Director of Lifelong Learning at the Neon Museum
This week, Ira spoke with Melisa McChesney, newly appointed Director of Lifelong Learning at the Neon Museum. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Melisa shares her journey from a museum-obsessed 19-year-old to a seasoned educator shaping how Las Vegas learns its own history. She talks about what drew her to the Neon Museum, its uniquely Vegas stories, and how she’s building programs that spark curiosity for everyone—from K-12 students and families to older adults exploring “creative aging.”
Melisa reveals how the museum goes beyond its iconic signs, preserving menus, keychains, and decks of cards that capture the city’s cultural DNA. She discusses partnerships with the school district, the growing demand for space, the power of oral histories, and why fun is essential to every learning experience. Her goal? To create opportunities for people of all ages to connect through the art, design, and history that make Las Vegas truly one of a kind.
Prior to joining The Neon Museum, Melisa served as Curator of Community Engagement at Wyoming State Museum, where she led educational initiatives and outreach programs that connected thousands of residents across the state each year. Her work emphasized accessibility and participation, building meaningful bridges between museums and the diverse communities they serve.