History:
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.
Today, the two buildings house engaging exhibits which connect local community members and visitors to the rich heritage and diversity of Sparks and the Truckee Meadows. A cultural center, a small archival research library, collections storage and administrative offices are also located in the two buildings.
The Museum facility also includes the nationally registered historic Glendale Schoolhouse and an outdoor train exhibit comprised of a steam locomotive, a cupola caboose and a Pullman executive car.
The Museum is currently in the midst of a Revitalization Project designed to generate a broader base of visitors and increased usage of the museum facility both at the local and tourism level. The nationally registered historic building, which forms the cornerstone of the Museum, was recently rehabilitated and opened a Cultural Center in November 2011 thanks to a community effort. (See 2011 Annual Report). The Museum now offers expanded Arts and Humanities programming in addition to our exhibits and collections.
