establishing the museum

The Silver State National Peace Officers Museum began development in 1953, believe it or not.  The Gist Collection, the primary collection in the museum, was started in 1953 and became the lifelong passion of Walter Gist.  Upon Walt Gist passing in 2005, two Gist collections were combined as the primary feature collection of the museum.

The museum was developed inside the historic 1876 Storey County Jail, a magnificant ten cell facility.  Major demolition of more modern interior cell construction was necessary to take the jail back to its original glory.  From there, development and construction of all museum exhibit space and fixtures took place.   Demolition and construction was performed through volunteer labor due to the economic state at the time as donations of funds and materials was something nearly unheard of in those days.  As a result, many with a shared passion to see the museum come to be created this wonderful place with their own hands and little funds.  The museum opened doors on July 18, 2009 with much fanfare and has since that day been visited by tens of thousands of history buffs, law enforcement professions, and others with an interest in the old jail and our rich past.  In contrast, for the last dozen or so years, there has been an effort to establish the National Law Enforcement Museum in Washington DC.  That project is still not fully funded at a cost of $80 million.  From start to finish, our team brought this museum from concept to reality in less than two years with a severely limited budget.  That speaks volumes.  We think you will agree.

MEMBERSHIP

The Silver State National Peace Officers Museum announced a multi-level membership program earlier in the museum development. This program was designed to allow individuals the opportunity to stand in support of this project while placing their name within the history of the museum by becoming a founding member. We are proud to feature our founding members on our website as these dedicated supporters are responsible for bringing a spectacular museum to Northern Nevada.

Founding Board of Directors

CURRENT BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chief's Shield Founding Members

* In special memory of Walter and Eleanor Gist for had it not been for Walt's passion for law enforcement history and, in his passing, Ellie's dedicated support of our vision to bring the museum to the world, it would not have been possible.  Thank you for leaving such a wonderful legacy.

Circle Star Founding Members

Tin Star Founding Members

MUSEUM MEMBERSHIP / DONATIONS

Through membership, friends of the museum support continued growth of the museum experience. Just knowing that you are helping to preserve and share the rich history of law enforcement in the United States for generations to come is the greatest gift; however the museum will recognize you with a special membership package. The museum is a non-profit organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. All donations are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by law.

TIN STAR MEMBER - $50 Annual Membership

Certificate of Membership, Membership Card, Lapel Pin, two one-time guest passes, quarterly e-newsletter.

CIRCLE STAR MEMBER - $100 Annual Membership

Certificate of membership, membership card, four one-time guest passes, quarterly e-newsletter, and a special museum gift.

CHIEF’S SHIELD MEMBER - $500 Annual Membership

Certificate of membership, membership card, four annual guest passes, a special museum gift, one small group gathering in the museum, quarterly e-newsletter.

Please download the application for membership/donations here



SUPPORT FROM LAW ENFORCEMENT

The following Nevada law enforcement executives have provided their endorsement of the Silver State National Peace Officers Museum:

The following professional law enforcement organizations have provided support to the Silver State National Peace Officers Museum:

SUPPORTING BUSINESSES

The planning and establishment of the Silver State National Peace Officers Museum could not have taken place without the generosity of the many supporting businesses listed below. These businesses donated and/or discounted supplies and services and they are one of the great reasons we were able to open our doors in 2009. Please support these businesses whenever possible.



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