The Sparks Heritage Museum Research Center is currently open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10am – 1pm (hours subject to expand), or if made by in-advance special appointment.
Contact info@sparksmuseum.org or call (775) 355-1144 for more information.
HISTORY OF THE RESEARCH CENTER
The original Sparks branch of the Washoe County Library and the Sparks Justice Court was built in 1931 by Rousch and Belz, and designed by renowned architect Frederic J. DeLongchamps, who was responsible for many buildings in Northern Nevada during the early 20th century – many still standing in the area today. The structure was placed on the National Register of Historic Places for its architectural importance in 1992. Built for less than $20,000 and in just six months, the library opened officially on January 1, 1932. The library occupied the upper floor, and the Justice Court functioned in the lower portion of the building, where the Research Center is currently housed.
The library served as a cultural center for Sparks until 1965 when the library was moved to another facility near Oddie Boulevard, and the Justice Court continued in this space for many years after. Today the building is known as the Judge Jack Lamberti Memorial building, Judge Lamberti serving as a Justice Court Judge here from 1968-1987.
The Sparks Heritage Museum Research Center is installed in this room, opening officially on October 21, 2022 – the final date of National Friends of Libraries Week, to celebrate bringing back the function of a library within this historic building, and to continue the mission of the Sparks Heritage Museum to collect, protect, and preserve the history and culture of the City of Sparks. We hope you will use this space and investigate our collections, learn about the City of Sparks, research your family, and grow your knowledge of this unique city and its rich history.
RESOURCES
As part of our mission, the Sparks Heritage Museum preserves and protects artifacts, photographs and printed materials which illustrate the rich history of Sparks and the Truckee Meadows. The Sparks Heritage Museum Research Center serves as a vital resource connecting the Sparks community and visitors alike with our ever-growing collection.
The Research Center has three computers: one Apple iMac for internet use only, and two PC computers with access to PastPerfect Museum Databasing Software, Newspapers.com, and Ancestry.com.
In the “Find Your Family” section is nearly every yearbook from Sparks High School, Reed High School, and Spanish Springs High School, as well as binders of obituaries and shelves full of directories. Filing cabinets line the walls containing information about prominent Sparks families, businesses, and government officials.
Finally, the library portion of the Research Center contains hundreds of books and periodicals revealing the history of Sparks and the surrounding Truckee Meadows region. The Mark Twain collection contains an array of volumes about Nevada’s most famous author. These books are available to be freely perused and enjoyed in the comfortable chairs and board table provided by the Sparks Elks Lodge, but cannot be checked out or removed from the Research Center.
Individuals wishing to use the Sparks Heritage Museum Research Center can do so Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10am to 1pm, or by special appointment. Admission is $5 general admission, $4 for seniors, and members are free.
