Retired history curator Robert Nylen granted Emeritus status by Nevada State Museum
Submitted by Carson Now Reader on Thu, 03/02/2023 - 11:45am
CARSON CITY — Long-time history curator Robert “Bob” Nylen, who retired in 2020 after 36 years with the Nevada State Museum, was named Curator Emeritus on Feb. 2, 2023.
“This is such an honor,” Nylen said. “I couldn’t have even imagined an honor like this being given to me.”
The distinguished Emeritus title, granted to individuals who have made and continue to make significant contributions to their professions, was bestowed upon Nylen at an informal presentation with Museum Director Josh Bonde and Registrar Mary Covington in the Bretzlaff History Resource Center of the historic Carson City Mint building.
“This title ensures that Bob will be able to remain an official part of the Nevada State Museum for as long as he wishes,” said Nevada State Museum Director Josh Bonde.
Title notwithstanding, Bob Nylen has continued to be a veritable fixture at the Nevada State Museum even after his retirement. He volunteers regularly in the History Department, assisting in its ongoing research and cataloging efforts.
“Bob’s footprints are literally all over the Museum,” Bonde said, “from the work he continues doing in the Bretzlaff Center to the pair of jeans now worn by our prospector mannequin in the ghost town.”
Yes, those denim pants did indeed once belong to Nylen, who donated them to exhibits in 1985.
“I should probably ask that they be added to the collection at this point,” Nylen joked. “I remember we needed to find a pair of pants for the prospector, so I gave one of mine.”
A career spanning 44 years in state service, Nylen began working as a research assistant at the Nevada Historical Society in 1976 while earning his master’s degree in history from the University of Nevada, Reno. He was then hired as Acquisition Registrar at the Nevada State Museum in 1984 before becoming the institution’s first Curator of History in 1989.
Nylen said there wasn’t a history curator on staff at the museum until the position had been created at his suggestion.
Two achievements that Nylen said he cherishes the most are establishing the Marjorie Russell Clothing and Textile Center and founding the Frances Humphrey Lecture Series, which is still held monthly at the Nevada State Museum.
Nylen said he’s also proud of helping bring to light the significant contributions of women in the operation of the U.S. Mint in Carson City during the late 19th Century.
Additional accomplishments of his curatorship include securing the Wells Fargo Bank Norm Blitz “CC” Mint Coin Collection and the Fey Slot Machine Collection for the Museum, as well as starting the popular medallion minting program after restoring Coin Press No. 1 to service. Nylen even played a role in the recovery of the stolen Abe Curry watch.
Other institutions within the state’s museum system owe their development, in part, to Nylen, whose history department helped build the collections for both Nevada State Railroad Museums, the East Ely Depot and the Nevada State Museum in Las Vegas.
About the Nevada State Museum, Carson City
Founded in 1939, The Nevada State Museum (NSM) preserves the state’s history through unique and authentic educational experiences via its collections, exhibits, events, and outreach activities. The knowledge of the staff’s archivists, scientists, and historians provides leadership in heritage education which adheres to the highest standards of public-trust stewardship. For more information, visit carsonnvmuseum.org.
