Death Valley Celebrates Centennial of the Hottest Air Temperature Ever Recorded

The original Death Valley weather station.

On July 10, 1913, a scorching temperature was recorded in Death Valley National Park. A measurement of 134 degrees marked the highest air temperature ever recorded on the planet. On July 10, 2013, Death Valley National Park, in cooperation with the National Weather Service (NWS), is hosting a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the sweltering record.

The event, which takes place at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center in Death Valley National Park, features NWS meteorologists and National Park Service Rangers who will discuss why Death Valley is so hot and everyday tips to survive in the hot climate. Following the discussions, attendees can participate in a ritual that has occurred daily since 1911 by accompanying Death Valley Rangers to the weather station to observe the daily temperature.

With the current heatwave across the region, Death Valley may soon claim a new record high. A temperature of 129 degrees was recorded on Sunday, June 30, 2013, breaking the previous June record of 128 degrees, set in 1994.

Because of the extremely hot temperatures, the National Park Service cautions summertime visitors to Death Valley to take proper safety measures, including drinking plenty of water and limiting time spent outdoors.

First Flight in Ely Centennial Celebration

In July 1913, aviator Frank Burnside took the first airplane flight in Ely (second airplane flight in the entire state), taking place just 10 years after the Wright brothers flew for the first time.

On Friday, July 5, the 100-year anniversary of this first flight is celebrated at Ely's Nevada Northern Railway Museum. The museum hosts an unveiling of a six-foot replica of the original plane, a steam-train ride, as well as a presentation by Burnside's grand nephew.

The event also features the "Kick up your Heels" dance with music by Steve "The Mustang" Campbell. The dance is free and cocktails will be served; attendees must be 21 and older.

On Saturday, July 6, there will be a free pancake breakfast at the Ely Airport.

Titanic: 100 Years Later

Las Vegas' Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition to Memorialize Titanic’s Centennial with Candlelit Vigil

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition will commemorate the Centennial of RMS Titanic’s launch and eventual sinking with a presentation on the legacy of Titanic and a candlelit vigil. 185 students from Griffith Elementary School will tour The Exhibition and remember those who suffered or were lost in the sinking by participating in the candlelit vigil.

After touring The Exhibition, students will hear from descendant Tom Goldsmith, learn about artifacts from the world’s leading artifact specialist, Alex Klingelhofer, and one student will read a self-written essay on why the story of Titanic is still significant today.

WHEN: Tuesday, April 10
11 a.m. presentation and candlelit vigil

WHERE: Atrium Level of Luxor Hotel and Casino
3900 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, NV 89119

McKeen Motor Car Celebration

Carson City always offers a great selection of family activities, and this past Mother’s Day was no exception. After its decade-long restoration and on the 100-year anniversary of its arrival in Carson City, rides on the historic McKeen Motor Car No. 22 (click on link to see photos of the car) were made public on May 9, 2010. Railroad fanatics of all ages, as well as donors who made the McKeen restoration possible, turned out to celebrate this grand event.

Friends of the Nevada State Railroad Museum turned out in record numbers dressed in period costumes and brought history to life as they told how the restoration process unfolded over the years. Some folks who rode the McKeen Car when it was in service (1910-45) on the Virginia & Truckee Railroad attended the event.

The restoration of the car was beautifully done, and the conductor on board supplied great info during a discussion with our party. We discussed windows, floorboards, light fixtures, and even the artistic scroll work on the ceiling of the car, a surprise that was found during removal of the panels in the restoration process (see interior photo below).

Not to be forgotten, the museum was a hit with adults and children. A museum store, old locomotives, tools of the trade, and photos provide a wealth of knowledge to anyone interested in learning. A to-scale (1/87th actual size) working model railroad is operated by volunteers on weekends and group-tour days. At all other times a push-button enables visitors to operate a train on demand. In addition, there are toy train tables and an engine car exhibit with knobs and levers for kids to operate. After riding on the train and seeing all the old equipment, this is a perfect way for any child to end the afternoon.

Text & photos by Carrie Roussel