Abraham Curry (1815-1873), known as the founder of Carson City, served as the first superintendent of the U.S. Branch Mint in Carson City when it opened in 1870.
He’s got a street named after him and statue on the mall between the state Capitol and Nevada Legislature. Now Abraham Curry — the Father of Carson City — is going to have a day of his own at the Nevada State Museum.
Among his myriad accomplishments, Curry (1815-1873) also served as the first superintendent of the U.S. Branch Mint in Carson City.
The Nevada State Museum, which is housed in the former Mint building at 600 N. Carson St., is hosting “Abe Curry Day” as part of its Mint150 celebration. The day-long event is Saturday, April 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“In April of 1869, 150 years ago, Mr. Curry was installed as the Mint’s first superintendent, and we invite everyone to come out and explore the historic treasure he established and commemorate his unique and lasting contribution to Nevada history,” said Myron Freedman, director of the Nevada State Museum.
The U.S. Branch Mint opened in February 1870 and the museum is hosting a number of events recognizing milestone moments leading up to the sesquicentennial.
The festivities will begin with a Chautauqua presentation that features U.S. Sen. William Stewart — the namesake of Stewart Indian School congratulating his friend Curry on his being named the first superintendent of the Mint.
Starting at 10:30 a.m., special 1870-themed tours of the Mint Building will begin. Tour goers will learn about the variety of people and functions that operated in the Mint to make coins and will see parts of the building usually closed to the public. Also available is a special walking tour to Abe Curry’s historic home, three blocks from the museum. These 50-minute tours repeat throughout the day and visitors can sign up for a tour time when they arrive. Space is limited.
At 12:30 p.m., the festivities move to the Dema Guinn Concourse of the museum with cake and punch being served in celebration of Abe Curry.
From noon to 4 p.m., the museum will be minting the Abe Curry commemorative medallion on Historic Coin Press No. 1. The Curry medallion is a limited series, pure silver, 30-mm medallion with the celebrated “CC” mint mark. Attendees can purchase a blank silver planchet in the museum store and have it minted on the press.
Regular museum admission applies for Abe Curry Day — $8 for adults; free for museum members and children 17 and younger.
Comments
Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.
Sign in to comment