Mint Edition Newsletter of the Nevada State Museum, Carson City Spring 2010 Nevada Department of Cultural Affairs Vol. XL, No. 1 [email protected] at ofEducation, Curator Stevenson, Deborah contact information, ad regular with are free demonstrations Basket forms. integrati workshops and lectures, demonstrations, including exhibit, the complement ofprograms A widevariety others. to along knowledge this topass and ofbasketry, techniques and tradition the about possible everything pi 4 10:00am–1:00pm: April 24 Reception; 6:30–7:30pm: 5:00–6:30pm:Free March 25 isproposed: schedule program following The According to GBB founder MaryLee According to GBB founder member strong GreatBasinBasketmakers. home ofthe200 Basin isthe vast Great the Oregon, and California, ofUtah, parts Encompassing nearly 9:00am–3:00pm: July 17 June 5 10:00am–1:00pm: May 22 Continued onpage2 Continued Interwoven 2010
Antler Basket Sculpture Sculpture Basket Antler Deborah Stevenson and paneldiscussionwithMaryLee Workshop for beginners beginners for Workshop BasketReed, with aTraditional Weaving the Arts for Endowment National the funding from Council with Nevada Arts the Folklife Programof the with partnership in Frank, & Brenda Audrey artists, American Demonstration Basketmaking Needle 1:00 –4:00pm: Park location: Loftin 10:00 am–1:00pm: GBB Demonstration Demonstration all of Nevada and all ofNevada by Sandra Zoerner by Sandra Zoerner with Native with Native or 775/687-4810, ext. 237. ext. or775/687-4810, GBB Pine Contemporary Weaving with Recycled Materials, GBB Materials, with Recycled Weaving Contemporary Help Build a Giant Outdoor Basket Outdoor aGiant Build Help Materials, Natural with Weaving of Methods Traditional 2010: Visions of the Great Basin Basketmakers Basin Great the of Visions 2010: The Nevada StateMuseumpresents The Nevada Basketmakers (GBB) isto Basketmakers make baskets,tolearn made materials.Thefo man- and ofnatural sculptures woven innovative andtraditi contemporary 2010. 25–July24, March Gallery, Changing North and Concourse Guinn Dema inthe on display and Delightful! Fun, Innovative, mission; workshops require a fee. For more workshops requireafee.For mission; Interwoven 2010 ng traditionalstyles Fulkerson, Rossitza Todorova, and and Todorova, Rossitza Fulkerson, Betty Hulse, Annie Fernandez, and Linda Havens AnnieFernandez,BettyHulse, and LindaHavens represents the finest inboth thefinest represents presentation presentation asArt Basketry cus of the Great Basin Basin of theGreat cus onal basketry,including with imaginativenew Clockwise from the left, pieces by: by: pieces left, the from Clockwise , all ages welcome; ageswelcome; all , Interwoven Interwoven
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Editor’s Note by Deborah Stevenson, Message from the Curator of Education
This issue of Mint Edition celebrates remembering: Museum Director
ancestors, traditions, origins, and ideals that represent by Jim Barmore
expressions of community strength. We draw inspiration Unprecedented, phenomenal, affirming – these from Nevada rock art, innovative basketry, the Pony words describe the exceptional response to the Express, Bing Crosby, new exhibits, and the art of Lillian museum’s Annual Appeal. The fund drive began in Pitt. The phenomenal response to the Annual Appeal December to raise funds for collections care, affirms community support both for the museum and the exhibits, and education programs. Contributions staff as “keepers of the keepsakes.” began pouring in immediately. Within two weeks, the amount exceeded the all-time record of contributions received since the Annual Appeal began ten years ago. At the time of this writing, contributions have doubled the previous record.
The financial assistance helps us hold our ground as we struggle to avoid further budget cuts. Reducing public hours and cutting staff time have impacted our ability to generate adequate revenues necessary to sustain the museum.
In addition to helping revenues, this vote of support affirms the value of the museum as a source of inspiration, identity, and belonging. Even though everyone is cutting back and uncertain about the future, people are still willing to make a personal sacrifice and dig deep to help the museum. They are saying the museum is worth preserving, even when times are hard. People are writing or calling to express their concern and encouragement. The community responsible for making this a great institution has once again come through in a time of need.
The outpouring of support gives staff and volunteers a big boost. More than ever, we are determined to assure the museum’s survival and ultimate rebuilding in the future. We haven’t given up the vision.
The exceptional response also sends a strong message of support at a time when all state agencies
The Basket Within: Gathering Her Fragments: Full Circle by Mary Lee Fulkerson are facing yet another round of cuts. As Museum
Continued from page 1 Director, I can explain the museum’s integral role in Fulkerson, “our membership is large and diverse, formal education. I can describe contributions to showcasing a rich blend of basketry traditions from around the economy and tourism. I can raise awareness about the inescapable responsibility for securing and the country. To that, we’ve added some fine Native caring for millions of objects in the collections. But, American baskets, along with cutting-edge artistic creations, my voice is not as influential as concerned citizens. so folks will be treated to a spectacular show—maybe our This endorsement of the museum comes at a critical best ever!” The guild has written and published a book moment. titled Weaving Naturally in the Great Basin: A Guide to Harvesting On behalf of the Board of Museums and History, and Preparing Plant Materials for Basketry. The book is available staff, and volunteers, thank you for helping save the at guild meetings and selected locations, including the museum. Nevada State Museum Store. Vol. XL, No. 1 Page 3 Thank You! Annual Appeal Donors
The Board of Museums and History, museum staff, and volunteers thank our Annual Appeal contributors for standing by the museum during these challenging economic times. Donations safeguard irreplaceable collections, produce engaging exhibits, and support inspiring education programs. Contributions also serve as valuable endorsements of the museum’s role in educating residents, school children, and tourists about what makes Nevada unique from any other place in the world.
Shelly & Jay Aldean Hallet & Susan Elson Omer & Claudia King Marian & Stephen Panter Ray Allen Margurite Erickson Roberta Kinnell Assemblywoman Bonnie Parnell Elenie & John Antonsen G.P. & Pat Etcheverry Dr. Edgar Kleiner Jeanell Pevey Dan & Pat Ariaz Penny Fairfield Bud Klette Diane Phillips Ferree & Wayne Lavina Atkinson Frank Fey Daniel Kohler Ferree Mark & Anne Bacon Marshall & Shirley Fey Eleanor Kolbe Eleanor Phillips Jim & Linda Barmore William & Marilyn Flangas Sara La France Janice Pine Marybel Batjer Michael Fondi Gladys Langson Veitch Yvonne Reilly Chuck & Pat Beattie Don & Kay Fowler Fred & Peggy Lanman Senator Dean Rhoads Luetta Bergevin Jean Fried-Reil Jim Lynch Frank & Audrey Rich Norma Jean Best Paul & Loretta Fry Bernard Maillet Bud & Bonnie Rieckhoff Bernard Bornhorst Margaret Fulton Brooks & Diane Mancini Ronald Roberts Charles & Wanda Brown Assemblywoman Heidi Gansert Jim Manning Guy & Victoria Rocha Diane & David Buckman Jack & Carroll Gardner James E. Martin Allan Rowe Susan Bunker-Niles Steve David Garteiz John & Wilburta Marvel Todd & Jeanne Russell Lois Butler M. D. Gilbert Ray & Dianne Masayko Laura Ruud Gary Buyachek Jacqueline Gotelli Kathleen McCarthy Jim Santini Patty Cafferata Janet & Richard Grauvogel Douglas McDonald Don & Lorie Schaefer Fred Campbell Jean Green Dawn McGill Fred & Norma Schaefer Michael Cassiday Margaret Green & Tom Houk Paul McGrath Susan Schroeder Gloria Castillo Don Guidici Bill McGregor Paul & Sandra Seideman Patrick & Bonnie Cates Dan Hamilton Nita Menveg Barbara Smith Thomas & Phyllis Cates Donald Hardesty Philip & Dondra Metscher Bob & Phyl Stewart Senator Barbara Cegavske Assemblyman Joe Hardy Terri & David Miller Frances Smith Margaret & Ralph Cline William Harrigan Beth Miramon Nancy Sweetland Sue Cook Anita Harris Richard Moore Larry Taylor Betty Criswell Richard & Ann Marie Harris Barbara Morgan Carole Terry Jim Curran Thomas & Kimberly Harris Assemblyman Harry Zona & E.R. Therkelsen Jill Derby Robert Hilderbrand Mortenson Carter & Peggy Twedt Alyce Dickson Frank & Patricia Holub Dr. Robert & Jean Myles Dorothy & George Uebele Barbara & Lewis Dodgion Tony Huffhines Maud Naroll Holly Van Valkenburgh Jim Dunfield Betty & Jim Hulse Dan Neverett & Ron Savino Barbara Vucanovich Donna & Floyd Dunn Helaine Jesse Lt . James Nicholson Jean Wagner Clifford Dunseth Jerry Jones Kathleen Noneman Charles & Marian Woessner William Durbin Clyde & Sandra Jurey Dr. Stanley Norsworthy Leslie & Bonnie Wolfe Lane & Virginia Durgin Robert Kautz Mrs. Anne Lee Oakes Gil & Annette Yanuck Marian Durkee Tom & Kaye Keeton Bud & Jo Ann Orange Anita Eftimoff Allan & Charlotte Kelly Gary & Laurie Oswald Page 4 She Who Remembers: The Art of Lillian Pitt
The Nevada State Museum is honored on the Warm Springs Reservation in to host Master Native American Oregon, she is a descendent of Artist, Lillian Pitt, at 7:00 pm, Wasco, Yakama, and Warm Springs our rk y Thursday, April 8, 2010, for a people. Lillian creates works of art Ma rs for presentation of She Who Remembers. using contemporary media and art nda Lillian’s work is featured in Rock Art forms, which draw on over 10,000 cale ! ril 8th Perspectives: Pictographs and Petroglyphs, years of Native American history and Ap on display in the South Changing tradition in the region of her Gallery through May 1, 2010. ancestors. As a result of her Primarily a extraordinary accomplishments, sculptor and Lillian is one of the most highly mixed media regarded Native American artists in artist, Lillian’s the Pacific Northwest.
lifetime of works Lillian was born in Warm Springs include artistic Oregon, but still relates to the region expressions in of Big River, known today as the clay, bronze, Columbia River, which lies just east wearable art, of the Columbia River Gorge. “My prints, and most ancestors were traders and recently, glass. innovators,” Lillian explains. “They Her museum traded goods and exchanged ideas presentation with people from many Native offers a detailed traditions. I honor my ancestors by look at her life, carrying on this tradition of innovative art, exchanging goods and ideas through and beloved my art.” In her art, Lillian depicts traditions. animal characters such as Coyote and Lillian Pitt is a the Salmon People, plus legendary Native American characters such as Stick Indians and artist from the Big She Who Watches. The talk will be River region of about remembering her ancestors, the Pacific the River, and how her artwork Northwest. Born honors it all. Vol. XL, No. 1 Page 5
Pony Express 150th Anniversary Medallion, 1860-2010
By Robert Nylen, Curator of History
The National Pony
Express Association Left: The Pony Express medallion design. Above: Members of (NPEA) celebrates the the Nevada Division of the National Pony Express Association. 150th anniversary of the Pony Express throughout on Historic Coin Press No. 1, with the famous “CC” mint 2010. The Pony Express was mark on the reverse. The official first-day release is an innovative overland mail Saturday, April 24, 2010, during National Coin Week. The service that lasted only 19 months—replaced by the one-ounce silver medallion sells for $60.00. Because the transcontinental telegraph line. The Nevada State year appears on each one, these medallions make excellent Museum commemorates the legend of “the pony” gifts to mark a special occasion. There will be only 2010 and the anniversary celebration with a unique medallions minted during the year, and all of them will be collectible .999 fine silver medallion. numbered. Don’t wait! Place an order today by calling The NPEA Nevada Division is partnering with the 775/687-4810, ext. 234. Medallion sales help fund museum to produce this special medallion, minted museum exhibits and programs.
Crosby’s Niece Presents Bing: on the Road to Elko When one hears the name of Bing Crosby, one thinks stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Bing was a mega- of the Academy Award-winning actor, the Grammy star, far removed from the back-breaking, calloused-hand Lifetime Achievement crooner, the world-renowned world of ranching in northern Nevada… entertainer. One of only a few people to have three Join Bing's niece, Carolyn Schneider, at 7:00 pm on Thursday, June 24, as she tenderly shares memories and stories of her uncle away from the lights and cameras and microphones. In this segment of the Frances Humphrey lecture series, Carolyn reveals the other side of Bing Crosby—a long time gone, but not forgotten. She captures the 15-year period of Bing's life as owner and operator of a large cattle spread in Elko County from 1943 to 1958, including chapters on becoming Elko’s honorary mayor—plus the famous denim tuxedo.
Be sure to purchase Schneider’s book, Bing: On the Road to Elko, and have her sign it for you. Carolyn is also bringing movie posters and a few treasured items of Crosby family memorabilia: the Crosby family bible, monogrammed bed linens, and a photo of Tully Crosby, a family ancestor on board his Clipper Ship. Page 6
The Nevada State Museum in Carson City is an agency of the Division of Museums and History within the Nevada Department of Cultural Affairs. The museum engages diverse audiences in understanding and celebrating Nevada’s natural and cultural heritage.
State of Nevada Jim Gibbons Governor
Nevada Department of Cultural Affairs Michael E. Fischer Department Director Schematic Bighorn Division of Museums and History Sheep and grid Peter Barton designs overlooking Acting Division Administrator an ancient lake bed in eastern Nevada Nevada State Museum Photo: Angus Jim Barmore Quinlan, NRAF Museum Director
The Friends of the Nevada State Museum, a 501(c)(3) private nonprofit organization, supports the museum through volunteer assistance, fundraising, and advocacy. For April Lecture Features information contact Bonnie Rieckhoff, Chair at 775/841-2108.
The Nevada State Museum publishes the Mint Edition newsletter in Rock Art in Nevada collaboration with the Friends of the Nevada State Museum for the purpose Nevada rock art is among the most presentation, Angus describes the of highlighting museum exhibits, striking and significant forms of symbolic heritage significance of Nevada rock art education programs, special events, and collection activities. The expression found anywhere in the world. and the work of the Nevada Rock Art publication is available on a quarterly Located in spectacular landscapes and Foundation in working to promote rock basis in January, April, July, and composed of imposing and evocative art's long-term preservation through October in print or online at images, Nevada rock art is an enigmatic programs of site documentation, www.nevadaculture.org. Museum expression of the lifeways and cultures of research, and public education. members receive the Mint Edition as a benefit of membership. the Native American peoples who have Dr. Angus Quinlan has worked as a Newsletter staff: Deborah Stevenson, lived in the region for the past 13,000 research assistant, university lecturer, Editor; Jeanette McGregor, Design; years. Often neglected in archaeological and consulting editor. He completed his and Holly Payson, Production. studies, Nevada rock art has the potential doctoral research on the archaeology of Please address all newsletter to inform global research debates on the religion and domestic ritual contexts in communications to: social role of visual culture and the long- Bronze Age Minoan Crete at the Deborah Stevenson term sense of place that rock art University of Southampton, UK, in Nevada State Museum establishes. Today, Nevada rock art is 600 North Carson Street 1993. Dr. Quinlan is an established Carson City, Nevada 89701-4004 threatened by natural erosion, population Great Basin researcher and rock art 775/687-4810 ext. 237 growth, and lack of public understanding specialist who has presented and Fax 775/687-4168 for the importance of the cultural published widely, including the 2007 [email protected] heritage it represents. edited book, Great Basin Rock Art: Angus Quinlan, Executive Director of Archaeological Perspectives (University of the Nevada Rock Art Foundation Nevada Press). He has led (NRAF) presents Rock Art of Nevada, archaeological inventories of major Thursday, April 22 at 6:30 pm, Nevada rock art sites in a variety of immediately following the free reception settings. Dr. Quinlan is currently the for Rock Art Perspectives. Note: Quinlan’s Executive Director of the Nevada Rock lecture is offered free of charge and at an Art Foundation, a nonprofit earlier time than our standard Frances organization dedicated to promoting the Humphrey Lecture Series to complement preservation and protection of Nevada's www.nevadaculture.org the NRAF reception. In this rich rock art heritage. Vol. XL, No. 1 Page 7
Contact the Anthropology’s Mini-Selections Museum
775/687-4810 Fax 775/687-4168 from the Collections Exhibit www.nevadaculture.org
By Eugene M. Hattori, PhD, Curator of Anthropology Jim Barmore, Museum Director, ext. 226 [email protected] The Under One Sky exhibit now features some recent anthropology donations. The museum cancelled its scheduled Selections from the Collections exhibit due to George Baumgardner, Curator of Natural History, ext. 236 cutbacks in staff positions and hours. In light of this, the Anthropology Program [email protected]
assembled a condensed version of Selections in a single display case. The Boyes Ray Geiser, Basketry and Newbold Blackfeet donations kick off this new, changing display. Exhibits Manager, ext. 252 [email protected]
Mrs. Rebecca Sutton Boyes Eugene M. Hattori, Curator of Anthropology, ext. 230 donated her mother’s [email protected]
Washoe basketry collection Scott Klette, dating from the early 1900s. Facilities Supervisor, ext. 232 [email protected] The Evelyn Remina Park Jan Loverin, Curator of Clothing Sutton collection and and Textiles, 687-6173 [email protected] biography were introduced in the 2009 fall issue of Sue Ann Monteleone, Registrar, ext. 240 Mint Edition. This [email protected]
collection features baskets Robert Nylen, Curator of History, ext. 239 by Maggie Mayo James and [email protected]
Tillie Snooks. Maggie Holly Payson, Mayo James’ pictorial Membership and Facility Use Coordinator, ext. 222 basket is a centerpiece for [email protected]
the museum’s documented Charmain Phillips, Washoe basketry collection. Museum Store Manager, ext. 244 [email protected]
Mr. Roy Newbold donated his grandfather’s tomahawk and war club and his Deborah Stevenson, mother’s beaded pouch on behalf of the Roy and Garnice Newbold Estate. Mr. Curator of Education, ext. 237 [email protected] Newbold’s grandfather, Still Rain, was a distinguished Black-Foot warrior who Indian Hills Curatorial Center lived during the period of the Plains Wars. Mr. Newbold’s mother’s Black-Foot 775/687-3002 Marjorie Russell Clothing and Textile name was Amanda Blizzard. These magnificent Plains family heirlooms provide Research Center Nevadans a rare glimpse and understanding of traditional Black-Foot culture. 775/687-6173 Anthropology Resource Center 775/687-4810, ext. 229 Bretzlaff History Resource Center 775/687-4810, ext. 239 or 240 Native American Natural History Resource Center 775/687-4810, ext. 236 Pine Needle Basket Making Demonstration
Join Master Artists Audrey and her step-mother Brenda Frank from 1:00 – 4:00 pm on Saturday, June 5, 2010, for a rare opportunity to learn more about the art of pine needle basket making. This program is provided in partnership with the Folklife Program of the Nevada Arts Council, a state agency, with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. Contact Deborah Stevenson at 775/687-4810, ext. 237.
The Frank family tree branches out to both the Summit Lake Paiute and Washoe Tribes of northern Nevada. The Frank women weave a signature design into their basket lids; Audrey often incorporates a small pine cone on the top and Brenda’s lids may include beads.
Audrey and Brenda pass on her family traditions of basket making through classes and workshops where they demonstrate weaving techniques and discuss their Native heritage and culture. Participants learn about traditional basket materials, techniques, processing, styles and their importance in the Washoe and other Great Basin tribes. Among Native Americans in the Great Basin, pine needle basket weaving has a unique story because it is primarily a one-family tradition and was initially learned from non-Native teachers. 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 am to 4:30 pm Wednesday through Saturday Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years
Adults $ 8.00 Children (17 & under ) Free Members Free
The Nevada State Museum Store is proud to carry: The “Pony Express Medallion” In honor of their 150th Anniversary Place your order with the Museum Store where fast, courteous service is always guaranteed.
Open Tuesday-Saturday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm 600 N. Carson Street Carson City, NV 89701 775/687-4810 x234 or x244