Henderson Historic Venue Announces
“Love Our Locals” Event on October 5th
Sept 5, 2019 – Henderson, NV: The Mine Experience, a family-friendly destination which includes the only simulated underground gold mine in Nevada, will offer free admission to locals on October 5th. The Mine Experience is a new offering by McCaw School of Mines located next to Gordon McCaw STEAM Academy in downtown Henderson. Founded in 1996, the McCaw School of Mines has served as a field trip destination for 4th graders from area schools to communicate the importance of the mining industry to Nevada’s economy, but until now has never been open to the public.
The 5,100 square foot realistic model of an historic underground gold mine is the centerpiece of the tour experience. In 2018, the 100,000th student experienced interactive exhibits presenting both historic and modern mining equipment and processes. Families and the history-curious will now gain access to the comprehensive collection that includes rock and mineral samples, a gold-panning experience, mining railroad cars and other equipment, a gift shop located in a retired train caboose and visitor’s center.
Virtually everything one sees at McCaw was donated to this nonprofit educational foundation, and their fund-raising efforts provide free Clark County school district field trips. McCaw’s mission focuses on education about the importance of the mining industry to Nevada communities, and corresponding career opportunities showcasing STEM academics.
Nevada’s mining industry continues a growth trajectory earning nearly $8.5 billion in total commodity value during 2017. According to NV Dept of Employment, Training & Rehabilitation, the states’ minerals industry (including support activities and oil/gas exploration), directly employed an average of 14,387 people in 2017. The average pay per employee during this time was $95,000+ annually – the second highest average of any employment sector statewide.
The Mine Experience at McCaw School of Mines welcomes all area residents on Saturday, October 5 with free admission on that day, and is open every first Saturday of the month from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
All children 6 and under can enter free, and regular day admission starts at $5 and varies for type of tour (ex: gold panning included), military, seniors, CCSD employees and groups.
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Media contact: Carol Wilhems
702.837.5687 cwilhems@lvcoxmail.com
Executive Director: Philip Luna
702.799.0544 admin@MccawMines.org
Location: 57 Lynn Lane, Henderson NV
*next to Gordon McCaw STEAM Academy off Basic, downtown Henderson
McCaw Mine Experience equipment yard
Interactive mineral mines map inside classroom building
McCaw Mine Experience worker exhibit