eureka sentinel

There are two kinds of historical museums in Nevada: those that carefully reassemble pieces of the past to tell the history of the Silver State, and those that exist in a place that was never disassembled in the first place, and remain exactly the same as they were during their heyday. One foot over the threshold and into this 150-year-old newsroom, and visitors and locals alike will see the history of the Eureka Sentinel Museum never left the building.

Nestled in the heart of Eureka’s Historic District and right across the street from the Eureka Opera House lies the Eureka Sentinel Museum, in the building that housed the Eureka Sentinel Newspaper from 1879-1960. Dive into the region’s fascinating history among original printing presses and other one-of-a-kind artifacts.

The Eureka Sentinel Newspaper Press

If you’ve never seen a newsroom — old or new — in person, you’re in for a treat at the Eureka Sentinel Museum. Situated in the same building that housed the Eureka Sentinel Newspaper, the museum’s first floor proudly displays an original, complete pressroom from the 1860s—including the very printing press that produced the newspaper, which ran from 1879 to 1960. The pressroom walls are plastered with posters that were printed by this local newspaper more than 150 years ago, and all press equipment—like historic type cases, layout boards, ink containers, a range of typewriters, and linotype machines—is original and remains intact in its place.

eureka sentinel newspaper press
eureka sentinel museum

Over the years, three generations of the Skillman family—Archibald, Edward and Willis—edited the newspaper throughout its livelihood. Archibald originally ran his printing press in nearby present-day Hamilton Ghost Town before moving his press to Eureka. The Eureka Sentinel originally started as a weekly newspaper, but became a daily by 1871 reporting local and international news via telegraph dispatches. The Sentinel’s reporting of mining and other opportunities helped bring people and investors to this once booming Nevada mining district.

Other Eureka Sentinel Museum Exhibits

While the printing press itself is a fascinating window into Eureka’s booming lead and silver strikes during the 1860s, other exhibits throughout this two-story museum make life in early Eureka come alive with exhibits featuring preserved items from the local school and various private residences, historic photographs, and relics important to the early mining days ranging from historic documents, stock certificates, ledgers, and personal items belonging to the men who worked these mines. Other artifacts at the Eureka Sentinel Museum include military uniforms from both the first and second World Wars, as well as a robust collection of items from various fire companies and fraternal organizations in the Eureka area. 

eureka sentinel museum
eureka sentinel museum

In addition to its historic building, interesting displays and amazing artifacts, the museum also features a gift shop that offers local crafts, books about Eureka’s fascinating past, as well as memorable gifts and souvenirs to take with you.

Travel Nevada Pro Tip

The Eureka Opera House and Eureka Sentinel Museum are some of Eureka’s most visited attractions. If you do happen to stop by within business hours and either location is inexplicably closed, try and walk across the street to check the other location. For example, if the Eureka Opera House is closed, head for the Eureka Sentinel Museum—they should be able to help answer when the Opera House will be open, how to visit, and vice versa. Small town perks!

Hours:

The Eureka Sentinel Museum is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and closes for lunch from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. For tours on Saturday, please contact the Eureka Opera House.

Admission:

There is no cost to tour the Eureka Sentinel Museum, but donations are happily accepted.

This Location:

North Central, Nevada

City

Eureka

Region

North Central