Our Nevada Stories Seeks Nominations for Oral History Program - America250 Nevada’s Program works to capture Nevada’s Stories
Reno, Nev. (July 23, 2025) – As part of the Semiquincentennial anniversary of the founding of the United States of America, the Nevada Division of Museums and History and Nevada Arts Council have teamed up to collect stories from Nevadans for the first statewide oral history archive. This historic archive will be curated as an audio time capsule through the stories of multiple generations and perspectives.
The Our Nevada Stories program asks Nevadans to nominate community members who can tell unique local stories from their own perspective. Selected individuals will be interviewed by State of Nevada Folklorist Brad McMullen. The Our Nevada Stories project will be developed into a podcast series to be broadcast and available online in January 2026.
Modeled after the national program, Our American Stories, the project gives voice to state residents —from government officials to business owners to students — capturing what being a Nevadan means in this historic year.
“Our Nevada Stories is a way for every Nevadan to share their history and stories, and I look forward to collecting as many stories from as many people as possible. Everyone has something important to contribute and I can’t wait to see what surprises turn up,” said folklorist Brad McMullen.
A statewide call for nominations is open on America250NV.org site. Chosen nominations will be contacted for an in-person interview. In August, an online system will be available for anyone to tell their story and have it archived in the oral history project.
For more information on America250 Nevada, visit www.America250NV.org. For more information on the national America250 initiatives, visit www.america250.org.
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For in-person interviews:
Brad McMullen, Nevada Arts Council, is available in Las Vegas.
Dan Thielen, Division of Museums and History, is available in Reno.
About America250 Nevada:
America250 Nevada is the state of Nevada’s official effort aligning with the America250 initiative to commemorate the nation’s 250th Anniversary in 2026. America250 Nevada will work to celebrate the anniversary of the nation’s founding by recognizing the diverse contributions of Nevadans while promoting civic education and engagement. To learn more, visit www.america250nv.org.
About America250:
America250 is a nonpartisan initiative working to engage every American in commemorating the 250th anniversary of our country. This multi-year effort, from now through July 4, 2026, is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead toward the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond. To learn more, visit www.america250.org.
About Nevada Division of Museums and History:
A division of the Nevada Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, the Nevada State Division of Museums and History’s mission is to save and share Nevada’s heritage to inspire curiosity and lifelong learning for all generations. We aim to be a welcoming place that inspires, informs, and connects all to explore our shared history in any of our seven museums throughout the state. For more information and links to each of the museums, visit nvmuseums.org.
About Nevada Arts Council:
The Nevada Arts Council, a division of the Nevada Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, was created as a state agency in 1967. With offices in Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada Arts Council programs serve as a catalyst to stimulate artistic, creative, cultural, and economic activity across the state, enliven its breadth of communities, ensure lifelong learning in the arts for all Nevadans, and to encourage public and private support for the arts. For more information visit nvartscouncil.org.
