Nevadans are being invited to share their experiences and memories through 'Our Nevada Stories', a new online story-gathering program created as part of the national celebration of the Semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.
The project is supported by the NV Energy Foundation in partnership with the Nevada Division of Museums and History and the Nevada Arts Council.
The initiative will create the first statewide oral history archive, preserving stories from people across Nevada as part of an audio time capsule featuring multiple generations and perspectives.
State Folklorist Brad McMullen is leading the effort to collect stories through both in-person interviews and the online platform "Their Story". “We truly believe that everyone has a story,” said McMullen. “It is in these small stories that make the culture and fabric of our community.”
Stories gathered through the project will be featured in a podcast series launching in 2026, included in State Museum exhibits, and kept in a permanent statewide archive.
The online submission system, available at America250Nevada.org on the Our Nevada Stories page, offers three ways for people to participate. They can share a Nevada Day-themed story about traditions and past experiences, tell a general Nevada-related story about family or community, or submit a story freely without prompts.
The site includes detailed instructions to guide participants through the process.
With support from the NV Energy Foundation, staff will also visit cities and towns across Nevada to record one-on-one interviews with local leaders and community members.
Those interested in sharing their story through an interview can contact McMullen directly at bmcmullen@nevadaculture.org.
