History of the Museum

As an independent non-profit staffed primarily by volunteers, the museum maintains Internal Revenue Service 501(c)(3) tax exempt status. The Sparks Heritage Foundation and Museum, Inc. relies significantly on the private sector for financial support to fulfill its envisioned mission.

At the present time, the Sparks Heritage Museum is the only local history museum in Washoe County. The Museum collection focuses on the history of Sparks and the Truckee Meadows including the role played by the railroad in the development of the area. The Museum role extends beyond collecting and preserving artifacts, graphic arts and documents pertinent to Sparks heritage. Volunteers play a vibrant role in educating the community through programs like Color Me Sparks, an elementary school outreach project.

The Sparks Heritage Foundation and Museum, Inc. was officially formed April 1, 1985 by an independent group of Sparks citizens. These hardworking volunteers set out to record the history of Sparks since its inception in 1904.

Noting the importance of this project the City of Sparks offered to provide a home for the museum. The museum was initially housed at 820 “B” Street and expanded into its current location at 814 Victorian Ave.

The building was designed by Frederic J. DeLongchamps, a prominent Nevada architect.

Built in 1931, the Sparks Heritage Museum building was the original site of the Washoe County Library and Justice Court - Sparks branch.. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is the oldest existent government building in Sparks.

With its distinctive, red tilted roof and dramatic, semi-circular arched entry, the building is an example of the Mediterranean Revival style unique in Sparks.