September 15, 1941 is the groundbreaking ceremony for the Basic Magnesium Incorporated (BMI) and over 13,000 workers move into a tent city outside of the BMI plant. By January 10, 1944, the Basic Townsite is officially renamed Henderson and the BMI plant produces more than 166,322,685 pounds of magnesium ingots for the war effort.
Postwar housing shortages in Las Vegas sparks Henderson’s growth. The Henderson Betterment Group commits to building recreation facilities that will attract families. On April 16, 1953, the City of Henderson, Nevada is officially incorporated.
January 1963 is the groundbreaking for Henderson City Hall. Congress passes the Henderson Land Bill, which doubles the size of the city. The Lake Adair project stalemates.
Green Valley development is approved. BMI plant is modernized to produce boron trichloride for the US Air Force and NASA. In 1972, Clark County Community College begins conducting classes in Henderson. Levi Strauss & Company opens its doors in 1977.
Henderson experiences rapid expansion. Suburban residential development replaces heavy industrial growth. The Henderson Convention Center is built in 1982. May 4, 1988 fire destroys the PEPCON plant.

SOUVENIR NEVADA LICENSE PLATES

Henderson Historical Society souvenir Nevada license plates are now available.

Our Sponsors

HENDERSON-THEN AND NOW

An interactive look back and ahead! Dust off that old scrapbook and help us create a timescape of Henderson, Nevada through images.
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"HENDERSON SPEAKS"

Particpate in this new project! We're looking for Henderson's long-time residents to have their stories recorded. Get involved!
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DIRECTOR MEETINGS

Every Tuesday of the second week of the month 400 to 500 pm Gibson Library (Program Room) - 100 W. Lake Mead Blvd., Henderson, NV 89015

Meetings are from September through May.

We are dark June, July, August, summer months.

Stories & Events:

Henderson Historical Society October Newsletter 2026

The Henderson Historical Society's newsletter highlights information that is both timely and current as well as stories that celebrate Henderson’s rich history. If you have topics or stories you’d like us to discuss or share, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’d love to hear from you!...Read More

Water Street Art & Architecture Walk

Water Street Art & Architecture Walk Step into Henderson’s hippest neighborhood for a guided autumn stroll through the...Read More

History of Las Vegas Valley – Stanley W. Paher

History of Las Vegas Valley Nevada historian author and publisher Stanley was born in Las Vegas raised in Las...Read More

Henderson Historical Society-We must remember our History to grasp the Future

Welcome

Welcome to HENDERSON Civic Center The city of Henderson Nevada is one of the great untold stories of western expansion. A city built from the imagination of founders who saw potential in the natural resources and uncommon beauty of the landscape and sky, Henderson has a proud and dynamic history. From the founding of Basic Magnesium, Incorporated (BMI) in 1941, a plant that supplied much-needed magnesium ingots to the WWII effort, to its emergence today as the second largest city in Nevada, Henderson has always been ‘a place to call home.’

The Henderson Historical Society (HHS) is a gathering of like-minded individuals who share a deep respect for the city’s history and are actively engaged in protecting the stories, photos, and folklore from Henderson’s past. A virtual, online association, the HHS provides a place for supporters to explore the character, charm, and events that built this great city.

Supported by our Membership, an enthusiastic cadre of volunteers known as the Friends of the HHS, and a variety of Projects & Events, and educational outreach, the HSS provides a unique opportunity to discover the remarkable history of Henderson and the city’s contribution to the growth and development of Nevada.

Our Mission: To foster public awareness and pride and to preserve the history of Henderson, Nevada for future generations.