On Saturday, June 20, the Historic Fourth Ward School Museum welcomed families from across Northern Nevada for our Sixth Annual Educational Kids Fair. Designed to inspire curiosity and hands-on learning, the event transformed the historic school into a hub of exploration, creativity, and discovery.
Each child received a complimentary tote bag, commemorative sticker, and a passport to guide them through the day’s activities. As they visited each of the fourteen participating booths and completed themed educational experiences, their passports were stamped, encouraging them to explore every corner of the museum.
The Fourth Ward School Museum hosted five interactive activities of its own, giving students the opportunity to try their hand at calligraphy, letterpress printing, printmaking, gold panning, and videography.
In the Mining Room, guests learned about Nevada’s rich geological history with the Gem & Mineral Society and the Nevada Division of Minerals, while local gold panner Bill Findley demonstrated the art of gold panning.
The E.L. Wiegand Grand Hall featured a wide variety of community organizations, including Boy Scout Troop 847 & Cub Scout Pack 360, Community Chest, HopeWheels, Northern Nevada Ghost Hunters, the Sutro Tunnel organization, the Virginia & Truckee Railroad, and UNR Extension, which hosted a plant sale filled with local pollinators. Each booth offered engaging activities that introduced young visitors to local history, science, community service, and outdoor exploration.
The Mark Twain Room became a creative workshop, where museum staff and volunteers led printmaking, letterpress, and calligraphy demonstrations. Visitors also had the opportunity to meet local author Steven Provost, who showcased his extensive collection of books and shared his passion for Nevada history and storytelling.
Downstairs, the museum’s videography station invited children to step back in time using a green screen, period-inspired costumes, and a short scripted performance they could take home as a keepsake video. In the basement Media Room was Cold Blooded Critters, whose collection of snakes, turtles, and other reptiles quickly became one of the day’s most popular stops along the passport trail.
The event was sponsored by Northern Nevada Ghost Hunters, the Virginia City Tourism Commission, Floorcraft, LLC., and food for our vendors was generously provided by Red Dog Saloon and the Virginia City Jerky Company & Smokehouse Barbecue. We thank these sponsors for their incredibly generous support.
The Educational Kids Fair continues to celebrate the Fourth Ward School’s mission of learning by connecting families with the people and organizations that make Northern Nevada such a vibrant place to live. We extend our sincere thanks to every volunteer, vendor, community partner, and family who helped make this year’s event another tremendous success. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for even more hands-on learning and fun next year!