Nevada Division of Museums and History

NHS Library and Museum circa 1913	Current NHS Library Research Room	NHS Library circa 1958

The Nevada Historical Society's library, photograph and manuscript collections constitute the largest and most complete repository of materials related to the history of Nevada and the Great Basin. Historians, genealogists, local residents and visitors interested in delving into the past are welcome. Materials available to the public include books, newspapers and periodicals, print files, maps, government documents, subject files, ephemera, the manuscript collections of diverse individuals and organizations, and over 500,000 photographs.

The Reading Room is open to the public from 12-4 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday. Finding aids, collection descriptions, indexes, and catalogues are available for the various collections; staff members are on hand to answer questions and to help you find materials you're looking for.

Photocopying of most documents is available for .25 per page. Photocopying of large orders which demand considerable time must be done by private researchers on an arranged fee basis. The NHS staff will assist patrons in providing an Independent Researchers list, if a private researcher is needed.

We reserve the right to restrict photocopying of vintage photographs and original documents as latent damage can occur. However, reproductions of photographs images from the collection may be purchased.

If you have any questions about the types of collection materials available, please contact our librarian, Michael Maher at 775.688.1190 ext. 227 or email him at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .