Greetings from the Historic Fourth Ward School Museum, a majestic four-story 1876 schoolhouse in Virginia City, NV.

The Fourth Ward School was originally built as a “monument to education” and this aim continues today as a museum that tells the rich history of the Comstock Lode mining region to visitors from around the world.

As we set our sights on the new year, there are a few key projects here at the Museum we’re working to implement to continue to take care of our historic 1876 building as well as its historic legacy.

That’s why we’re launching our “Window to History” End-of-Year Fundraising Drive to ensure the museum and our historic building continues to be a vibrant learning center for generations to come.

Your contribution is crucial to help us tackle three urgent needs for the historic Fourth Ward School building in the new year.

Restoration and Improvement Projects for 2025

Historic Window Restorations & Storm Window Improvements

Our numerous historic windows are more than just beautiful examples of the building’s magnificent Second Empire architecture – they offer a window into the history of the Comstock Lode and a look out at gorgeous views of Virginia City, NV’s picturesque landscapes.

We will be restoring each of the historic windows that need some TLC.

For example, this 148-year-old window frame in our E. L. Weigand Great Hall banquet room, needs to be re-secured to the building.

Additionally, we use Storm Windows to help protect our numerous 148-year old windows and window frames. Storm Windows keep rain, snow, and “Washoe Zephyr” wind gusts outside and prevent weather damage from entering the building. They also help provide insulation to keep the building warm and enjoyable for our visitors during chilly Comstock winters.

Wooden Staircase Bannister Stabilization

The wooden staircase that takes you upstairs to the second level of the Museum is the original wooden staircase installed in 1876. Many a student slid down the banister of this staircase during the sixty years the Fourth Ward School was open, and the marks from the heels of their shoes are still there today.

Since the building reopened as a Museum in the 1980s, we stopped allowing this past time, but the tread marks from former students’ shoe marks along the banister is one of our guests’ favorite features of the building.

However, the 148-year-old banister has begun to separate from the staircase. It needs to be stabilized and reattached to the staircase to ensure the safety of all visitors, while preserving the banister’s historic charm.

Parking Lot Slope Stabilization & Water Drainage Improvements

A safe and weather-proof parking lot is essential for welcoming visitors to the Museum and protecting the building.

Our goal is to raise $35,800 by December 31st, 2024 to complete these three projects in the coming year.

Thank you for your support in making this possible and for your partnership in historic preservation!

The Historic Fourth Ward School Foundation is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation formed and operating in the State of Nevada and registered with Nevada Secretary of state (Federal Tax ID# 88-0463462). Our Purpose and mission is to connect people to the relevance and importance of the Comstock Story through its authentic preservation, interpretive Exhibits and programs, and archival resources. Your donation may be tax deductible pursuant to the provisions of section 170 © of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, 26 U.S.C. § 170(c).

The Historic Fourth Ward School Museum's Year-End Fund Drive 2024

A "Window to History"