In this issue:

 Mormon Station State Historic Park adds Kinsey House 

 Sadie Hawkins Sock Hop, Feb. 14 

 Atomic Ranch on the Road

 Board Member Jennifer Minucci

 Bootleggers in the Garden featuring 2026 James Beard Award semifinalist Chef James Trees

This month’s enews talks about the expansion of Mormon Station State Historic Park with the addition of the historic Kinsey House to a vibrant weekend celebrating Mid-Century Modern design with Atomic Ranch on the Road, these efforts show how preservation strengthens communities statewide. As NPF continues to grow, we are also revamping our membership program to better reflect our expanded programming, advocacy work, and educational outreach. Membership support is essential—it allows us to protect historic places, host meaningful events, and build a stronger preservation network across Nevada. Thank you for being part of this important work.

PRESERVATION SPOTLIGHT:

Kinsey House Joins Mormon Station State Park

Mormon Station State Historic Park in Genoa is one of Nevada’s most significant historic places and is set to kick off a meaningful expansion. Nevada State Parks has recently acquired the historic Kinsey Property, a 1.36-acre parcel adjacent to the park that includes the three-story brick Kinsey House, one of the oldest surviving homes in the state. Built between 1855 and 1856 for Stephen and Sarah Kinsey, the house is a rare example of Greek Revival architecture and a direct link to Nevada’s earliest permanent settlement.

Beyond its architectural value, the Kinsey Property was once a center of community life, known for gatherings, picnics, and celebrations that brought residents together in the 19th century. Rather than leaving this piece of local heritage at risk, state and nonprofit partners collaborated to ensure its long-term protection. Plans for the site include preservation work and the eventual creation of a historic house museum that will complement Mormon Station’s existing visitor experiences.

This project reflects Nevada’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding historic spaces while strengthening community connections through preservation.

To learn more, read out the story on MyNews4 or keep up with the progress on Mormon Station’s website.

UPCOMING PROGRAMMING:

Sadie Hawkins Sock Hop, February 14

 Calling all dollies and greasers! Pull out your poodle skirts and slick back your pomps because we are about to hop! Cruise on down to the historic Mesquite Club and celebrate Valentine’s Day with a classic Sadie Hawkin’s dance. We’ll keep you spinning around the dance floor all evening to the best tunes to get you to shake, rattle and roll the night away.

 But what is Valentine’s Day without a little sweet for your sweet? Break out your best Betty Crocker and enter your sweet confection into our Cake Contest! 

You could win tickets to our next big bash.

Winners will be decided by popular vote of attendees.

 Dress to impress, at the end of the night we will be awarding King & Queen of the Dance! Get tickets here!

HERITAGE HIGHLIGHTS: NPF’s PAST PROJECTS & RESEARCH

This month was an absolute blast as NPF teamed up with Atomic Ranch on the Road: Viva Mod Vegas for a weekend packed with midcentury magic.  The fun kicked off Saturday morning with a guided bike tour led by Tina through Paradise Palms. Paradise Palms is a showcase of striking architecture that once attracted celebrities and notable locals, and today continues to shine as a vibrant, revitalized community. Huge thanks to RTC for providing bikes and helmets they’ve been incredible partners on our bike tours all year long.

Saturday evening brought the glamour with the Black & White Soirée, hosted in a stunning home where guests enjoyed a guided tour and a fireside chat with local artists and longtime NPF volunteer Olivia, whose work as an architectural historian continues to inspire preservation across Southern Nevada. A live performance by Robbie Howard had guests dancing well into the night. Special thanks to Holly Erker Realtor, for sponsoring this memorable evening.

The weekend wrapped up with the Take a Closer Look Home Tour, where homeowners shared what it’s really like to live in—and care for—vintage homes. The tour concluded with an unforgettable VIP visit to the iconic Donald Wexler steel house. It is the last of only eight all-metal homes built by Wexler and the only example located outside of Palm Springs.

It was such a joy meeting new faces and reconnecting with our dedicated community throughout the weekend. We loved partnering with Atomic Ranch and extend a heartfelt thank-you to Jenny with Minucci Real Estate, our Regional Sponsor, for supporting NPF all weekend long.

BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Jennifer Minucci is a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway and a dedicated board member of the Nevada Preservation Foundation. Her involvement with NPF began in 2017 after attending the Liberace Mansion Martini Tour, an experience that sparked a lasting commitment to historic preservation. She went on to become an active Home + History Las Vegas volunteer, where her passion for Nevada’s architectural and cultural heritage continued to grow.

As a board member, Jenny leads efforts to engage and educate fellow Realtors about the value of historic preservation and its role in strengthening communities. She is also deeply involved in civic leadership and currently serves as President of the Women’s Council of REALTORS Las Vegas.

Thank you again Jenny for being our Regional Sponsor at Atomic Ranch On the Road: Viva Mod Vegas! Watch Jenny’s film,”Keeping Mid-Century Modern: Vintage Talk with a Modern Woman” here.

A LOOK AHEAD  Bootleggers in the Garden 

You will need the password to join us for an unforgettable secret garden soirée under the stars. For Home + History, NPF is slipping back into the Jazz Age for a hotsy-totsy evening set in the garden of a rare 1930s vintage Las Vegas residence. Expect bathtub “libations,” whimsical surprises, and indulgent bites by 2026 James Beard Award semifinalist Chef James Trees and Chef Todd Harrington, paired with the finest “teas” from a celebrated downtown mixologist. Not sure what to wear? Think dandies, swanky beads, and your finest fits. We are putting on the Ritz for a night you will not soon forget. 

Tickets at nevadapreservation.org

Thank you for supporting historic preservation in Nevada. Our programming is one of the ways we support our historic preservation efforts.