150th Anniversary Exhibit On Now at Fourth Ward School Museum
Virginia City, NV — The Historic Fourth Ward School Museum & Archive is proud to announce the opening of a new long-term exhibit commemorating the 150th anniversary of one of Nevada’s most iconic educational institutions. The exhibit officially opened to the public on Saturday, May 2, 2026, and will remain on view for the next two years.
This milestone exhibition marks the construction of the Fourth Ward School building in 1876 and the opening of the school in 1877, during the height of the Comstock mining boom. Visitors are invited to explore the full arc of the school’s history from its ambitious beginnings as a state-of-the-art educational facility to its eventual closure in 1936, and its remarkable preservation and restoration in the decades that followed.
Curated by the museum’s newest archivist Jessica Johnson, this exhibit highlights the lives of students, teachers, and community members who shaped the school’s legacy, while also examining broader themes of education in the American West, civic investment, and the evolving identity of Virginia City. Special features include artifacts from the school, photographs, archival documents, and interactive opportunities for visitors to share their own connections to the Fourth Ward School and the Comstock region.
In addition to the exhibit, the Museum will host a signature anniversary event on Sept. 19, 2026, celebrating 150 years since the school first opened its doors. The event will feature special programming, community engagement, and opportunities for the public to honor the enduring legacy of the Fourth Ward School.
Located in the heart of historic Virginia City, the Fourth Ward School remains one of the best-preserved examples of 19th-century school architecture in the American West. Today, it stands as both a museum and a symbol of the resilience and dedication of the Comstock community.
The Fourth Ward School Museum is located at 537 C St.,Virginia City, Nevada. Admission to the museum is $9 general admission, open daily from 10 A.M. to 5 P.M.
For more information, call the Historic Fourth Ward School Museum at 775-847-0975 or email info@fourthwardschool.org.
