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Nevada sesquicentennial
FINAL R EPORT
1864 – 2014

As Chairman of the Nevada Sesquicentennial Commission, it gives me great
pleasure to present on behalf of the Commission the Final Report of the year-long
celebration in honor of Nevada’s 150th anniversary of statehood – a year that will
long and fondly be remembered by the citizens of our state as a fitting tribute to
this significant milestone.
As you will see in this report, the year was filled with numerous memorable
events covering all corners of our state: parades, rodeos, art exhibits, cake
cuttings, original plays, a star-studded concert in Las Vegas, balloon races, the
historic Union Pacific Battle Born Express traversing the Great Basin and a world
record-setting statewide sing along of “Homes Means Nevada.” It was also a busy
year for several of the more captivating and colorful characters (past and present)
who have called Nevada home. From the irrepressible Mark Twain, who served
as an official “ambassador” of the Commission throughout the year, to another man known for “spinnin’
tales,” Waddie Mitchell, the critically acclaimed cowboy poet who brilliantly captured the essence of our
state in his poem “Dame Nevada.” The gentle presence of President Abraham Lincoln was also felt through
an exquisite display at the Nevada Museum of Art in its exhibit, “The 36th Star,” highlighted by the arrival
of one of America’s most sacred documents – The Emancipation Proclamation.
The Commission was originally challenged to oversee at least 150 Official, Signature and Legacy
Events during the course of the year. It eventually approved or managed 505 events – far surpassing original
expectations! Another mandate to the Commission was to perform its mission with private funds – not at
taxpayer expense. It is with a great sense of satisfaction to report that the Commission was indeed able
to raise approximately $1.8 million to carry out its duties, ensuring its ability to provide Nevadans with
the quality of celebration they so rightly deserved. As you read this report, you will be able to see the
depth and diversity of all that was accomplished and sense the pride felt by the Commission. However, the
greatest tribute must be awarded to our fellow Nevadans whose enthusiasm, generosity and passion for
our state’s history and culture made the year-long endeavor the unequivocal success it was.
As the Commission launched into this journey, we knew leaving a vibrant legacy for future generations
to enjoy was an important element. I’m pleased to share the following physical legacies for which the
Commission is responsible, including: over 100 of Nevada’s Historical Markers that have been repaired or
refurbished; a stunning handmade Sesquicentennial saddle that will ultimately be donated to the Nevada
State Museum; an exquisite bronze relief of President Lincoln that now hangs proudly in the Nevada State
Senate Chambers; a beautiful commemorative book that richly details the unique history and culture of
our great state; and a beautiful tree planted on the Capitol grounds. There are many more Legacy Projects
that you will read about in this report.
None of this would have been possible without a group of incredibly dedicated Commissioners and
committed staff, who gave of their time, talent and expertise to ensure that the year would be both magical
and one for the record books. The effort also benefitted greatly by some very special sponsors who critically
stepped-up early in the process so that initial organizing efforts could be accomplished, setting the stage
for the “Nevada fever” which quickly spread throughout the state.
It was my immense honor and privilege to serve as the Chairman of this extraordinary Commission.
There were many special, even profound moments that made me even prouder to be a Nevadan. I believe
as you read this report, you will recognize the spirit that makes us all “Battle Born Nevada Proud”.
Sincerely,
Brian K. Krolicki
Lt. Governor and Chairman, Nevada Sesquicentennial Commission
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S Part I INTRODUCTION
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5 Vision Statement / Mission Statement
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N Part II HISTORY OF THE SESQUICENTENNIAL:
O FROM GOVERNOR’S VISION TO FULL COMMISSION
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6 The Nevada Sesquicentennial Planning Committee
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O 8 The Nevada Sesquicentennial Commission

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10 Commissioner Biographies
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T Part III THE NEVADA 150 FOUNDATION
Part IV EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
26 Signature Events
Endorsed Signature Events
Commission Hosted Signature Events
Special Signature Events
30 Four Particularly Magical Events
Union Pacific Battle Born Express Heritage Train
The Smith Centers Nevada Sesquitential All-Star Concert
The 36TH Star Nevadas Journey from territory to state
Nevada Sings
35 Parading to a Close
Part V LEGACY PROJECTS AND EDUCATION
39 The Commission’s Legacy Projects
Website
Commemorative License Plates
Nevada Historical Markers
Commemorative Book
Commemorative Medallions
Valley of Fire U.S. Postage Stamp
“Dame Nevada,” The Commemorative Poem
USS Nevada Memorial Re-dedication
Nevada State Veteran’s Memorial - New Plaque
Sesquicentennial Lincoln Bronze Relief
Time Capsules
Governor’s Proclamation
50 Endorsed Legacy Projects
Endorsed Legacy Books
54 Education
National History Day
Nevada Reads Literacy Initiative
Teaching with Historic Places
Preserve Nevada
Arts and Cultural Programming
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Part VI NEVADA 150 PARTNERS
60 Federal Partners Part VIII COMMUNICATIONS
Department of the Interior
90 Public Relations
Department of Defense
National Archives 91 Media Relations
Department of Agricutlture 91 Media Tour
U.S. Postal Service
92 Media
63 Nevada State Agencies
92 Earned Media Results
Department of Administration
Department of Agriculture 93 Social Media
Department of Business and Industry 93 Community Outreach
Department of Conservation
and Natural Resources 93 Washington, D.C.
Department of Corrections 93 Nevada Airports
Nevada Indian Commission
94 Website
Department of Motor Vehicles
Department of Tourism
and Cultural Affairs
Part IX ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Department of Transportation
97 Sponsors
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
University of Nevada, Reno 98 Special Thanks & Recognition
Department of Veteran Services 101 Governor’s Proclamation
72 Local Governments Cities and Towns 102 Executive Orders
Carson City
106 Media Partners
Elko
Fallon
Henderson
Part X FULL EVENT LISTINGS
Las Vegas
108 Approved Events
North Las Vegas
Town of Panaca 128 Approved Legacy Events
Reno
130 Approved Exhibits and Programs
Sparks
West Wendover
78 Counties
Nevada Association of Counties
Clark & McCarran International Airport
Mineral
Storey
Washoe
82 Other Partners
Carson City Visitors Bureau
Elko Convention and Visitors Authority
Las Vegas Convention and
Visitors Authority
Reno-Tahoe Airport Auhtority
“Dame Nevada” Commemorative Poem
Part VII MERCHANDISE AND LOGO USE
87 Partnership with Silver State Industries
88 Other Partnerships
89 Special Note Products
Belt Buckles
Commemorative Firearms
150 Bourbon
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R States have long celebrated anniversaries of statehood. To
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acknowledge Nevada’s admission to the Union as the 36th state
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on October 31, 1864, Governor Brian Sandoval declared that
Nevada would celebrate the 150TH anniversary of its admission to
the Union. To acknowledge this momentous occasion, Governor
Sandoval established the Nevada Sesquicentennial Commission (the
Commission) to create and manage a year-long celebration of the
state’s history, culture and heritage that Nevadans would remember
for years to come and appointed Lieutenant Governor Brian K. Krolicki
as its Chairman. The Governor’s and Lt. Governor’s shared vision
for the Sesquicentennial Celebration was to provide opportunities
for Nevadans to come together statewide to commemorate their
shared history and to build a foundation of cultural appreciation for
future generations. Beginning in October 2013, Nevada’s history
was celebrated throughout the state for an entire year to promote
pride in the common heritage of all Nevadans.
At its inaugural meeting, the Commission adopted vision and
I mission statements to guide its efforts through the Sesquicentennial

Year. These statements set the course for the state’s year-long
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journey celebrating its rich history and unique place in the American
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Experience.
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VISION
STATEMENT:
Promote the independent spirit of Nevada through
education, tourism and history.
MISSION
STATEMENT:
To assist in the planning and coordination of events
and projects that celebrate the sesquicentennial
anniversary of Nevada’s admission to the Union.
PART I – INTRODUCTION 5
Vision Statement / Mission Statement
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Y FROM GOVERNOR’S VISION TO FULL COMMISSION
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The Sesquicentennial
Planning Committee
On January 11, 2012, Governor Brian Sandoval issued Executive Order
#2012-02 “Establishing a Planning Committee for the 150TH Anniversary
of Nevada’s Admission to the Union.” The Nevada Sesquicentennial Planning
Committee (the Planning Committee), created by the order, was tasked to prepare
a recommended timeline of events and activities for the Sesquicentennial Year
starting on Nevada Day 2013 and ending on Nevada Day 2014, develop an
overall fundraising plan and recommend membership for the Sesquicentennial
Commission.
Governor Sandoval appointed members to the Planning Committee
from across the state whose expertise included history, humanities, business,
communications and education. Those members were Kathleen “Neena” Laxalt
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and Bob Brown as co-chairs, along with Nevada State Senator Mike McGinness,
I Ted Olivas, A.J. “Bud” Hicks, Dr. Andrew Kirk and Lori Nelson. The Governor also
named Division of Museums and History administrator Peter Barton as liaison

coordinator for the Planning Committee. The Planning Committee tasked Barton
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with coordinating the delivery of staff services and hired MaryAnn McAuliffe as
interim executive director.
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The Planning Committee met nearly 20 times over the span of a year,
making numerous recommendations to guide the Sesquicentennial Celebration.
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The Planning Committee’s activities included selecting a Nevada 150 official logo,
recommending the establishment of the Nevada 150 Foundation (the Foundation) to
P act as the fiscal agent of the Commission, establishing a timeline of events for the
Sesquicentennial Year, creating and supporting projects designed to create lasting
legacies for the state such as refurbishing Nevada’s historical markers, developing
a commemorative book, creating the Sesquicentennial website and creating a
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150TH LOGO
framework to receive applications from
interested parties regarding the planning
of official and signature events. The
Planning Committee also requested
the 2013 Legislature adopt resolutions
supporting the Sesquicentennial Year and
provide legislation authorizing special
Sesquicentennial license plates and
dedicate a portion of the fees received
from such plates to help fund the costs
of the Sesquicentennial Celebration.
No state general funds were
available for the Planning Committee’s
efforts or for the start-up of the
Commission’s work. Barrick Gold
Corporation stepped forward during
the planning phase making a generous
contribution of $100,000 that greatly
helped the Planning Committee do its
preliminary work for the Sesquicentennial
Celebration and also allowed the fledgling
Commission to get off to a good start.
GOVERNOR SANDOVAL
Barrick’s generosity was quickly followed
by NV Energy, which made a $250,000
contribution. The thanks of all Nevadans are due Foley Warren Public Relations and Government Affairs
for these generous acts by two of Nevada’s largest (FFW), a Las Vegas agency. According to FFW, the
corporate citizens. While the Planning Committee logo was designed to reflect the “can do” attitude of
deferred to the Governor’s plan that the Commission Nevadans and speak to the struggles and hardship
would make most decisions, the Planning Committee by Nevadans over the years. The logo’s colors and
laid the foundation for the celebratory year. Co-chair symbols were designed to commemorate Nevada’s
Brown suggested the phrase “Battle Born – Nevada past while the logo’s contemporary tone spoke to
Proud” be used as the sesquicentennial motto. The Nevada’s future.
Planning Committee agreed and along with that motto
developed a logo. The logo was selected as part of a The Planning Committee also issued requests for
contest that invited interested professional or amateur proposals (RFPs) for other key functions necessary for
artists, designers and advertising and public relations the Commission’s mission: public relations, creation
agencies to submit proposed designs for the logo. and organization of a website and fundraising. These
More than 20 beautiful and intriguing entries were RFPs were reviewed and forwarded to the Commission
received, with the winning design created by Faiss for its final decision.
PART II – HISTORY OF THE SESQUICENTENNIAL 7
The Nevada
Sesquicentennial
Commission
On January 28, 2013, Governor Sandoval • Sherry L. Rupert, executive director
issued Executive Order #2013-02 “Establishing of the Nevada Indian Commission
the Nevada Sesquicentennial Commission.” The
• Randall Snow, chief strategic officer
Governor’s order directed the Commission to
and principal at R & R Partners
facilitate an all-inclusive celebration, including
endorsements for and assisting in the coordination • John Tyson, communications
of official events, projects and commemorative specialist at Comstock Mining, Inc.
products, providing advice and assistance to the
Division of Museums and History in the development Commissioners were selected for possessing
and presentation of the display of exhibits, artifacts a broad knowledge of experience from throughout
and learning materials that reflect Nevada’s rich Nevada combined with their own specialized expertise.
heritage and history, and recommending and Members periodically broke off into working groups
encouraging all Nevadans to participate in events focusing on areas where each member’s talents could
and projects conducted by various community best be utilized. The working groups included different
organizations, local governments and interested Commissioners who established the Nevada 150
Nevadans. Foundation to serve as the Commission’s fiscal agent,
planned for legacy projects, planned for educational
On February 20, 2013, Governor Sandoval projects, encouraged the involvement of communities
appointed Lieutenant Governor Brian K. Krolicki throughout the state in the Sesquicentennial Celebration,
as chairman of the Commission and 12 additional engaged Nevada’s tribal entities with the Celebration,
distinguished Nevadans as members:
• Kathleen “Neena” Laxalt, owner
of K. Neena Laxalt Consulting, who
served as vice-chairwoman
• Robert “Bob” Brown, president of
Opportunity Village, Inc. and former
Las Vegas Review-Journal publisher
• Patricia Cafferata, author, historian
Iand former state treasurer
I• Oscar Goodman, former mayor
of the City of Las Vegas
T• A.J. “Bud” Hicks, partner with the law
firm of McDonald Carano Wilson LLP
R• Andrew Kirk, PhD, professor of history
at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas
• Myron Martin, president/CEO of
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The Smith Center
• Lori Nelson, vice president of corporate
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communications at Station Casinos
• Donald Newman, executive director of the
Elko Convention and Visitors Authority
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