The Anchor to Victorian Square

Sparks Heritage Museum

The museum includes permanent and changing galleries that showcase the “Old West” days of gold and silver mining, cattle ranches, pioneers, and railroading.  Engine No. 8 is a popular attraction to visit located directly across the street from where the museum stands.  It was built in 1907 for the Nevada-California-Oregon Railroad and retired in 1954 according the Sparks Tribune.  The Central Pacific Railroad reached Nevada in 1868, according to the Sparks Tribune.  It was an important component linking the developing west with the eastern seaboard.  In 1899, the Central Pacific Railroad was absorbed by Southern Pacific Railroad, who then began surveys to straighten the route across Nevada to eliminate steep grades across the Sierra that required the use of helper engines.  It was not until the completion of a switch yard and maintenance sheds built by the Southern Pacific Railroad that Reno would begin to co-exist with its neighbor city.    

The original hub (located in Wadsworth, Nevada) according to the tribune, did not have enough water or enough room for the expansion and was not included in the new route.   Three years later in 1902 an announcement was made that the new hub would be built in an area east of Reno, Nevada.  The neighboring town of Reno was first named Harriman, after E.H. Harriman, president of the Southern Pacific Railroad.  However, the Sparks Tribune states that in 1905, the town was officially renamed Sparks, after John , the Governor of Nevada at that time. 
  

Victorian Square

Victorian Square is a pedestrian friendly district that proudly hosts numerous open-air events.  Anthea Humpreys, Executive Director of the museum, describes this district as a cultural center.  There currently lies an Amphitheater, the No. 8 Train Exhibit, two nationally registered Historic Buildings and a string of restaurants and entertainment venues all in a two block area, directly off Interstate 80.  The  community within is very proud of the city’s participation in hosting notable events throughout the year such as: Cinco de Mayo Celebration, The Hometown Farmers Market, Star Spangled Sparks, Nugget’s Best in the West Rib Cook-off, Hot August Nights and Hometown Christmas.  These events are anxiously anticipated and always well-attended every year.   Today, the city has come a great distance from its unassuming railroad roots. It has gained a distinguishing name as a leading special event venue.  However, Victorian Square is literally anchored by it’s community and the volunteers of the Sparks Heritage Museum.  It is here where the roots of the city are celebrated and remembered.

The upstairs portion of the museum is currently undergoing renovations in plans to construct a multi-purpose Cultural Room.  The Revitalization Project has been slowed by the loss of two grants awarded by the Commission of Cultural Affairs (CCA).  With the unprecedented support of its community, locals have stepped up and donated funds in addition to volunteering to put in the labor needed to keep the project moving.   As stated in the mission statement, The Sparks Museum is organized to preserve the historical and cultural heritage of Sparks for the education and enjoyment of present and future generations.  The commitment of this community is evident in the way they unite and give back to one another.   Sparks is a city that promotes its diversity from within.  A city rich in culture which stems from its back bone.  Sparks, it’s happening here!