Wilbur D. May Museum, Arboretum, and Botanical Garden
Introduction
Text-to-speech Audio
Images
Entrance to the museum adorned in foliage.

Entrance to the arboretum in the greens, featuring some native species of plants.

Backstory and Context
Text-to-speech Audio
- Antique firearms
- Japanese swords
- European glass
- Egyptian tomb items
- African tribal masks
- Polynesian carvings
- American Western art
- Chinese pottery
- Exotic taxidermy
- Saddlery and tack
The Museum also hosts traveling exhibitions, special programs and events year-round.
The museum is on the grounds of The Wilbur D. May Arboretum & Botanical Garden, which serves as a local showcase for plants and wildlife. Built in 1983, it is now home to over 4,000 plant species. The Arboretum is owned and operated by Washoe County and continues to receive funding from the May Foundation as well as other supporters such as the May Arboretum Society and private donations from the community.
Cite This Entry
Jones, Kenneth et. al. "Wilbur D. May Museum, Arboretum, and Botanical Garden." Clio: Your Guide to History. April 18, 2018. Accessed April 3, 2025. https://theclio.com/entry/12972