It’s never been just about neon. Over the years, the Neon Museum has made efforts to connect the signs in its Neon Boneyard to the greater history of Las Vegas—to illuminate the lives of the people who have lived and labored underneath these glowing giants since the day they were switched on. Now, thanks to a generous donation from the new owners of the Palms, that history reaches back further still: all the way back to the indigenous peoples who lived and labored in the Las Vegas Valley well before it was plugged in.
The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, who bought the Palms in 2020 and reopened it in 2022, funded the restoration of this 2001 neon sign, which the Neon Museum acquired in 2013. Originally placed atop a billboard near the resort, the sign is nearly 20 feet in length and includes 28 units of neon. And while it’s not the flashiest sign in the Boneyard, it will serve an important role going forward as a representation of the Southern Paiute and other western tribes, thanks to an accompanying instructional panel that describes their history and influence. To borrow the name of the museum’s nighttime show, it’s a brilliant idea.
“Nevada is rich in indigenous culture. Our San Manuel tribe from California are visitors in the lands of the Nevada Native Americans that came before us,” said Latisha Prieto, chairperson of the San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority, in an email statement. “We are pleased that tribal history is included as part of this restoration and presented as an educational opportunity.”
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