“Step Up For History”
Greetings from the Historic Fourth Ward School Museum, a majestic four-story 1876 schoolhouse in Virginia City, NV.
The Fourth Ward School was originally built as a “monument to education” and this aim continues today as a museum that tells the rich history of the Comstock Lode mining region to visitors from around the world.
As we set our sights on the new year, we are preparing essential projects that continue our commitment to caring for our historic 1876 building. For 2026, our primary preservation goal is to refinish the original hardwood floors throughout the entire building. Nourishing and restoring these floors one of the most vital historic elements of the Fourth Ward School will protect their strength, beauty, and authenticity for generations to come.
That’s why we’re launching our “Step Up For History” End-of-Year Fundraising Drive to ensure the museum and our historic building continues to be a vibrant learning center for generations to come.
Your contribution is pivotal to help us refinish the original hardwood floors for
the historic Fourth Ward School building in the new year.
Our goal is to raise $24,000, by December 31,2025 to complete these project in the coming year.
By contributing to our “Step Up For History” end-of-year fundraiser, you’ll be directly supporting the preservation and restoration of this historic and iconic Virginia City building.
You may also choose your gift to go to the “Area of Most Need” as an unrestricted donation. By selecting this option your donation will go towards the Museum’s most pressing needs.
Together, we can ensure the Fourth Ward School Museum remains a vibrant “Step Up for History” for future generations.
With sincere gratitude,
Nora Stefu
Executive Director
