Letters to the editor for Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Turning NSP into museum is benefit to all of us

The Nevada State Prison predates statehood and is a major historical asset of not only this state, but of Carson City where most of Nevada history was made.

Turning this historic prison into a museum for current and future generations is of benefit to all. There are no tax monies to be involved in turning the prison into a museum. Funding will be from a variety of sources that will not take monies from the general fund and the operation of the museum will come under the authority of the Nevada State Prison Preservation Society, a volunteer non-profit association. There will be no state employees on payroll.

Too much of Nevada’s and Carson City’s history has gone by the way of the wrecking ball and this need not be another.

As for the current two museums operated and funded by the state and through entrance fees, we are proud they are part of our tourism offerings. The only historic section of the Nevada State Museum is the old Mint. The rest is new. The Nevada State Railroad Museum houses some incredible rolling stock, but is not a historic structure.

We are hoping the Stewart Indian School also becomes a museum as approved by the legislature. Preservation of history is important, and the Chamber has been proud to be a part of the effort to preserve the prison.

Please read AB377 that was signed by the governor on May 24 to learn more about how the prison will be funded and operated.

Ronni Hannaman

Executive director, Carson City Chamber of Commerce