WMA2014

Dear Colleagues,
 
I am excited to welcome you to my home city of Las Vegas for the Western Museums Association (WMA) 2014 Annual Meeting. Nevada is celebrating its Sesquicentennial anniversary this year, and as I reflect upon where we’ve been, it brings to mind all that is new here in Las Vegas. This year’s theme, “Expect the Unexpected,” is certainly apropos!
 
We all know Las Vegas as an...
The Western Museums Association (WMA) supports museum professionals around the Western region (and beyond!). One way we strengthen the field is providing scholarships, a vital component of WMA’s mission, and we need your help! The Wanda Chin Scholarship program funds participation and travel to the Annual Meeting by professionals who might otherwise not be able to attend. Support learning and...
Dear Colleagues,
It is no secret that Las Vegas has experienced some pretty extreme growing pains. The population exploded from 45,000 to 2 million in an unprecedented rate of growth over the last 60 years. Since the economic slowdown in 2008, the population has been holding steady bringing Las Vegas out of an infancy fueled by the motto bigger, newer, faster to a more contemplative, adolescent...
By Lauren Valone
With his more than 35 years of experience in the museum field, Mark Hall-Patton will certainly have stories to share during his Keynote Address at the Western Museums Association (WMA) 2014 Annual Meeting. In addition to 14 years as a Board member of the Nevada Museums Association where he served as President from 2000–2002 and 2008–2010, he has also served on the California...
By Christopher James Alexander
When my Getty colleagues and I embarked on the development of an architecture exhibition about the rapid evolution of one of the world’s most dynamic and influential cities, we had to embrace one harsh reality. People love to hate Los Angeles. Despite the fact that this region has inspired the creation of some of the most iconic structures of the twentieth century,...
Las Vegas, the Atomic City, was at the center of the nuclear era. At the National Atomic Testing Museum resides one of the most comprehensive collections of nuclear history.
One step into the Atmospheric & Pacific Testing gallery will transport you into another era.

The Atmospheric & Pacific Testing Gallery
The Museum tackles all aspects of atomic testing in the United States from...
A mid-Century modern architectural artifact greets visitors as they enter the Neon Museum: The La Concha Motel Lobby. Originally constructed in 1961 on Las Vegas Boulevard South (next to the Riviera Hotel), the La Concha lobby was saved from demolition in 2005 and moved in 2006 to its current location to serve as the museum’s Visitors’ Center.

The La Concha Visitor Center

The entrance to the...
One step into the Springs Preserve transports you into another world within Las Vegas—one before the time of the Hoover Dam, casinos, and neon lights.
 A unique 180-acre cultural complex, the Springs Preserve features museums (including the Nevada State Museum), galleries, colorful botanical gardens, as well as an interpretive trail system that meanders through one of the richest and most unique...
A chance to recognize unsung heroes of our profession…
not necessarily just for directors
Every year museum professionals are able to accomplish both personal and institutional goals. Likewise, it is important to for peers to recognize and support those achievements in the goal of furthering the museum profession.

2013 Director’s Chair recipient Dr. Sarah George, Executive Director of the...
Did you or a colleague create an innovative exhibit about the American West in 2013 or 2014? The Western Museums Association (WMA) is pleased to consider applications for the 2014 Charles Redd Annual Award honoring excellence for an exhibition that furthers the study and understanding of the American West. The Award is funded by the Charles Redd Center for Western Studies at Brigham Young...

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