Harry Reid's First Papers Open at UNR
Drop-in visits run Monday through Thursday, with Friday appointments, at the Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Gambling
Reno residents interested in Nevada political history can now view the first set of Harry Reid's personal papers at the University of Nevada, Reno. The physical collection, held in the Special Collections of the University Libraries, opened to the public on November 1.
Why it matters
The collection documents decades of Nevada and national politics from a senator who served 46 years in Nevada and Congress, giving local historians and students direct access to primary materials. The digital portion is not expected to open until 2036, so the on-site collection is the main way to see it for now.
The university's archive contains more than 1,000 boxes and hundreds of thousands of documents, photos and artifacts from Reid's 46 years in Nevada and Congress. The digital portion is not scheduled to open until 2036, and the schedule for the rest of the physical collection was not specified.
The players
University of Nevada, Reno
The institution holding Reid's papers in its University Libraries Special Collections and making them available to the public.
Harry Reid
Former U.S. Senator from Nevada whose 46 years of service in the state and Congress are documented in the collection.
Ian McGlory
Archivist hired in 2017 to process the physical portion of the Harry Reid Papers.
The details
The University of Nevada, Reno opened the first set of Harry Reid's personal papers to the public on November 1, following Reid's 2016 announcement that he would donate them to the University Libraries' Special Collections. Archivist Ian McGlory, hired in 2017, processed the physical portion by assessing materials and creating detailed inventories. Visitors can view the papers on the third floor of the Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center, with drop-in visits Monday through Thursday and advanced appointments on Fridays.
Timeline
1939: Reid born in Searchlight, Nevada.
2016: Reid announced donation of his personal papers.
2017: Archivist Ian McGlory hired to process the collection.
2021: Reid died of pancreatic cancer at his Henderson home at age 82.
November 1: First set of papers opened to the public.
The Truckee Meadows View
Like the many senators who have placed their papers in university special collections, Reid chose a regional institution for his records rather than a national library. The move keeps Nevada's political history within the state for researchers in the Truckee Meadows.
If you're a student, historian or curious local, you can now make a drop-in visit Monday through Thursday or book an advanced appointment for Fridays to view the first set of papers. The online guide is available at library.unr.edu to plan your visit.
The takeaway
The first set of Reid's papers is open now on the third floor of the Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center, so plan a drop-in visit Monday through Thursday or book ahead for Fridays. Watch the university for release of additional boxes, since the digital collection is not due until 2036.
Further reading
Readers interested in the state's history can also explore Gambling coverage in the Reno sub-category.
More information
Browse the online guide to the Harry Reid Papers before visiting the Special Collections reading room.
