Last updated: 1/10/2012
Genoa, Nevada
Street Address
2304 Main StreetGenoa, NV 89411
Mailing Address
1477 Hwy 395 N., Suite BGardnerville, NV 89410

Hours

May thru October
Courthouse Museum in Genoa is open seasonally
Daily
10 AM - 4 PM

Admissions

Adults: $3
Children(7-17): $2
Children under 6: Free

Staff

Grace Bower
phone: 775-782-2555
Ellen Martin
phone: 775-782-2555
Cindy Rogers
phone: 775-782-2555
Description

The Courthouse Museum Genoa is located in the heart of Genoa, Nevada?s first permanent town, settled by John Reese in 1851.

The courthouse was constructed by Rufus Adams and Lawrence Gilman in 1865 when Genoa was the county seat of Douglas County. In 1916, the county seat was moved to Minden, a thriving new town in the center of the valley.

The Courthouse was used as a school from 1916 until 1956. In 1969, it was opened as a museum by the Carson Valley Historical Society.

The Courthouse Museum Genoa is the realization of a dream envisioned by a group of descendants of Carson Valley pioneers who organized the Carson Valley Historical Society in 1961. Through an extensive restoration program, the exterior was repaired and the interior restored. The restoration project was funded by grants from the state and county, the Bicentennial Commission, the Fleischmann Foundation, and private gifts and donations.

In 1971, title to the building was granted to the Carson Valley Historical Society by the Nevada State Legislature.

The museum continues to operate through society memberships, interest from a trust fund, memorial gifts, and other donations.

Mission

The Douglas County Historical Society seeks to enrich lives by preserving local history and making it accessible to our communities and visitors.

History

The Historical Society began in 1961. We are a 501 c3 charity and operated by volunteers. We specialize in the local History of Douglas County and Nevada.

Artifact Collections

We have exhibits of the Pony Express, a school room, recorders office, original Douglas County Courtroom, Jail, blacksmith shop, Washo Tribe, post office, pioneer kitchen, parlor and child's room with dolls. Also exhibit of Snowshoe Thompson home and timeline of Nevada History. This is not a complete list.

Research Collections

We have a research library at the Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center that is available to the public. Contains information on the local people and history of Douglas County, Washo tribe, Douglas County High School and State of Nevada. This is not a complete list.

Educational Programs

We offer a Young Chautauqua program starting in January and going through June. The first Saturday of every month is Student/Senior Day at the museum. We offer different programs of interest on this day. More is currently being developed as we have a new education director. We offer free admission to all Douglas County school children. We have informative lectures the 2nd Thursday evening of each month. Admission is $3.00/ free to members.

Facilities
Auditoriums
Lecture Halls
Performance Areas
Governance

We have a Trustee Board. All board members are volunteers. We are a 501 C 3 charity.

Library
Access: General Public, Students, Scholars, Members
Appointment required: No
Publications

We have a quarterly newsletter.

Services
Bookstore

is some exciting and interesting reading covering the history of Nevada along with information on fascinating places to visit. For example, literature is available for one to use in exploring some of Nevada’s ghost towns.

If rock hounding is your preference, guidance is at the fingertips to search for unique rocks, minerals and gemstones.

Come check out the hand-carved wildlife pens, “Bookbutton” magnetic markers and children’s books of stories, activities and paper dolls. These are just a few of the items in our bookstores which are wonderful gifts as well as purchases for one’s own personal enjoyment.

No admission fee is required to shop at the bookstores and members of the Douglas County Historical Society receive a 10% discount on their purchases.

Gift Shop
Special Event Rental
Group Tours
ADA

Free Restrooms

Wheelchair Accessible
Exhibitions
Museum Events
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MUSEUM CONFERENCES

Museum Trustee Association Spring Forum 2024

April 10 - 14, 2024

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Texas Association of Museums 2024 Lubock Annual Conference

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2024 Colorado-Wyoming ANNUAL MEETING

May 1 - 4, 2024

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West Virginia Association of Museums 2024 Conference

June 6 - 8, 2024

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