silver state national peace officers museum

They covered caost to coast including US Military dueing my visit. Take a moment and sit in the Memorial RM. All ages can refelct and recall their hometown or TV officers. The cells can be fun esp if you paranormal fan/sensitive. Take your time and get lost in the history

As a proud CA law enforcement officer, I have to say that my great joy in visiting this hidden treasure was nearly overshadowed by my disappointment in the fact that more people are not aware of its existence. It really is a shame. The entire experience of visiting Virginia City was a one of a kind treat, but the Peace Officers Museum was, by far, the best part of the experience. The history in that building is just amazing. I even found an antique badge from my own agency in CA. The people that run the museum really care about preserving the legacy of Law Enforcement in the United States, and it really shows in the love and care they put into this place. If you are thinking about visiting this museum, stop thinking about it and do it.

This museum is tiny, crowded, and totally fascinating. It's located where the jail was, so you can go into the cells and get an idea what it was like for scofflaws back in the day. There's tons of memorabilia with descriptions and stories and film clips and so on. It is funded by donations, but don't be stingy! For paranormal investigators, there have been reports of an entity appearing in a roped-off area next to the first cell. Like everywhere else in Virginia City, this place has its special residents as well.

We came here expecting a small local museum but we were surprised by the number of displays contained within and spent way more time here than we thought we would. The docent on duty was retired from law enforcement and was a joy to have around as we visited all the displays giving us added info to what was shown. We are not LE ourselves though we have many in our family who are which made this museum special to us with all the interesting pieces that pertain to our area....very nice! This place is well worth a visit if you have the time and are interested in LE in any way.

This is a great museum with a lot of wonderful artifacts. Equally important, it is set within the Storey County jail - within the courthouse. So it's a great opportunity to see an extremely well-preserved "Wild West" jail from 1877. I highly recommend a visit.

The Museum is located on the north side of the Old Courthouse on South Street. It's easy to miss. Following a fire the reconstruction, the Storey County Courthouse was completed in 1877 and the museum is set in the county jail of that period. The museum is small but the docents, many of whom are retired law enforcement officers, bring life to the exhibits. The displays of this private collection are probably some of the most extensive that I've found in Law Enforcement.We all look forward to the inauguration of the the National Law Enforcement Museum in Washington, DC but until then, this museum and others through out the United States pay homage to those who "Protect and Serve".The fee was $5

I plan to take pictures of the Old Courthouse and that's how I run into the Peace Officers Museum, claiming to have the largest law enforcement collection from the 1870's to today. This I have to see: forking out the modest admission of $5 (every place in Virginia City is a museum, and all admissions are $5, even some of the junky stores selling Made in China plastic dolls claim to be "museums" and ask for admission. Typical example, the shopkeeper in the former building of the Territorial Enterprise, the paper where Mark Twain worked for a while in his trip to the West, now Sandies, a touristy shop full with junk, asks for $5. I don't mind coming out with the $5 to see Mark Twain's desk, but I do mind being asked to leave my camera bag with the shop keeper. So I pass.) Back to the Peace Officers: the docents are multiple (all retired police officers) and happy to chat with you about anything: the building where we are, former jail, the collection itself (formerly belonging to Walter Gist, Police Chief in Kensington, CA), or any number of good and bad guys from the old times. The collection is of somewhat limited interest, but the docents are what make this museum interesting, visit if you have time.

We saw the sign and decided to try the museum and it was great! Very informative and very interesting. It has lots of different things to see. We could dress up like Keystone Cops and pretend to be in jail! Was great fun and I could see our grandchildren loving this as well. We travel to Virginia City every year for the last ten years and this was definitely a plus and something away from the western and mining theme.

Even if your not in law enforcement you'll find this small museum interesting. There are several displays from departments from across the country. The museum is located in old jail which is inside the county courthouse building. Walk inside the old jail cells from a time when inmates weren't given all the goodies they have now. You can read stories about old time officers, see their weapons and other equipment. I enjoyed reading the old wanted posters. I love Virginia City, it has so many neat little museum's like this to visit. They are all inexpensive and fun to explore.

We happened into this museum while strolling around Virginia City, Nevada. It's in the basement -- the old jail-- of the old courthouse. This museum is not fancy. It houses just part of one person's amazing collection of police badges, uniforms, pictures, warrants and other memorabilia. It is organized by geographic region with lots from the West, I.e. LA police, Nevada. California as well as major Eastern cities. After a while, we realized that we were seeing part of U S social history. The depth of the collection is impressive. Worth up to an hour.

I think many people may overlook this fantastic museum because it is located up from and behind Virginia City's main C Street. However, it should not be missed. My father is a retired police officer so this museum was particularly interesting for me. The docent was very knowledgeable and before she left us to tour the facility on our own, she gave us some background about the building that housed the museum and how its existence came to fruition.

The museum is dedicated to showing the history of law enforcement in Nevada but also reflects the area's unique character. There are some very interesting artifacts and memorabilia to view and the curators are always ready to answer questions and elaborate. This museum is a welcome addition to some of the less credible (and silly) attractions in Virginia City. A great place to visit that is informative and educational. If you can come on parade day in May, it's crowded but even more fun! Like everything in Storey County, the museum is underfunded and always struggling to stay open. If you visit, please donate!

Enjoyable tour about the area's law enforcement past. The entire museum is housed in the old jailhouse attached to the back of the courthouse. The staff is friendly and can provide information, or you can view the history effectively displayed around you.

Thank you Shawna. Our museum exists for those having done the job, for those who have lost their lives serving others, and to serve as a point of education for those visitors who may leave us having a better understanding and respect for the profession.

My daughter and I popped in on a whim and the docent, Ally, was extremely friendly and very knowledgeable about the museum's history, and all the exhibits. I highly recommend making this a stop on your trip to Virginia City!