The Sparks Heritage Museum’s William Kolton lead a 45-minute guided interactive tour featuring historic places and spaces including the Sparks Heritage Museum, the landmark Glendale School House, the Chinese in Nevada Monument, and Rail Car Display in Lillard Park at 4:15, 5:15, and 6:15 p.m.

Plus –  the museum is open and admission is free during the Sparks Art Walk! 

The Sparks Heritage Foundation and Museum, Inc. was established on April 1, 1985 as an independent nonprofit 501(c)(3).  The organization’s mission is to preserve the historical and cultural heritage of Sparks and the Truckee Meadows for the education and enjoyment of present and future generations.  For over a quarter century the Sparks Museum has been a product of their Preserve America Community, operating almost exclusively on volunteer labor.

The Museum’s first home was a small room in the basement of City Hall, where it quickly outgrew the quarters.  Early in the museum’s existence the City of Sparks recognized its historical importance and provided an empty storefront at 820 Victorian Avenue. In 1995 Washoe County recognized the significance of the project by donating the Sparks Justice of the Peace building at 814 Victorian Avenue to the City of Sparks for a museum.

The Museum facility also includes the state historical marker #169 Glendale Schoolhouse and an outdoor train exhibit comprised of a steam locomotive, a cupola caboose, and a Pullman executive car.

The nationally registered historic building, which forms the cornerstone of the Museum, was rehabilitated, and opened as a Cultural Center in November 2011 thanks to a community effort. The Museum now offers expanded Arts and Humanities programming in addition to our exhibits and collections.