Silver City residents honored for work

Silver City residents have been rewarded for their hard work on an archaeological dig at the schoolhouse site with a historic preservation award.

The Nevada Historic Preservation awards announced Tuesday included Ron Reno and the town of Silver City, for the dedicated retrieval of thousands of artifacts associated with the remains of the historic schoolhouse.

Immediately after the July 7, 2004, fire that destroyed the schoolhouse, which was built in 1867, Reno directed dozens of local volunteers as they meticulously gathered artifacts from the debris, recording and analyzing the archaeological site. They formed committees to clean up debris, preserve and catalog any salvageable material, perform an archaeological dig, and prepare a report on the entire process.

In February, another dig was done when the foundation for the older section of the schoolhouse was removed in preparation for rebuilding. An old wall that predated the schoolhouse, along with other artifacts, was found at the site.

"You and the town of Silver City have been selected for commendation, and so on behalf of the office, I wish to extend my gratitude to you and your community for the extensive work completed on the archaeology of the Silver City Schoolhouse site," said Ron James, state historic preservation officer. "You have made a lasting contribution, and Nevada gives you thanks for what you have done."

James made the comments in a letter to Ron Reno, a Silver City resident who led the archaeology program.

James will announce the winners at two awards ceremonies; one in Las Vegas on May 2 and the other at the annual Preservation Silver Tea Ceremony at 1 p.m. May 13 at the Historic Fourth Ward School in Virginia City.

Reno said Susan Stornetta and Mona Reno will accept the honor on behalf of Silver City.

Other honorees include:

• The Junior League, of Las Vegas, for the restoration of the Morelli House, which dates to 1959.

• Alanah Woody and the Nevada Rock Art Foundation for extensive work documenting and protecting Nevada's rock art.

• Bill Watson and Foundation 36 for support of historic preservation projects throughout the state.

The state Historic Preservation Office recognizes Archaeology Awareness and Historic Preservation Month during May.

• Contact Karen Woodmansee at kwoodmansee@nevadaappeal.com or 882-2111 ext. 351.

If you go

WHAT: Silver Tea Ceremony

WHEN: 1 p.m. May 13

WHERE: Historic Fourth Ward School, Virginia City

CALL: 847-0975

More info

For a complete list of Archaeological Awareness and Historic Preservation Month activities in Nevada, contact Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer Alice Baldrica at (775) 684-3444 or online: www.NevadaCulture.org.