High Noon – The Life and Times of the Churchill County Museum (Virtual)

The Life and Times of the Churchill County Museum

Mel Glover, Director
December 19, 2024 – Noon

Virtual Program. Register: https://events.washoecountylibrary.us/event/12850167

Nevada Historical Society presents High Noon with Neal Cobb, a wonderful history series that delves into fascinating Nevada topics with local experts. Neal Cobb is a passionate historian and honorary curator for the Nevada Historical Society. He loves all things Nevada. Join Neal Cobb and our monthly speakers as we explore interesting topics and join in the audience conversations.

Title of Program: The Life and Times of the Churchill County Museum

Summary of Program: A brief description of how the museum got its start, its evolution, its status, and where we hope to take it.

November speaker: Mel Glover

Mel Glover, Director

Bio: Mel loves cool mountain mornings and evening strolls along a windswept seaside. He feels that the serial, or Oxford, comma should be enshrined in the US Constitution. He hates the Pina Colada song but loves a good Pina Colada. He’s just kidding…but not about Pina Coladas…

Mel has a bachelor’s degree in American history and a master’s degree in public history (any history that is not taught in a classroom). He’s been a museum professional since 2009 starting in Ohio, moved to Wyoming, and finally to Fallon, Nevada. Mel’s love for museums stems from the frequent trips he took with his grandmother, who lived outside of Boston and whose motto seemed to have been, ‘If it’s a bad day outside, it’s a good day to go to a museum.’

After watching a first-person representation of a soldier after the Battle of Gettysburg, he has absolutely been hooked on people’s personal histories; what historian and author, Studs Terkel, called the ‘Worms’ eye view.’ Mel’s great love now is to figure out how to reach children and adults where they are and bring them further into the realm of unabashed geekdom. He believes that when he gets excited about a story, it’s almost his duty to stoke those same passions in others.

And finally, if he calls you ‘an honorary fifth grader’, that is high praise indeed.

About Churchill County Museum & Archives:

The Churchill County Museum is a public-private partnership of Churchill County and the Churchill County Museum Association. Located on historic Route 50, the museum was given the honorific title of being the “Best Little Museum on the Loneliest Road in America.” Each year the museum presents a variety of exhibits and programs that reflect its mission, “To help people forge meaningful connections to Churchill County’s natural and cultural heritage, strengthen community ties and shape its future.”

Interest in preserving the history of Churchill County began in 1964 during Nevada’s centennial. In Fallon, festivities celebrating the state’s 100th birthday included decorating the windows of Maine Street businesses with artifacts from the area’s past. After the 1964 festivities had ended, community volunteers were determined to establish a permanent repository for local history.  Margaret and Alex Oser donated the old Safeway building in 1967 and the museum opened its doors on July 4, 1968.

We would like to thank the Washoe County Library System for this collaborative series, helping NHS make this program virtual!