Here is Why You Should Donate Ephemera and Artifacts to The Neon Museum

Bring Your Old Signs to Life at Vegas Sign Boneyard

By donating your artifacts and ephemera to The Neon Museum Las Vegas, you can help preserve the history of Las Vegas.

Some refer to our Neon Boneyard as the “Sign Graveyard”, but the name does not reflect the way these iconic signs are brought back to life when they are donated to the Neon Museum.

The Neon Museum is dedicated to preserving the iconic neon signs of Las Vegas’ past and bringing them back to life for future generations to enjoy. Through its Sign Conservation Fund and other efforts, the museum works to restore, rehabilitate, and preserve its collection of signs. This can involve returning a sign to its original state through full restoration, which includes updating its electrical components and all of its neon tubing or glass bulbs.

Make your old sign a piece of the Neon Museum’s collection of historic Las Vegas neon signs.

Rehabilitation involves resurfacing or repainting the sign’s coloring and topography, and preservation strategies focus on preventing further sun and wind damage to the sign’s exterior and removing debris that could damage the sign from the inside.

These signs are proudly displayed in the Neon Boneyard and North Gallery, where visitors can experience the vibrant history of Las Vegas through the sights and sounds of these iconic symbols. By bringing these signs back to life, The Neon Museum helps to preserve the city’s rich history and share it with the world.

Why Should I Donate a Sign to the Neon Museum?

As a Las Vegas business owner, you have the opportunity to play a key role in preserving the city’s rich history and iconic symbols. By donating your artifacts, including ephemera from your property such as marketing materials, matchbooks, postcards, photographs, or artwork, you can help The Neon Museum preserve the city’s unique history. Not only will you be preserving the history of Las Vegas for future generations, but you’ll also be supporting the Neon Museum’s mission-based programs, such as youth and adult education, sign conservation, and exhibition of historic signs.

As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, The Neon Museum relies on donations from people like you to fulfill its important mission of collecting, preserving, studying, and exhibiting these signs for educational, historic, arts, and cultural enrichment. Your gift may even be tax-deductible. So why wait? Contact us at collections@neonmuseum.org learn more about how you can make a difference by donating your sign or archival materials to the Neon Museum. Here’s a few more reasons why donating is a good idea:

• Donate to honor your business’s history: If your business has a history in Las Vegas and you have old neon signs or other artifacts that represent that history, consider donating them to The Neon Museum. This is a great way to pay tribute to your business and ensure that its legacy is preserved for future generations.
• Benefit from tax deductions: As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, The Neon Museum is eligible to receive tax-deductible donations. If you are a business owner looking to make a charitable donation, this is a great way to give back while also potentially benefiting from a tax deduction.
• Promote your business: By making a donation to The Neon Museum, you can promote your business and its connection to the history of Las Vegas. The museum often features donors in their marketing materials and events, which can provide a great opportunity for your business to be recognized and connected with the rich history of the city.
• Get rid of old, non-functioning signs: If you have old, non-functioning neon signs taking up space in your storage or on your property, consider donating them to The Neon Museum. This is a great way to free up space while also ensuring that these signs are preserved and put on display for the public to enjoy.

Neon Museum Sign Conservation Fund

If you are looking for other ways to support conserving the history of Vegas, you can make a difference through the Sign Conservation Fund. This vital resource allows The Neon Museum to expand research into the conservation of historic signage, as well as restore, rehabilitate, and preserve its collection of Las Vegas signs for future generations. Whether it’s through full restoration, rehabilitation, or preservation, your donation will go towards maintaining the integrity and original message of these iconic signs. If you want to be a part of preserving the history of Las Vegas, consider making a donation to the Sign Conservation Fund today.

The Neon Museum’s History of History

The Neon Museum is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the rich history of Las Vegas through the collection, restoration, and exhibition of iconic neon signs. The museum has storied origins that date back to 1905, when it was originally established as a train depot.

Over the years, the museum has undergone several transformations, eventually becoming a venue for displaying and preserving the city’s iconic neon signs. In 1996, the museum was officially incorporated as a non-profit organization and began collecting and restoring neon signs from Las Vegas’ past.

The Neon Museum is a must-see destination for anyone interested in the history of Las Vegas and its iconic neon signs.

Today, The Neon Museum is home to the famous Vegas Sign Boneyard, where old, restored as well as non-functioning neon signs are displayed. Visitors can experience the vibrant history of Las Vegas through the sights and sounds of these iconic symbols, which have become an integral part of the city’s cultural heritage.

In addition to its exhibits, the Neon Museum also offers educational programs and events, such as lighting ceremonies,family programs, tours, and lectures. These programs provide visitors with the opportunity to learn about the history and cultural significance of neon signs and the role they have played in the development of Las Vegas.

Overall, The Neon Museum is an important cultural institution that plays a vital role in preserving the history of Las Vegas and promoting tourism and economic development in the city. Its efforts to collect, restore, and exhibit iconic neon signs help to keep the city’s rich cultural heritage alive and provide visitors with a unique and memorable experience.

Contact us at collections@neonmuseum.org if you have an artifact or sign that you are interested in donating to The Neon Museum, and learn more about the Neon Museum here.