Nevada State Museum recently opened up an exhibit to shine the spotlight on the state’s influential mining industry role. This new staple in the long standing “Changing Earth” gallery showcases a detailed map of where essential metals and minerals are extracted throughout Nevada’s various counties.
The Nevada Commission on Mineral Resources funded the novel interactive display with backing from the Nevada Mining Association and Nevada Division of Minerals.
“Our new exhibit features geology of Nevada, minerals, and the importance of mining!” the museum exclaimed in a social media post on Thursday. The Nevada Arts Council said “exciting!” in a comment below.
The exhibit’s interactive maps and diagrams will show viewers where different types of rocks form throughout the state. The display will also provide observers with a microscope to get a close look at mineral samples and educate them about which products Nevada’s commodities are needed for.
Furthermore, this science-focused attraction will educate museum goers about Nevada’s plate tectonics geology and enable them to experience a virtual mine tour.
“Nevada is one of the major players when it comes to the extraction of resources,” Nevada State Museum Director, Joshua Bonde, said in an interview with KOLO-TV.
“Our quality of life here depends on it.”
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held for the new exhibit on Feb. 20. Photo credit: Nevada State Museum, Carson City
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Exhibit complements long-standing underground mine replica
This intriguing new feature is not the first with a mining theme at the Carson City location.
Since 1950, visitors have had the opportunity to stroll through an underground mine replica exhibit in the museum’s basement. This popular ghost town-style attraction is intended to depict a silver mining operation from the 1800s.
Several Nevada mining companies and families have donated ore samples and artefacts to help make the display as authentic as possible.
Subtle audio effects like the sound of a pickaxe and dripping water add to the overall experience of the educational showcase.
It is particularly intended to highlight the importance of the mining years following the Comstock Lode discovery between 1859 and 1890 when Nevada produced over US$300 million worth of silver and gold.
Photo credit: Anda Galffy from Travel Notes & Beyond
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