Comstock Foundation for History and Culture

06/14/2026

🏛️ For those who love Nevada history, industrial heritage, and the story of the Comstock, there are few places left like the Historic Donovan Mill.

Built in the late 1800s and expanded over decades of operation, the Donovan Mill stands today as one of the best-preserved historic ore processing mills in the American West. Walking through the mill isn't like visiting a museum exhibit—it's stepping inside the real machinery, structures, and systems that helped process the ore that built Nevada.

⚙️ On select remaining 2026 dates this summer, visitors can experience Stamp Run Days, when portions of the mill's historic equipment are brought back to life. Hear the stamp batteries thunder, watch the rotary stamp and concentrating tables in operation, and explore the interconnected buildings that tell the story of how ore moved from mine to mill.

📅 Upcoming 2026 Events:

• July 11 – Stamp Demo, Tours & Blacksmith Class
• July 14 – Stamp Demo & Tours
• August 8 – Stamp Demo, Tours & Blacksmith Class
• August 11 – Stamp Demo & Tours
• September 8 – Stamp Demo & Tours
• September 12 – Fall EDGE Event, Stamp Demo, Tours & Blacksmith Class
• September 19 – Stamp Demo, Tours & Blacksmith Class (Season Closer)

🔨 Whether you're a student of Western mining history, a preservation enthusiast, a railroad and machinery buff, or simply someone who appreciates authentic historic places, the Donovan Mill offers an experience that can't be replicated.

Every tour helps support the ongoing preservation of this National Historic Landmark and ensures future generations can experience this remarkable piece of Comstock history.

Hear it. Feel it. Preserve it.

Learn more at www.comstockfoundation.org.

06/11/2026

Big shout out to my newest top fans! 💎 Chris Pattison, Terry L Miller

Drop a comment to welcome them to our community,

06/09/2026

NEW at the Donovan Mill Gift Shop! Limited Edition Donovan Mill Commemorative Coins are here!

One of the questions we've heard most often from visitors touring the Historic Donovan Mill over the last two years has been, "Do you have a commemorative coin?"

It's something we've talked about for quite a while. In the early stages of preserving the mill, our focus was on the big jobs—stabilizing structures, restoring machinery, and tackling the countless construction and mechanical projects needed to bring this incredible site back to life. A commemorative coin seemed like something for "someday."

Well, someday has arrived.

After the tremendous progress made over the winter and seeing how far the Donovan Mill has come, we're excited to announce the release of our new Donovan Mill Commemorative Coin!

Beginning June 9, 2026 during Run Day, these limited-edition coins will be available in the Donovan Mill Gift Shop for $20 each. The design celebrates the rich history of the mill site, from the Kelsey Mill and Dazet Mill eras through Jackson & Phillips and the Donovan Mill itself.

Whether you're joining us for your first tour or you've visited before, we invite you to stop by and pick one up. It's a unique keepsake that commemorates not only the history of the mill, but also the ongoing preservation efforts that continue because of supporters like you.

Thanks Lee Brunell for letting us know about this.

All proceeds help support the Comstock Foundation for History & Culture and the preservation of the Historic Donovan Mill.

Please visit us at www.comstockfoundation.org

We hope to see you on June 9, 2026 or very soon!

06/08/2026

The Carson City Historical Society, friends and partners in preserving Nevada's rich heritage, have invited us to help spread the word about a special upcoming program that many of our history-loving followers will enjoy.

On Saturday, June 20, local historian Jed Block will present Through the Lens of Time: A Historic Photo Roundup of Carson City, an engaging journey through Nevada's capital city using rare historic photographs and fascinating stories from the past. Attendees will discover the people, places, triumphs, scandals, and everyday moments that helped shape Carson City into the community it is today.

Whether you're a lifelong Nevadan, a Comstock history enthusiast, or simply enjoy uncovering the stories hidden in our historic communities, this promises to be an entertaining and informative afternoon.

Saturday, June 20
1:00–3:00 PM
Nevada Room – Carson City Senior Center
911 Beverly Drive, Carson City

This America250 program is also a fundraiser supporting the Carson City Historical Society's ongoing efforts to preserve and share local history.

We encourage our followers to support our friends at the Carson City Historical Society and help keep Nevada's stories alive for future generations.

For tickets and information, visit CCHistorical.org or call 775-315-9111.

06/08/2026

What a wonderful surprise for the Historic Donovan Mill!

Recently, Bill Donovan's grandson shipped three original scales that were once used at the Donovan Mill. Seeing these pieces return home is something truly special. These aren't just scales—they're tangible connections to the people, work, and history that made the mill what it was.

We are excited to now have them on display in the mill office, where visitors can get a close look at these remarkable artifacts and appreciate another piece of the Donovan family's legacy.

A heartfelt thank you to the Donovan family for helping preserve and share this history. It's gifts like these that help keep the stories of the mill alive for future generations.

If you're visiting the Donovan Mill, be sure to stop by the office and check them out. We can't wait to share these treasures with you!

Please visit us at www.comstockfoundation.org

06/07/2026

🏭⚒️ A Special Week at the Historic Donovan Mill ⚒️🏭

There’s something pretty special about walking through a place where history still lives and breathes.

This week, we invite you to join us at the Historic Donovan Mill in Silver City for one of our guided tours and experience firsthand one of the most important pieces of Nevada's mining heritage. From the massive machinery to the stories of the people who worked there, every corner of the mill has a story to tell.

And if you've ever wanted to try your hand at a traditional trade, our Blacksmith Class on Saturday offers a chance to learn the art of forging steel in the mill's historic machine shop. Under the guidance of experienced smiths, you'll learn the basics and take home a piece you made yourself.

These programs are about more than history—they're about keeping skills, stories, and traditions alive for the next generation.

We hope you'll come spend some time with us, bring a friend, and help support the preservation of this incredible landmark.

📍 Historic Donovan Mill – Silver City
📅 Tours: June 9 & June 13
💲 $20 Adults | Children 12 & under Free

We look forward to seeing you at the mill!

05/31/2026

Today, a fabulous day in old town Dayton. The Comstock Foundation was able to be a part of a great part of the America 250 Pony Express ReRide Celebration by the Dayton Main Street. Thank you Silent Riders for stopping by our booth. Great job Dayton Main Street!

05/29/2026

Thank you to Mashedorbaked on YouTube who created this amazing video of our historic Donovan Mill.

Donovan Mill ''History Lives On'' Silver City, Nevadaf
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dWcCgPZVKg

Please visit us at www.comstockfoundation.org and become a member, volunteer or to donate to help us keep history alive.

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.