The Way It Was Museum

The Way It Was Museum in Virginia City features the world's most complete collection of Comstock mining artifacts and memorabilia. Through exhibits of mining equipment and tools, mineral samples, rare photographs, lithographs and vintage maps, it accurately records the rich past of the "Bonanza Period" of United States history. Also on display are Victorian period costumes and documents describing what day-to-day life was like for miners and their families.

Among the most popular aspects of the Way It Was Museum is a scale model of the hundreds of miles of mine shafts that were dug beneath Virginia City. There is also a miniature working replica of a gold and silver mining facility. And a skillfully narrated 16-minute video provides insights into the regions pioneers and American frontier life.

The Way It Was Museum is located at 113 North C Street, Virginia City, Nevada 89440. It is open from 10am to 6pm daily, except Christmas Day. Admission is $3, and children aged 11 years and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. The museum is also featured as a stop on the VCCTA's "Peanut Butter & Jelly Tours" and as a discount option for those purchasing Silver Line Express tickets.