As it pertains to the history rich region of Nevada, this museum (located in the historic grammer school that was built here in 1865 and used constantly until 1958) is the treasure trove of history you cannot miss if buzzing through Dayton, NV.
Dayton is home to countless "firsts"....claims to be the first Nevada settlement, home to Nevada's first marriage, first gold strike, first Nevada Chinatown, etc. Also, the home to one of Nevada's oldest cemetaries and this oldest Nevada schoolhouse still located on its original location. Having traveled far and wide over this state over the years, this area is the most dense area of historic moments, times, buildings, etc. from all the places I have been.
This schoolhouse and museum is small, old school, history rich and feels like the West. Not open all the time outside the summer seasons, be sure to call or make arrangements to gain access to the musuem in the off season. With the hospitality and kindness folks from the small towns around these parts always show guests, Patrick Neylan and Laura Tennant (docents, Dayton residents, lovers of Dayton history) could not have been more welcoming or warm in showing us the museum and really the town for that matter. They were a wealth of information in addition to all the the information we found in the museum itself.
Not fancy and really old school (no pun intended), I loved this little museum. Exhibits, photographs, documents, quilts, clothes, furniture, etc....there are numerous artifacts depicting gold discovery, railroading, milling, mining, etc. A great starting point to discovering the history of Dayton you can easily explore on foot. Get your hands on the great walking tour map produced by the Historical Society of Dayton Valley and it will outline everything you need. There was not really an admitance charge for the museum, but donations are absolutley appreciated. They also have great things in their tiny shop area. I bought the "Images of America: Dayton" book on sales in the gift shop. A great souvenir of a great day in this cool historic city. read more