CARSON CITY - The upcoming travel season and Nevada's heritage will take center stage this summer with new programs, extended museum hours and an opportunity to celebrate the state's sesquicentennial, Gov. Brian Sandoval announced at a July 3 press conference at the Nevada State Railroad Museum in Carson City.
"Today we kick off the Discover Your Nevada campaign, a program to encourage Nevadans to explore their state," Sandoval said. "Last summer, this program helped generate more in-state travel and highlight some of Nevada's treasures around the state. I am thrilled to announce an encore of the program this summer."
Discover Your Nevada, created by the Nevada Commission on Tourism (NCOT), is designed to promote in-state travel by allowing people to nominate, and then vote for, their favorite Nevada Treasure.
Treasures can be a place, an event or experience found in the Silver State. Participants can nominate a Nevada Treasure through July 12 online at www.TravelNevada.com/discover.
Online voting will take place from July 15 to Aug. 2. For a complete schedule, check www.TravelNevada.com/discover.
The governor also announced the expanded operation of state museums back to full-time hours and special free-admission days in July.
"Nevada's steady recovery continues, and today I'm happy to announce that Nevada state museums will be returning to full-time service," Sandoval said. "I encourage Nevadans to rediscover their state museums and take advantage of the free-admission days."
Nevada's seven state museums - Lost City Museum in Overton; East Ely Depot Museum; Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas; Nevada State Railroad Museum, Boulder City; Nevada State Railroad Museum, Carson City; Nevada State Museum in Carson City and the Nevada Historical Society in Reno - will expand operating hours beginning this week.
All will offer free admission for adults on July 20 (children ages 17 and younger always are admitted free). In addition, the Nevada State Railroad Museum, Boulder City will offer half-price train fares July 20. For details on museum hours, see Museums.NevadaCulture.org.
As Nevada's sesquicentennial approaches, a new license plate recognizing the state's 150th anniversary will be available beginning in late July through the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles.
"The great state of Nevada will celebrate 150 years of statehood beginning on Nevada Day 2013," Lt. Gov. Brian Krolicki, chairman of the Nevada 150 Commission, said at today's press conference. "The license plate provides an opportunity to Nevadans to support the Sesquicentennial and the state's historic assets."
The license plate, which includes the Nevada 150 logo, costs $32.50 with a $10 annual renewal fee. The plate is a first of its kind, incorporating new technologies that provide for embossed numbers on a dense, Nevada blue backdrop.
Revenue generated by the sale of the plates will support projects and events related to the yearlong Nevada 150 celebration. For more information on sesquicentennial events, see www.Nevada150.org.
The slate of announcements came at a press conference in which Sandoval and Krolicki entered on a steam locomotive. The entrance helps convey the rich locomotive heritage of the state with a focus on the Nevada State Museums, and the opportunities for residents to discover the array of experiences available throughout Nevada.
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