Law enforcement memorabilia displays evolution of U.S. police work
Cells that once housed criminals in an 1876 jail now showcase one of the nation’s finest U.S. law enforcement memorabilia collections at the Silver State Peace Officers Museum in Virginia City.
Instead of being torn down, the musty cells, unused for years at the old Storey County Jail, were transformed into inviting displays of early law enforcement officers’ guns, badges, batons, uniforms, restraint devices, vintage police cars, photographs and much more. There’s even a hollow baton that housed a flask for a few nips on the job, when such perks were permitted.
Enough of the “real” jail was preserved to let visitors glimpse what it was like to be locked behind bars. There’s also an interactive Kids Station with flashing police lights and other playful equipment to amuse the youngest visitors.
The museum, which opened in July 2009, is inside the Storey County Court House at 26 South B Street, one block west of Virginia City’s main street, C Street. Summer hours are daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and winter hours begin Nov. 1. Check times at www.SilverStatePeaceOfficersMuseum.org or call 775-847-7800.
Virginia City, once the hub of Nevada’s rags-to-riches gold and silver mining days, is the state’s largest and best-known historic mining town and a popular visitor destination. Stroll down the wooden sidewalks and browse the shops for gifts, clothing, jewelry and souvenirs, refresh yourself at one of the 19th century saloons and check out the mine tours and museums. Another new attraction is the Virginia and Truckee Railroad, which now runs 13 miles to Carson City. www.visitvirginiacitynv.com
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