Museum program launches with Sept. 16 talk on Dia de los Muertos altars in Carson City

CARSON CITY, Nevada — The meaning and symbolism of objects found on a traditional Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) altar will be presented from 1 to 3 p.m. Sept. 16 at the Nevada State Museum, Carson City. Museum Curator of Education Mina Stafford will deliver the program on this uniquely Mexican holiday and how it has evolved over time. Also at the event, the museum will announce plans for this year’s Dia de Los Muertos celebration.

The program is the first in a new weekly series, “Curator’s Corner,” that will feature a museum artifact or group of artifacts. Since 1941, the museum has collected and interpreted objects related to Nevada’s unique heritage, including historical, cultural, anthropological and natural history artifacts. Curator’s Corner will be offered from 1 to 3 p.m. every Wednesday. Visitors passing through the museum’s demonstration gallery will be able to enjoy a brief presentation by the curator as he or she exhibits an artifact.

Museum admission is required for the program: $8 adults, free for children ages 17 and younger. All visitors and staff must wear a face covering while in the museum and maintain 6 feet of distance from others. Acrylic barriers are in place at the admissions desk, the store, and in the demonstration gallery to protect visitors. The museum is allowing visitors up to half its normal capacity to ensure social distancing. Details: CarsonNVMuseum.org.

Editors: High-resolution image of a Dia de los Muertos altar statue: https://bit.ly/32t987E

The Division of Museums and History preserves, shares, and promotes the understanding and celebration of Nevada’s natural and cultural heritage for the enrichment of all generations. The Division of Museums and History is part of the Nevada Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs.