The Nevada Historical Society's building may be closed for an exciting remodel, but you can still enjoy their fascinating lectures at the Sierra View Library during their closure. NHS Nevada History - On The GO! Series is combining their three history programs that delve into Nevada History, Lake Tahoe, and the American Gaming Archives gambling and gaming history. Make sure to visit Sierra View Library on the first Saturday of every month to learn more about Nevada’s history through these engaging talks that are geared towards audiences of all ages.

March 7, 2026, 1 to 2:30 pm (America 250-themed talk)

Speaker: Dr. Alicia Barber, historian

Title of Talk: Revolutionizing Divorce: How Nevada Changed America’s Marital Landscape

Summary of Talk: For the first six decades of the 20th century, thousands of discontented husbands and wives flocked to Nevada, particularly to Reno, to end their marriages. They were drawn by a unique set of legal provisions that enabled what became known as the migratory divorce trade. This unusual industry not only transformed Nevada’s economy, culture, and image but also paved the way for the greater acceptance of divorce in American society. Tracing its context back to the marital laws of the colonial era, Dr. Alicia Barber will explain what made the Nevada divorce so revolutionary, for the state and the entire country.

Speaker Bio: Alicia Barber, Ph.D., is a professional public historian, educator, historic preservation advocate, and recognized authority on the built environment and cultural history of Nevada and the American West. Through her historical consulting firm, Stories in Place LLC, she creates collaborative projects ranging from National Register nominations and oral histories to museum exhibits and permanent historical installations. She is the co-creator of the website “Illuminating Reno’s Divorce History” (renodivorcehistory.org) and the editor and co-founder of Reno Historical (renohistorical.org), a map-based digital guide to the city. Her published works include Reno’s Big Gamble: Image and Reputation in the Biggest Little City, as well as dozens of chapters, essays, reports, and articles for scholarly, governmental, and popular publications.