Your browser is missing components required for this site

For more than 5,000 years, the site of the Springs Preserve has been home to a variety of cultures. Learn more about the peoples of Las Vegas through our lecture series and tours. Explore how you can shape our future by participating in this innovative cultural programming.

Reservations are required. Call Springs Preserve Adult Education at (702) 822-7786. Please allow 30 minutes to pick up your tickets and get to the program venue.

This monthly series helps explore our history and helps us understand the sacrifices and courage it took to build a city out of the desert. Each month will bring together a group of long-time residents to talk about our history in a roundtable forum.

Early History of the Las Vegas Strip
July 3, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
$12 non-members, $10 members, $6.50 children ages 5-17. Series cost is $32 non-members, $27 members, $17 children 5-17
These are the true untold—or perhaps unknown—stories behind the early days of the Las Vegas Strip. Get an inside glimpse of visionaries such as Tommy Hull of the El Rancho Vegas and Billy Wilkerson, the man behind the Flamingo Hotel before Bugsy Siegel. Then, hear the stories of the early dancers and showgirls who remember what it was like being part of the "Entertainment Capital of the World."

In the Shadow of the Bomb
August 7, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
$12 non-members, $10 members, $6.50 children ages 5-17. Series cost is $32 non-members, $27 members, $17 children 5-17
During the Cold War, Southern Nevada was a prime U.S. atomic testing ground, both above and deep below the surface. While the Cold War is over, memories of what really took place during those days haven't dimmed: Hear from atomic scientists, engineers, soldiers and citizens about what it was like preparing for and experiencing a nuclear explosion at the Nevada Test Site.

The Mob in Las Vegas
September 4, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
$12 non-members, $10 members, $6.50 children ages 5-17. Series cost is $32 non-members, $27 members, $17 children 5-17
Everyone thinks they know the story of the days when the Mob supposedly ran Las Vegas. Now learn the reality behind those stories, as well as the myths. This is a look at not only the Mob in Las Vegas, but how the Mob was brought down by a dedicated group of men and women.

July 19 and August 23, 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Free with general admission and for Annual Pass holders
It's hot outside, so cool off with this indoor version of our popular walking tour that highlights the innovative, interactive exhibits in our Origen Galleries. Special emphasis will be placed on interpreting the archaeology of the Preserve and the cultural-history traditions of the Las Vegas Valley.

September 13, 10:30 a.m. to noon
Free with general admission and for Annual Pass holders
Think the history of Las Vegas began with the construction of the mega-resorts on the Las Vegas Strip?
In fact, Las Vegas has more than 5,000 years of history that you can explore at the Springs Preserve.
On this guided, 1 ½ mile trail walk, discover archaeological and historical elements found at the Preserve as well as answer the age-old question, "How did we get here?"

• Adult Programs
• Sustainable Living Classes
• Natural History
• In the Gardens Classes
• Culture and History
• Explore, Play, Learn Classes
• Member Programs
• Young Learners
• Library