Final Report 1864 – 2014
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Nevada sesquicentennial FINAL REPORT 1864 – 2014 As Chairman of the Nevada Sesquicentennial Commission, it gives me great pleasure to present on behalf of the Commission the Final Report of the year-long celebration in honor of Nevada’s 150th anniversary of statehood – a year that will long and fondly be remembered by the citizens of our state as a fitting tribute to this significant milestone. As you will see in this report, the year was filled with numerous memorable events covering all corners of our state: parades, rodeos, art exhibits, cake cuttings, original plays, a star-studded concert in Las Vegas, balloon races, the historic Union Pacific Battle Born Express traversing the Great Basin and a world record-setting statewide sing along of “Homes Means Nevada.” It was also a busy year for several of the more captivating and colorful characters (past and present) who have called Nevada home. From the irrepressible Mark Twain, who served as an official “ambassador” of the Commission throughout the year, to another man known for “spinnin’ tales,” Waddie Mitchell, the critically acclaimed cowboy poet who brilliantly captured the essence of our state in his poem “Dame Nevada.” The gentle presence of President Abraham Lincoln was also felt through an exquisite display at the Nevada Museum of Art in its exhibit, “The 36th Star,” highlighted by the arrival of one of America’s most sacred documents – The Emancipation Proclamation. The Commission was originally challenged to oversee at least 150 Official, Signature and Legacy Events during the course of the year. It eventually approved or managed 505 events – far surpassing original expectations! Another mandate to the Commission was to perform its mission with private funds – not at taxpayer expense. It is with a great sense of satisfaction to report that the Commission was indeed able to raise approximately $1.8 million to carry out its duties, ensuring its ability to provide Nevadans with the quality of celebration they so rightly deserved. As you read this report, you will be able to see the depth and diversity of all that was accomplished and sense the pride felt by the Commission. However, the greatest tribute must be awarded to our fellow Nevadans whose enthusiasm, generosity and passion for our state’s history and culture made the year-long endeavor the unequivocal success it was. As the Commission launched into this journey, we knew leaving a vibrant legacy for future generations to enjoy was an important element. I’m pleased to share the following physical legacies for which the Commission is responsible, including: over 100 of Nevada’s Historical Markers that have been repaired or refurbished; a stunning handmade Sesquicentennial saddle that will ultimately be donated to the Nevada State Museum; an exquisite bronze relief of President Lincoln that now hangs proudly in the Nevada State Senate Chambers; a beautiful commemorative book that richly details the unique history and culture of our great state; and a beautiful tree planted on the Capitol grounds. There are many more Legacy Projects that you will read about in this report. None of this would have been possible without a group of incredibly dedicated Commissioners and committed staff, who gave of their time, talent and expertise to ensure that the year would be both magical and one for the record books. The effort also benefitted greatly by some very special sponsors who critically stepped-up early in the process so that initial organizing efforts could be accomplished, setting the stage for the “Nevada fever” which quickly spread throughout the state. It was my immense honor and privilege to serve as the Chairman of this extraordinary Commission. There were many special, even profound moments that made me even prouder to be a Nevadan. I believe as you read this report, you will recognize the spirit that makes us all “Battle Born Nevada Proud”. Sincerely, Brian K. Krolicki Lt. Governor and Chairman, Nevada Sesquicentennial Commission 1 Part I INTRODUCTION 5 Vision Statement / Mission Statement Part II HISTORY OF THE SESQUICENTENNIAL: FROM GOVERNOR’S VISION TO FULL COMMISSION 6 The Nevada Sesquicentennial Planning Committee 8 The Nevada Sesquicentennial Commission 10 Commissioner Biographies TABLE OF CONTENTS OF TABLE Part III THE NEVADA 150 FOUNDATION Part IV EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES 26 Signature Events Endorsed Signature Events Commission Hosted Signature Events Special Signature Events 30 Four Particularly Magical Events Union Pacific Battle Born Express Heritage Train The Smith Centers Nevada Sesquitential All-Star Concert The 36TH Star Nevadas Journey from territory to state Nevada Sings 35 Parading to a Close Part V LEGACY PROJECTS AND EDUCATION 39 The Commission’s Legacy Projects Website Commemorative License Plates Nevada Historical Markers Commemorative Book Commemorative Medallions Valley of Fire U.S. Postage Stamp “Dame Nevada,” The Commemorative Poem USS Nevada Memorial Re-dedication Nevada State Veteran’s Memorial - New Plaque Sesquicentennial Lincoln Bronze Relief Time Capsules Governor’s Proclamation 50 Endorsed Legacy Projects Endorsed Legacy Books 54 Education National History Day Nevada Reads Literacy Initiative Teaching with Historic Places Preserve Nevada Arts and Cultural Programming 2 Part VI NEVADA 150 PARTNERS 60 Federal Partners Part VIII COMMUNICATIONS Department of the Interior 90 Public Relations Department of Defense National Archives 91 Media Relations Department of Agricutlture 91 Media Tour U.S. Postal Service 92 Media 63 Nevada State Agencies 92 Earned Media Results Department of Administration Department of Agriculture 93 Social Media Department of Business and Industry 93 Community Outreach Department of Conservation 93 Washington, D.C. and Natural Resources Department of Corrections 93 Nevada Airports Nevada Indian Commission 94 Website Department of Motor Vehicles Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs Part IX ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Department of Transportation 97 Sponsors University of Nevada, Las Vegas University of Nevada, Reno 98 Special Thanks & Recognition Department of Veteran Services 101 Governor’s Proclamation 72 Local Governments Cities and Towns 102 Executive Orders Carson City 106 Media Partners Elko Fallon Henderson Part X FULL EVENT LISTINGS Las Vegas North Las Vegas 108 Approved Events Town of Panaca 128 Approved Legacy Events Reno 130 Approved Exhibits and Programs Sparks West Wendover 78 Counties Nevada Association of Counties Clark & McCarran International Airport Mineral Storey Washoe 82 Other Partners Carson City Visitors Bureau Elko Convention and Visitors Authority Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority Reno-Tahoe Airport Auhtority “Dame Nevada” Commemorative Poem Part VII MERCHANDISE AND LOGO USE 87 Partnership with Silver State Industries 88 Other Partnerships 89 Special Note Products Belt Buckles Commemorative Firearms 150 Bourbon 3 States have long celebrated anniversaries of statehood. To INTRODUCTION acknowledge Nevada’s admission to the Union as the 36th state on October 31, 1864, Governor Brian Sandoval declared that Nevada would celebrate the 150TH anniversary of its admission to the Union. To acknowledge this momentous occasion, Governor Sandoval established the Nevada Sesquicentennial Commission (the Commission) to create and manage a year-long celebration of the state’s history, culture and heritage that Nevadans would remember for years to come and appointed Lieutenant Governor Brian K. Krolicki as its Chairman. The Governor’s and Lt. Governor’s shared vision for the Sesquicentennial Celebration was to provide opportunities for Nevadans to come together statewide to commemorate their shared history and to build a foundation of cultural appreciation for future generations. Beginning in October 2013, Nevada’s history was celebrated throughout the state for an entire year to promote pride in the common heritage of all Nevadans. At its inaugural meeting, the Commission adopted vision and mission statements to guide its efforts through the Sesquicentennial Year. These statements set the course for the state’s year-long journey celebrating its rich history and unique place in the American Experience. PART I 4 VISION STATEMENT: Promote the independent spirit of Nevada through education, tourism and history. MISSION STATEMENT: To assist in the planning and coordination of events and projects that celebrate the sesquicentennial anniversary of Nevada’s admission to the Union. PART I – INTRODUCTION 5 Vision Statement / Mission Statement HISTORY OF THE SESQUICENTENNIAL: FROM GOVERNOR’S VISION TO FULL COMMISSION HISTORY OF THE SESQUICENTENNIAL The Sesquicentennial Planning Committee On January 11, 2012, Governor Brian Sandoval issued Executive Order #2012-02 “Establishing a Planning Committee for the 150TH Anniversary of Nevada’s Admission to the Union.” The Nevada Sesquicentennial Planning Committee (the Planning Committee), created by the order, was tasked to prepare a recommended timeline of events and activities for the Sesquicentennial Year starting on Nevada Day 2013 and ending on Nevada Day 2014, develop an overall fundraising plan and recommend membership for the Sesquicentennial Commission. Governor Sandoval appointed members to the Planning Committee from across the state whose expertise included history, humanities, business, communications and education. Those members were Kathleen “Neena” Laxalt and Bob Brown as co-chairs, along with Nevada State Senator Mike McGinness, Ted Olivas, A.J. “Bud” Hicks, Dr. Andrew Kirk and Lori Nelson. The