The Fourth Ward School Museum, which is also known as the Fourth Ward School Cultural Center, was founded in 1876. Then, it was considered the best academic institution of the city as well as being an impressive work of architecture, with its Victorian design created by C.M. Bennett. In those days, its amenities were as incredible as its curriculum, featuring state-of-the-art facilities such as indoor flush toilets, modern ventilation and heating systems, drinking fountains, as well as a then-impressive 1:1 ratio for desks and students.

Today, the four-story structure is an award-winning museum as well as probably the last remaining example of Second Empire schools. The museum?s permanent collection and exhibits include a well-preserved classroom set in the 1870?s, a Mark Twain display, a renovated collection focusing on Comstock mining and its history as well as school artefacts such as alumni photographs and all sorts of memorabilia. Visitors also get to learn more about the history of the school and the role it played in society with the museum?s resident scholar.