Letter: Comstock Mining attacked by undermining the good efforts of Foundation

As a resident of Silver City, I am a proud board member of the Comstock Foundation for History and Culture. Born and raised in Carson City, I spent much of my youth on the Comstock. I focused much of my studies on Nevada and western history obtaining my undergraduate degree in history from the University of Nevada, Reno.

I was honored when asked to serve on the Foundation’s board and it has been incredibly rewarding to work with the Foundation during this exciting time for the Comstock Historic District.

The purpose of the Comstock Foundation for History and Culture is to promote the history of the Comstock Historic District through protection, preservation, restoration, maintenance, and celebration of the history and historic structures significant to Nevada’s past. Since its formation in 2013, the Foundation has made great strides. To date, the Foundation has restored the Upper Yellow Jacket head frame, acquired the Donovan Mill in Silver City for the purpose of saving this important historic structure from complete deterioration, and provided financial and grant assistance to so many other great organizations on the Comstock that preserve and share the history of the area.

The 150th anniversary of Nevada’s Statehood offers a fitting platform for the Foundation’s Nine Cheers for the Silver State fundraiser. Comstock’s history was integral in the formation of the State of Nevada. The historic dignitaries of Virginia City and political figures played an important role in the development of the Nevada Constitution. The Nine Cheers for the Silver State painting recalls a time when Virginia City dignitaries collaborated with policy-makers to create a document that sealed statehood for Nevada. For the present time, this painting captures representatives from the Comstock Foundation engaging in a celebration with political dignitaries for preserving the part of Nevada’s history that influenced not only the state, but also the nation. The painting captures history entwined with present efforts to preserve an important era in the history of Nevada.

It was truly disheartening for me to hear about the opposition from certain Silver City and Gold Hill residents to the fundraiser we are holding to raise money for the Foundation. Nine Cheers for the Silver State appears to be a point of discontent for this handful of local residents. The few dissenting articles and comments that I read about the foundation’s fundraiser, and the foundation itself, are riddled with misperceptions and inaccuracies presented as fact. The perception infused in a recent article claims that these residents lead the way when it comes to the investment of time and resources for the preservation of the Comstock. On the contrary, over fifteen million dollars of historic preservation grants and another fifteen million in federal tax credits have been invested in preserving the Comstock. In addition, local tax dollars have been invested in the restoration and rebuilding of structures lost to fire and deterioration.

A theme arising from this opposition is the connection of the Foundation to Comstock Mining, Inc. I have stayed quiet amidst the attacks on Comstock Mining by some locals. I can sympathize with their frustrations over open pit mining because I too am not comfortable with this form of mining. Conversely, my approach to addressing the issue of open pit mining is through cooperation, and honest and civil communication and collaboration. Yet, this new tactic of attacking Comstock Mining by undermining the good efforts of Foundation provokes me out of my silence. Indeed, members of Comstock Mining were associated with starting and initially funding the Foundation. Indeed, Comstock Mining is currently engaging in surface mining in Gold Hill.

However, Comstock Mining not only pursues the ore in the earth beneath the Comstock Historic District, but also invests in the future of the Comstock by recognizing the critical need for historic preservation and restoration, which in turn sustains a vital and diverse local economy, especially tourism. The two Comstock Mining officials portrayed in the Nine Cheers for the Silver State painting are decision-makers for the company who truly believe in taking the company’s efforts a beyond mining and restoring the Comstock to a sustainable economy of history, culture, and tourism. And that is why they actively participate as board members for the Comstock Foundation for History and Culture.

With integrity, objectivity and honor,

Pamela Abercrombie, MPA
Comstock Foundation for History and Culture Board Member and
Silver City Resident