Nye County gives historic courthouse financial boost

The Friends of the Belmont Courthouse have a lot to celebrate, with a recent donation from the Nye County Commission adding a substantial amount of cash to the group’s coffers.

In August, the Nye County Commission approved a $50,000 donation for Friends of the Belmont Courthouse, with the money dedicated to the continued stabilization and rehabilitation of the historical building. Gratitude was overflowing following the unanimous decision, with the Friends of the Belmont Courthouse penning a special note of thanks.

“Our members were shocked and very pleased to receive a commitment from the Nye County Board of Commissioners to contribute funding for our stabilization/restoration efforts at the Belmont Courthouse. We have worked very hard over the years to independently raise private capital, more than $100,000 through fundraisers, to make improvements to a building that is important not only to Nye County’s rich history but to individuals and families with deep roots in Central Nevada. Your demonstrated commitment to our efforts is humbling and inspiring. Commissioner Wichman, words can’t express our gratitude to you for sponsoring this item,” the note read.

The Belmont Courthouse is owned by Nye County and the Friends organization is the main driver behind the mission to bring the courthouse back to its former glory. Friends of the Belmont Courthouse Chairwoman Donna Motis explained that the group’s mission is to preserve, restore and protect the historic property and building.

“The courthouse is owned by Nye County government and we have been pleased to consider them our partners in this work,” Motis stated when reached for comment. “And although we’ve greatly appreciated their constant support and encouragement, their financial contribution took us completely by surprise and we were very pleased. This money will allow us to accelerate our phased plans and provide them with a preserved and protected historical treasure that can be enjoyed for generations to come.”

Also in the aim of generating funds to support the organization’s goals, the group hosts two major fundraisers each year on the Fourth of July and Labor Day. Motis said the results of these events have been “simply outstanding,” remarking, “Our supporters and donors can be found all over the state. They are committed, generous and enthusiastic, and many of them have ancestors who were residents of Belmont in its earliest days. Our innovative fundraising programs have allowed supporters to participate at many different financial levels.”

Motis added that the building represents a part of the history of the Silver State as a whole and central Nye County, in places that she and others have come to know and love. “Our families helped settle the area, lived here and settled this town in the 1860s, and some were even county officials,” Motis said. “Belmont is an important part of a Nevada that will never be seen again and it’s why we want to honor and preserve it.”

For those interested in seeing the historic site in person, Motis said private tours of the building are available upon request and public tours are also scheduled throughout the year. For more information visit the Friends of the Belmont Courthouse Facebook page.

Contact reporter Robin Hebrock at rhebrock@pvtimes.com