Sheep. a of horn the close andexamine Above : Clear shelving shelving : Clear : Get up of of the History display Selections willhelp chitecture. Tracks to develop Exhibits Program worked with the Multiple curators most of the text. objects and writes who selectsthe single curator exhibits utilize a challenges. Most some unique and his team with presented Geiser Selections a Bighorn Sheep cut-away view of experience. A educational enhance the specimens to as using touch solutions, such many creative effort produced collaborative Selections (Continued on page 2) onpage (Continued

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(Continued from page 1) Editor’s that Ray Geiser designed to fit the largest Note quilt in the textile collection—that way the by Deborah Stevenson quilts can be rotated over time. The box was Curator of Education so huge it was a challenge to get it through

In this time of rapid change, it’s the door! To display clothing without the use easy to feel overwhelmed. of manikins, Geiser found a fabric called Budget cuts, pressures, Wonderflex that is used in theater. Heating the economic woes—the news we material makes it malleable; it sticks to itself hear is often bad. Despair not. and hardens into the desired shape. Dorothy In this issue, we focus on the Nylen used Wonderflex in the T-shirt case and integrity of vision, the power of the corset mount. Jeanette McGregor hope, and the joy of creativity. described using formed Plexiglas and wire Museum Director, Jim Barmore, covered with tubing to mount challenging textiles like the showgirl outfit; the wire is Above: While our Garcia saddle is on loan to the Autry spells out a plan for a bright National Center, their Garcia saddle is on loan to us. future. Fearless Captain Chaos flexible, yet holds its shape, while the tubing Director of the Department of Cultural Affairs, Michael protects the objects. She adds, “The exhibit Fischer, admires the workmanship of this “loaner” saddle (Scott Klette) juggles humor on display in the History Gallery until February 2009. took longer than expected, but I really with awareness to keep us from At left: Sequined showgirl bra from Hello Hollywood Hello taking ourselves too seriously. displayed on special mount.

Our newest exhibit, Selections Facing page: This close-up of the back of the G.S. Garcia from the Collections, celebrates the 1904 World’s Fair saddle shows tooled leather and creative talents of an innovative exquisite silverwork. exhibits design team. Inspirational programs include enjoyed the challenge and exchange of ideas.” Washo Stories and a Chinese Folk In summary, Geiser told me, “I want visitors Dance Presentation. The to have a good time and to enjoy the show. I Anthropology Program shares believe there are some very interesting the cost-saving secrets of connections that can be made with this custom archival box fabrication. exhibit. In nature we see that form follows Finally, learn more about function—it works in exhibit design as well.” Nevada State Museum’s 2008 Selections from the Collections continues in the Membership Medallion in News Middle Changing Gallery through 2008. from the Mint.

Annual Appeal Update See the Big Picture... As of January 9, seventy-six donors have contributed to the On the cover of this Mint museum’s Annual Appeal fund Edition, we have chosen to drive. Since then, the following feature one of the delightful individuals have made Audubon reproductions on donations: display in our changing exhibit, Selections from the Collections. Kerstine Johnson The Black-headed Grosbeak Rose (Terry) McGee (called here the Spotted Patricia Seiling Grosbeak) is common in mid- Andrea Weed elevation habitats across

Nevada, while the Evening The response was exceptional Grosbeak occurs primarily on and we’ve exceeded our higher mountain slopes in the fundraising goal. On behalf of western part of our state. the museum and Board of Museums and History, thank Dr. George Baumgardner, you for your support. Funds Curator of Natural History, gives directly support museum monthly Behind-the-Scenes collections and education. Tours. Schedule yours today! Vol. XXXVIV, No. 1 Page 3

Garcia to Autry Message from the Museum Director by Sue Ann Monteleone, Museum Registrar by Jim Barmore

One of the five most important antique What is the purpose of our museum? The question is timely. We’re currently updating western saddles, the Nevada State our strategic plan. Every year we take a break from our frenzied pace to think about Museum's famous G.S. Garcia 1904 what we intend to achieve over the next five years – what we can do to make a great World’s Fair saddle, travels to the Autry museum even better. Simply stated, our purpose is education. We actively engage National Center in Los Angeles and the diverse audiences in understanding Nevada’s natural and cultural heritage by preserving Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum and presenting authentic objects and information. This is our essence. But, planning in Austin, Texas over the next year. The requires a closer look. We need to fully understand our purpose to prepare effective Autry's Cowboys and Presidents exhibition strategies. The following defines our function in more detail. Reviewing our purpose explores the relationship between the reminds us of our museum’s varied and vital role. heroic cowboy image and presidential The museum provides a source of identity for individuals, families, and communities politics from Theodore Roosevelt to by defining who we are, where we’ve come from, and where we live. School kids George W. Bush. G. S. Garcia built this learn about their home. New residents connect with their adopted home. saddle at his Elko, Nevada shop with Teddy Roosevelt in mind, decorating it The museum conveys our state identity – what defines Nevada and makes it unique with silver and gold medallions of from other states. The museum dispels misconceptions about our state. Roosevelt and governors Nye and Sparks, The museum is a place to share identity. We’re a place for shared experience and silver eagles, and beautiful leather tooling. social interaction. Parents share with their kids. Families share when company The saddle won gold medals at the 1904 comes. People volunteer at the museum to interact with those of similar interests. St. Louis World's Fair and at the Lewis The museum celebrates and showcases identity through attractive facilities, inspiring and Clark Exposition in Portland, Oregon exhibits, and entertaining special events. We show off our state to tourists. We’re in 1905. It has been used by dignitaries in a source of pride. parades across the nation and President Roosevelt rode in the saddle in 1910. The museum contributes to the economy of the state and Carson City. We are an The saddle will return to our museum in attraction, drawing local, national, and international visitors. The museum serves February 2009. as a centerpiece in Carson City’s downtown economy. The museum fosters a sense of belonging where people come to connect with a larger community. People receive comfort and reconnect with roots. People gain a sense of continuity and stability in a time of rapid change. The museum serves as an inclusive center for all audiences where all people feel welcome, disabled audiences fully participate in learning, and the heritage of all communities is represented and validated. The museum brings communities together for greater understanding – to learn about other groups and dispel stereotypes about unfamiliar communities. The museum serves as a nice place to spend leisure time. We’re friendly, enjoyable, affordable, comfortable, convenient, and safe. The museum serves as a trusted source of knowledge. We maintain high standards of scholarship. We are an authority on Nevada’s heritage. The museum is a trusted keeper of the keepsakes. We document heritage and optimize the care of collections for the benefit of generations hundreds of years in the future. If you're visiting those areas this year – The museum is an effective presenter of heritage. Our exhibits and programs are Autry National Center engaging and relevant. Our methods reach and inspire diverse audiences. 4700 Western Heritage Way The museum is a trusted manager of public resources. We maximize efficient and Los Angeles, CA 90027-1462 effective use of resources and maintain full accountability. Our facilities and 323/667-2000 property exemplify high standards of maintenance and security.

Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum The museum is a successful partner, effectively collaborating with agencies, 1800 N. Congress Avenue organizations, businesses, and communities to expand resources and public Austin, Texas 78701 benefits. 512/936-8746 The museum is a great place to work. Staff and volunteers work collaboratively as a team, based on trust, respect, and courtesy. We value open communication and For more information on Garcia's Elko participation in decision-making. We constantly pursue a vision of improvement, saddles see Legacy of Silver and Saddles: G.S. Garcia to J.M. Capriola Co. 1864 – 2004 on always seeking higher standards of public service. sale now at the museum store. Page 4

Power and Grace: Sonia Carlson Presents Chinese Dance and Culture

Xian Na (Sonia) Carlson is a tiny but powerful woman whose demonstrates a refined eloquence and perfection that could be presence and vitality can fill a room. Traditional dance was an described as poetry in motion. She now resides in Gardnerville. important part of Sonia’s childhood in China. Through imitation and instruction, she learned folk dancing from her The Nevada State Museum presents an afternoon of aunt. Ms. Carlson came to the U.S. in 1987 as a foreign entertainment by Sonia Carlson and her Chinese dance students student. Twenty-one years later, she still performs and teaches from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Saturday, April 5, 2008. Seating is limited traditional Chinese dance for audiences of all ages. Sonia so early arrival is recommended. This program is provided in partnership with the Folklife Program of the Nevada Arts Council and funded through a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. Sonia’s presentation complements the museum’s newest exhibit, Selections from the Collections, in which the Chinese Lotus Foot or Lily Foot (shoes) are displayed. Regular admission fees apply. For more information, contact Deborah Stevenson at 775-687- 4810, ext. 237. Sonia mentors many students and has served as a Master Artist in the Nevada Arts Council’s Folklife Apprenticeship program. Ms. Carlson will perform the Chinese “long sleeve” dance (chang xiu wu) – an ancient tradition dating back to the Han Dynasty. Her students will perform ethnic dances from the minority groups, Zhuang, Sonia Carlson and her students perform traditional Chinese dance at the museum on Saturday, Mongolian, and Gaoshan, and from the Han majority April 5 in celebration of the Year of the Rat. group. Sonia will also teach basic calligraphy.

Going LOCO - Numismatic Fact: MOTIVES for Enhanced Membership World’s First Million Dollar Coin On May 4th, 2007, the Royal The first issue of the Members Only Collector’s Medallion was retired Canadian Mint unveiled the world's at the end of 2007. The new release is available at all Enhanced first 100-kilogram (220.5-pound) pure Membership levels. Enhanced Memberships include all basic benefits gold bullion coin plus these additional benefits: Thursday, worth one million Canadian Sustaining ♦ Members Only Brass Collector’s “CC” Medallion dollars ($850,000 US) $100 minted on Coin Press No. 1 - breaking a record ♦ Guest Pass for free admission for up to five adults for value. But this coin will not go into Contributing ♦ Members Only Silver Collector’s “CC” Medallion circulation. The over-sized coin is a $250 minted on Coin Press No. 1 ♦ Guest Pass for free admission for up to five adults new denomination for Canada and required an amendment to the Patron ♦ Members Only 24-karat Gold-Plated Collector’s “CC” Medallion Canadian Currency Act. Three of the $500 minted on Coin Press No. 1 coins were produced only after ♦ Exclusive Curator’s Tour interested buyers came forward. It is ♦ Two Guest Passes for free admission for up to ten adults 21 inches (53 centimeters) in diameter and 1.2 inches (three Benefactor ♦ Members Only 24-karat Gold-Plated Collector’s “CC” Medallion minted on Co centimeters) thick. $1,000 ♦ Acknowledgement on the Members Recognition Wall at the museum’s entranc ♦ Exclusive Curator’s Tour ♦ Two Guest Passes for free admission for up to ten adults Vol. XXXVIV, No. 1 Page 5

News from the Mint Return of the Glenbrook by Robert Nylen, Curator of History The Carson & Tahoe Lumber and Fluming Company’s Narrow Gauge Railroad Locomotive No. 2 (the Glenbrook) was on public display outside the Nevada State Museum (NSM) for almost 40 years. The Glenbrook was one of two identical narrow gauge mogul locomotives ordered from the in 1874 and placed in service by June 1875 during the height of the Big Bonanza. They cost around $8,000 each. The Glenbrook made six trips a day from lake level to Spooner Summit carrying a total of twenty- five thousand feet of lumber in six cars.

After the narrow gauge line closed, the Glenbrook was sold to the Lake The Glenbrook on the North side of the Nevada State Museum. Tahoe Railway & Transportation Company on January 31, 1899. Museum in 1980, featuring a classic including the Pony Express, State Forty-four years later, the Bliss view of the museum with the Capitol, and 50th Anniversary of family donated the engine to the popular and memorable Glenbrook Gaming medallions. Nevada State Museum and, engine. The image of the Glenbrook Using the same obverse die as in since 1981, it has been on the north side of NSM from the 1980, NSM will reissue the undergoing restoration at late 1940s to 1980 identified the Glenbrook Medallion this year as its the Nevada State museum as place of historical exclusive 2008 Membership Railroad Museum. significance to tourists and locals Medallion. The reverse features Internationally alike. Visitors to the NSM fondly Coin Press No. 1 with the famous recognized artist, remember being photographed in mint mark “CC.” The medallion is designer, author, and front of the Glenbrook and still not available for purchase, but instructor, Stephen inquire as to its whereabouts. The comes with an enhanced Lesnick of Las Vegas, Glenbrook Medallion was one of membership opportunity (see designed a medallion many that Lesnick designed for the LOCO-MOTIVES article at left). for the Nevada State museum between 1977 and 1990,

Ken Hopple Wins Award The mint’s Chief Coiner, Ken Hopple, received the Outstanding Numismatist of the Year Award from the Reno Coin Club in January 2008. The award was given to Ken for his outstanding contribution to the promotion of numismatics and the operation of historic oin Press No. 1 Coin Press No. 1. Ken was also honored for his e continued work in restoring coin dies for the museum’s Anthropology Program.

Ken shares his passion & enthusiasm with a group of young visitors to the historic . Curator of History, Robert Nylen lends a hand. Page 6

Traditional Washo* Stories & Songs Teach, Inspire, and Transform by Deborah Stevenson Curator of Education

In this 21st Century, we face environmental admission fees apply. For more information, www.nevadaculture.org degradation, increased violence, widespread contact Deborah Stevenson at 775-687-4810, disease, and the fragmentation of our daily ext. 237. The Nevada State Museum in Carson lives. We long for connection and meaning. City is an agency of the Division of The stories complement the exquisite Washo Throughout human history, stories have Museums and History within the basketry on display in the museum’s newest vada Department of Cultural celebrated what it means to be human. Stories Ne exhibit, Selections from the Collections. Melba Affairs. The museum engages about love, despair, and human Rakow will share her family tradition through diverse audiences in understanding resourcefulness communicate across ethnic and celebrating Nevada’s natural and heirlooms such as baskets, beaded moccasins, and generational lines. Stories connect us to cultural heritage. a cradleboard, and a soap brush made by her what is real in ourselves and others. Stories relatives. “The challenge,” Melba says, “is to State of Nevada make us laugh. Stories make us cry. Stories help young people become rooted in their Jim Gibbons provide hope. Stories can heal. Governor traditional culture, express pride in their The Nevada State Museum presents an heritage, and still succeed in the modern Nevada Department of Cultural Affairs afternoon of stories and songs by Washo world.” Steven James expressed sadness in the Michael E. Fischer elders, Melba Rakow and Steven James, on loss of the Washo language: “Most people are Department Director Saturday, April 26, 2008. Enjoy creation too busy to learn. Soon the elders will be all stories, family histories, and songs in both gone.” That is why the museum works hard to Division of Museums and History Peter Barton Washo and English. Due to the popularity of preserve and protect language, stories, and Acting Division Administrator the traditional Native American stories, two traditions as well as artifacts and specimens. sessions are offered: 1:00 – 2:00 and 2:30 – * Note: We are using the early, traditional Nevada State Museum 3:30 p.m. Seating is limited so arrive early. Jim Barmore spelling Washo instead of Washoe, out of This program is provided in partnership with Museum Director respect for Washo elders who requested the the Folklife Program of the Nevada Arts traditional spelling. Both versions are The Friends of the Nevada State Council and funded through a grant from the acceptable today. Museum, a 501(c)(3) private National Endowment for the Arts. Regular nonprofit organization, supports the museum through volunteer assistance, fundraising, and advocacy. For information contact Michelle LaFontaine, Chair at 775/267-6674. ...How much does an email weigh, exactly? The Nevada State Museum publishes the Mint Edition newsletter in “Captain Chaos” here- after dumping the deleted file??? collaboration with the Friends of the The Nevada State Nevada State Museum for the At any rate, January was wet and purpose of highlighting museum Museum doesn’t own a cold...February wasn’t much better... This exhibits, education programs, special scale large enough to hampered dirt work construction, and slowed events, and collection activities. The weigh the piles of progress...adding about 36 days to the overall publication is available on a quarterly paperwork generated basis in January, April, July, and completion date...but with current temperatures October in print or online at the by the construction of holding in the somewhat “normal” (30-year website above. Museum members the central concourse; admittedly, I haven’t average) range, progress mounts once again. receive the Mint Edition as a benefit checked with the railroad museum to see if The structural steel fabrication has been of membership. they’ve got a scale for weighing underway for some time, with the majority of Newsletter staff: Deborah Stevenson, locomotives...luckily for the environment, we the large structural components being “pre- Editor; Jeanette McGregor, Design; recycle the vast majority of our paperwork. built” off site...it is the intent to transport these and Holly Austin, Production. pre-built sections to the museum’s construction But—how much does an email weigh, any- Please address all newsletter weigh? If you calculate the number of emails on site, and assemble them as they come off the communications to: this project—and multiply that by the number of truck. Mid-April should show spectacular people sent to, and received by, times the progress, as the structural steel framework is Deborah Stevenson expected to be better than 80% complete Nevada State Museum number of pages, and then multiply that 600 North Carson Street number by the number of back and forth within four days! Carson City, Nevada 89701-4004 responses...well, it’d be enough to make the In the next issue of Mint Edition, we’ll be 775/687-4810 ext. 237 “Rain Man” reach for an abacus... examining the rate at which my hair is turning Fax 775/687-4168 [email protected] What makes things even worse; I’m not really grey—but until then, just remember: You’re sure if we can recycle emails...where do they go unique—just like everyone else... Vol. XXXVIV, No. 1 Page 7

Anthropology Contact the Museum

Volunteer’s Milestone 775/687-4810 Fax 775/687-4168 By Eugene M. Hattori, Curator of Anthropology www.nevadaculture.org

Long-time volunteer, David Critchfield, birch bark canoe. Most of the boxes contain Jim Barmore, Museum Director, ext. 226 recently accomplished a very important goal oversized prehistoric basketry fragments. [email protected] in anthropology collections’ care: making Many of his boxes feature supports and trays Holly Austin, cardboard boxes! Using a very simple, that provide further artifact protection and Membership Coordinator, ext. 222 handmade box that I fortuitously used to facilitate access to the object. David constructs [email protected] George Baumgardner, transport radiocarbon samples from the Utah boxes and internal supports from acid-free Curator of Natural History, ext. 236 Museum of Natural History as his initial corrugated board (cardboard), ethafoam [email protected] pattern, David began fabricating custom (polyethylene foam) and poly vinyl acetate Carol Edling, archival boxes for our larger and our most adhesive (PVA glue). Accountant, ext. 224 [email protected] fragile artifacts. Boxed artifacts include Some 100+ boxes later, David achieved our Ray Geiser, prehistoric feathered caps from Charlie goal of boxing all of our large, loose objects. Exhibits Manager, ext. 252 Brown Cave, Dr. S. L. Lee’s Egyptian falcon We probably realized a savings of several [email protected] mummy, and a three-foot long miniature Eugene M. Hattori, thousand dollars versus commercial archival Curator of Anthropology, ext. 230 boxes, if even available in the sizes [email protected] we needed. More importantly, Scott Klette, Facilities Supervisor, ext. 232 however, is the space saved with [email protected] custom-sized boxes. We lost Jan Loverin, approximately 20% of our Curator of Clothing and Textiles, collections storage area in our 687-6173 [email protected] Sue Ann Monteleone, move to the North Building, so Registrar, ext. 240 any space saved is precious. [email protected] Visitors from other museums Robert Nylen, Curator of History, ext. 239 marvel at David’s creations, [email protected] oftentimes even ignoring the Charmain Phillips, interesting artifacts they contain. Museum Store Manager, ext. 244 David provided a partially [email protected] Deborah Stevenson, completed box to the University of Curator of Education, ext. 237 New Mexico’s Maxwell Museum [email protected] of Anthropology so that they could begin custom box Indian Hills Curatorial Center 775/687-5393 construction. David most recently Marjorie Russell Clothing and Textile taught box making to volunteer Research Center Jeri Dejonge. She is fabricating 775/687-6173 boxes for Elephant Mountain Anthropology Resource Center 775/687-4810, ext. 229 Cave artifacts currently being Bretzlaff History Resource Center studied by Dr. Pat Barker, retired 775/687-4810, ext. 239 or 240 Volunteer David Critchfield and some of his archival boxes. BLM archaeologist. Natural History Resource Center 775/687-4810, ext. 236 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 32 Carson City, NV

Nevada State Museum 600 North Carson Street Carson City, Nevada 89701-4004

Phone: 775/687-4810 Fax: 775/687-4168

www.nevadaculture.org

Visit the Museum

Open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Daily Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years

Adults $5.00 Seniors (65+) $3.00 Children (under 18) Free Members Free

Nevada’s wildflowers bloom in many varieties: Book markers, note cards, and hand- crafted jewelry.

Wild mammals, birds, and amphibians appear in plush form, books, and kids’ projects.

New titles fall from the tree of knowledge: It’s Dempsey in Nevada, Radicalism in the Mountain West, and Spring! Legacy of Silver & Saddles.