Take a journey into the past and discover the story of Douglas County from early pioneer days to the present. The path of history is exhibited in two unique museums located in Northern Nevada’s Carson Valley; just a 20 minute drive east of South Lake Tahoe or a 15 minute drive south of Carson City.Carson Valley is considered the garden spot of Nevada; and as you drive along Highway 395, you see why. It was here in this rich, green valley that weary pioneers stopped to rest after months of hard travel. As businesses sprang up, some stayed and began farming and ranching the area. The Douglas County Historical Society (DCHS) commemorates the area’s heritage at the Courthouse Museum in Genoa and the Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center in Gardnerville. Douglas County residents are very fortunate to have a rich and exciting history. Many of the events that make up the colorful history of Nevada happened here.

January 2010 Update!   Happy New Year!   We have a brand new year and a number of wonderful events and programs planned for everyone’s enjoyment.   First, we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their past contributions and look forward to your continued support of our two facilities - the Carson Valley Museum & Cultural Center in Gardnerville and the Courthouse Museum in Genoa .   The photography contest kicks off for 2010 with the month of January. Be sure to have your camera with you during your travels in Douglas County to capture what January means to you. Photos need to be submitted by January 31. Simply drop a print copy by the Carson Valley Museum & Cultural Center in Gardnerville or email the photo to in2my2cats@yahoo.com. The winner will be announced on February 5.   Next, get the kids ready and get them into the Young Chautauqua Program. There will be an informational meeting on Tuesday, January 12, at 7:00 p.m. This program is for any students from 4th through 12th grades. It offers them the opportunity to research an historical character and then portray that character for the public. If you want additional information or have any questions, please call 782-2555 and ask for Grace Bower. She would be happy to share with you the details of this wonderful opportunity for children.   Coming up at the end of the month is our Annual Melodrama, “Hotel Minden II” (also known as Divorce Mill). Last year we saw the start of the Minden Hotel and what the owner went through to drum up business. This year we’ll see more antics and more drummed up business and more fun.   Performances are scheduled for Friday, January 29; Saturday, January 30; and Sunday, January 31. The Friday and Saturday performances are dinner shows while the Sunday show is a luncheon matinee. Tickets are now on sale, at the Gardnerville Museum . Call 775-782-2555 and order tickets by credit card. Last year we sold out two weeks ahead of time, so don’t delay.   Last year’s showstopper was our villain singing from his jail cell. This year former villain, Daniel Gaughan, along with his son Daniel II will be our intermission olio. Whatever you do, do not miss this. This makes up for all the snow and cold all winter.   Tickets are also on sale for our drawing for the Alice Cardelli Swett painting of “Wild Bunch”, a band of Mustangs in our Nevada desert. The painting was donated to the Douglas County Historical Society by the family of Marge Bay and has been appraised at $1,500. Tickets are $5 each or five for $20. Come in, see this magnificent painting, and purchase your tickets soon.   Now is the time to start thinking about whom you think should be nominated for Woman of the Year. Nominating packets for the 10th Annual Women’s History Remembering Project may be picked up at the Gardnerville Museum . Your choice needs to be someone who has lived in Douglas County and contributed to our quality of life. Call 775-782-2555 if you have questions.   If you have any questions about any of the items mentioned above, please call the Douglas County Historical Society at the Carson Valley Museum in Gardnerville at 775-782-2555. Remember, the Douglas County Historical Society and its two museums, the Carson Valley Museum & Cultural Center in Gardnerville and the Courthouse Museum in Genoa , do not receive any regular state or county funding. It’s up to our members and friends to help us keep our doors open.