University of Nevada Las Vegas College of Liberal Arts is partnering with The Mob Museum and National Atomic Testing Museum to launch a new summer camp designed to give high school students hands-on experience exploring history, museums, and public storytelling.
The five-day program, titled “Witnessing History,” will take place June 8 through June 12 and will combine classroom instruction with interactive museum experiences across Las Vegas. Organizers said the camp will help students better understand how museums preserve history while shaping public memory and cultural conversations.
Students Will Explore Museums Behind the Scenes
The camp is open to Las Vegas high school students and graduating seniors from the Class of 2026.
Throughout the week, students will participate in guided tours, workshops, discussions, and interactive learning sessions led by UNLV faculty, museum educators, and staff members from both museums.
Participants will also gain behind-the-scenes access to exhibits and artifacts while learning how museums build historical narratives for the public.
Because many students rarely experience museum operations firsthand, organizers said the program creates a unique educational opportunity outside a traditional classroom setting.
Program Connects History With Critical Thinking
Officials said the camp focuses heavily on critical thinking and historical interpretation.
Students will explore how museums collect artifacts, present exhibits, and explain difficult moments in American history.
The program will also examine how public memory evolves through storytelling, preservation, and education.
By combining museum experiences with academic instruction, organizers hope students leave the program with a deeper understanding of both history and media literacy.
As museums continue modernizing exhibits through technology and interactive experiences, educational programs like this have become increasingly popular nationwide.
The Mob Museum Expands Educational Outreach
The Mob Museum has become nationally recognized for its educational programming and interactive exhibits focused on organized crime and law enforcement history.
Located inside a historic former federal courthouse in Downtown Las Vegas, the museum features exhibits covering Prohibition, Mob activity, forensic science, and modern crime investigations.
The museum also operates The Underground, a Prohibition-themed exhibit and speakeasy experience connected to the museum’s historical storytelling.
Because of its immersive exhibits and educational outreach, The Mob Museum continues attracting school groups, families, and history enthusiasts from across the country.
Atomic Museum Connects Nuclear History With Education
Meanwhile, National Atomic Testing Museum focuses on the history of nuclear testing and the Nevada Test Site.
The museum explores Cold War history, scientific advancements, nuclear technology, and Nevada’s connection to atomic testing.
Recent additions, including the museum’s popular “World of Fallout” exhibit, have also connected nuclear history with gaming and modern pop culture.
Officials said the camp allows students to experience how museums balance education, history, entertainment, and public engagement.
Summer Camp Includes On-Campus and Museum Sessions
Camp activities will take place both at the UNLV campus and inside participating museums throughout the week.
Sessions at the museums are scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday.
Lunch will be included on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at the UNLV Dining Commons.
However, organizers noted transportation to off-campus museum locations will not be provided.
The registration fee for the summer camp is $250 per student.
Las Vegas Museums Continue Expanding Youth Programs
Educational outreach programs have become a growing focus for museums across Southern Nevada.
Museums increasingly partner with schools and universities to create hands-on learning experiences that go beyond textbooks and classroom lectures.
Industry experts say interactive programs often help students engage more deeply with history and cultural subjects.
Because Las Vegas continues growing as both a tourism and educational destination, partnerships between museums and universities are becoming more common.
Registration Now Open for Summer Program
Organizers said registration is currently open for eligible students interested in participating.
The weeklong camp runs daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Officials encourage students interested in history, museums, storytelling, or cultural studies to apply early due to limited availability.
Program Information
University of Nevada Las Vegas College of Liberal Arts
🌐 https://www.unlv.edu/liberalarts
The Mob Museum
📍 300 Stewart Ave., Las Vegas, NV
🌐 https://themobmuseum.org
National Atomic Testing Museum
📍 755 E Flamingo Rd., Las Vegas, NV
🌐 https://atomicmuseum.vegas
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