Becoming the “Biggest Little City” – the Story of the Reno Arch

- Date: Sunday, October 11, 2026
- Time: 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m.
- Location: South Valleys Library, 15650-A Wedge Parkway
What better way to celebrate Reno’s roadside heritage than by taking a look at the old arch. Seen on hundreds of postcards and advertising materials, the arch is the most recognizable of all Reno symbols. Throughout the years, the old arch, now located on Lake Street, has gone through four transformations, gone from light bulbs to neon, and has graced many different city locations. Reno architect Max Hershenow is quoted as saying “its charm is its purely functional design evoking American industrial might.”
Debbie Hinman Debbie is a native Nevadan and Chief Researcher for the Historic Reno Preservation Society's quarterly publication, FootPrints. Debbie is an expert on many facets of local history and has developed an extensive repertoire of talks about people and events in Reno.

Cindy Ainsworth Cindy is a charter member of HRPS and the second president. Cindy has researched and written extensively about Reno history, including the Reno arch.
