Humboldt Museum

10/14/2026

Did you know that exactly a century ago, the vast plains of the Black Rock Desert were transformed into a massive, bustling movie metropolis?

In 1926, legendary producer Samuel Goldwyn and director Henry King chose our very own backyard to film the silent Western epic, The Winning of Barbara Worth!

To pull of this million-dollar picture, filmmakers set up a casting office at the Humboldt Hotel right here in Winnemucca to hire dozens of locals as on-screen extras! They then packed the landscape with local livestock, and built entire movie towns out in the sagebrush (which they nicknamed Barbara Worth, NV). It was also the breakout film for a young actor you might recognize: Gary Cooper!

We want to hear from you: Do you have an ancestor who worked as an extra or rented out their livestock for the film? Drop a comment or share your family stories below!

10/12/2026

Happy Indigenous Peoples' Day! Today, we pause to celebrate the resilience, knowledge, and vibrant traditions of Indigenous communities past, present, and future.
Here at the Humboldt Museum, we sit just above the Humboldt River on lands deeply rooted in the history of the Northern Paiute and Western Shoshone Tribal Nations. We are dedicated to preserving and sharing these essential stories year-round, from the legacy of Sarah Winnemucca to the incredible craftsmanship found in our American Indian collection.
While we will remain closed in observance of the holiday, we invite you to join us during our hours of operation to reflect, learn, and honor the first peoples of Nevada.
Share a photo of your favorite exhibit or a local historic spot in the comments below!

10/08/2026

Ever look at an antique doll and feel a sudden, icy chill? Don't worry, you aren’t losing your mind, you’re just entering a phenomenon psychologists like to call “Uncanny Valley”.

When objects look almost human but not quite, our brains plummet straight into "Uncanny Valley." Originally identified by roboticist Masahiro Mori, this effect triggers an ancient evolutionary alarm bell. Our minds are hardwired to scan faces for signs of life. When you look at a static doll with hyper-realistic features but zero living expression, your brain experiences massive cognitive dissonance- and immediately screams "danger."

Our historic dolls have been quietly mastering this psychological warfare for decades. They aren't blinking, and they aren't moving, but your brain is still desperately trying to decide if they're staring back at you.

Come test your own survival instincts in our galleries this spooky season. We promise they stay inside their cases... usually.

10/07/2026

10/02/2026

Our Pumpkin Decorating Contest is back.... and this year, it’s open to EVERYONE! Last year’s students brought so much creativity, we’re inviting all ages to join the fun, with separate children’s and adults’ categories!

Entry is FREE! Bring your decorated pumpkin (no carving, please!) to the Humboldt Museum October 18-31.

Voting is $1 per vote, limited to 3 votes per person for the entire contest, and ends October 31. Show off your creativity and help support the museum! Winner will be announced on November 1st.

10/02/2026

We are so excited to have our cubbies back this year! An amazing program that we are honored to be a part of.

We would like to thank the community agencies for stepping up and creating field trips for our 22 weeks we have planned out for the cubbies.

Nevada Outdoor School
Barks In Bubbles
Humboldt County, Nevada Sheriff's Office
Humboldt Museum
Humboldt Ford
Winnemucca Food Bank
Nomadic Broadcasting
Humboldt General Hospital
Along the Way Café
HGH ambulance department
Winnemucca Rural Fire Department

Don't forget sign ups have begun. Or sign up on October 3rd at 10am @ the Lions Hut 1120 Harmony rd. First parents meeting.

10/01/2026

We love history, but your last visit shouldn't BE history! Come on in and check out our new displays! Our very own Lindsey has been working her tail off for you folks, and we hope to see you stop in and cruise down our transportation hall! Also a huge help from our local Humboldt Printers, LLC in getting us the panels.

09/27/2026

Yesterday, we had the joy of hosting a wedding in the church. Please join us in congratulating Mr. and Mrs. Avila! Wishing you both a lifetime of love and happiness.

09/23/2026

Hanson street honors Dr. Hanson, and his wife Marietta, who helped put the family name on Winnemucca’s map. More than a century later, it’s still part of the route between the lower and upper ends of town.

09/20/2026

The reveal is coming soon! In the meantime, do you have a memory or photo from Hanson Street? We’d love to see it.