Clark County Historic Museum - Henderson, Nevada

Clark County Historic Museum - Henderson, Nevada

Henderson offers you a trip through history that is far more expansive than most of the museums showing the history of an area.  This museum has actually built replicas of the different buildings and homes that would have been lived in and worked in during the early years in Clark County Nevada.

Take a look at Heritage Street which is a unique collection of historic homes, restored to recreate the lifestyles of important periods in local history.    This small tree-lined street has eight historic structures, relocated from all across Sothern Nevada and restored to their original grandeur.  Among the buildings are the Beckley House from Las Vegas and the 1912 era; The Babcock/Wilcox House from Boulder City and the year 1933; and the Giles/Barcus House from Goldmine in 1905.

You will be able to read the latest news from the early 1900’s at the newspaper print shops. Those of you that are interested in railroads will be able to tour the 1932 Boulder City Depot and see a real 1918 Union Pacific steam engine and walk through an old-time Crummy, (caboose.)  You will also be able to see a ghost town complete with a blacksmith, jail and general store.

Another display traces the history of gaming in Las Vegas.  Among the things you will see are a 1898 Dewy Slot machine which is primarily made of wood, a roulette wheel, poker table and a modern video poker machine.  But the most impressive part of the display is the display of black and white photos hanging from the walls that show how Las Vegas used to be compared to what it is today.

To see how life was for those that settled the area early in the 1800’s such as explorers, settlers, trappers and missionaries you will want to visit the display including a pair of sheep shears and a flintlock musket.  There is information on mining towns which chronicle the colorful (and sometimes violent) past of towns like Searchlight, Potosi and Goodsprings.

In the museum there are interactive displays allowing you to touch and hold various items (very different than most museums with antique things) such as a branding iron, butter mold, chamber pot (do you even know what that is?  It’s a portable toilet for those of you too young to have ever seen one), fossils and many other items.

Did you know that there was an African American community in Nevada in the early years?  There not only was but there is a display showing pictures of this vibrant family life and camaraderie on this small town from 1912 – 1925. 

The Anna Robert Parks Exhibit Hall takes you on a historical journey from the Ice Age to the Age of Entertainment.  The timeline chronicles the history and culture of the ancient Pueblo and more recent Paiute, the first Anglo pioneers and their daily lives.  The exhibits feature art and artifacts in their historical context.

Location: 1820 S. Boulder Hwy., Henderson, Nevada 89015

Directions: Approximately 20 miles from the Strip. From the Strip take Interstate 15 south to Interstate 215 east.  Get in the right-hand land to turn right (south) on Interstate 515/93.  Exit left (east) at Horizon Drive and turn right (south) on Boulder Highway.

Phone: 702-455-7955

 Hours: Open daily 9 – 4:30.  Closed on Christmas and New Years Day

 Admission: $1.50 Adults; children 3-15 and seniors $1.