Dan Thielen, administrator of the Nevada Division of Museums and History, and other department officials briefed the Joint Subcommittee on General Government on staffing, operations and capital needs for the state museum system, including the Nevada State Railroad Museum visitor center in Boulder City and the East Ely Depot Museum.

Thielen said the division operates seven museums with roughly 70 staff statewide and described plans for a visitor center in Boulder City expected to open in 2026. The division anticipates a 50% increase in visitation at the new Boulder City center and asked the subcommittee for positions needed to open and operate the site, including museum attendants, custodians, groundskeepers and curatorial staff. Thielen said some requested curatorial positions did not survive the governor’s recommended budget and the division intends to return with revenue and demand to support them.

On facility needs, officials described near‑term repairs and equipment requests — a new roof membrane, humidifiers, heavy‑duty cleaning equipment, boom lifts and other museum‑specific apparatus — and said some costs derive from bringing railroad operations into full compliance with the Federal Railroad Administration. Thielen noted the FRA has required inspections and specialized engineering work that are expensive and necessary as the museum increases operations.

Thielen also discussed museum retail operations. He described a strategy to increase store inventory turnover so stores can generate sustainable private‑fund revenue to support staffing. The Las Vegas State Museum’s store showed revenue gains in recent fiscal years; Thielen said the division plans to request start‑up inventory funding from private funds and to rotate that inventory multiple times per year to build profit margins sufficient to justify a full‑time store manager.

On Ely and the Nevada Northern site, Thielen described a long‑running relationship with a local foundation that operates tourist‑railroad activities and the First Floor of the depot under deed language that permits the foundation to sell tickets and related business. He said the foundation ceased paying rent in 2017 and that the state has asked the courts to clarify deed language and reestablish a working relationship; Thielen described the situation as a “property management nightmare” and said the state seeks judicial clarification of the deed’s meaning.

Senators and assemblymembers asked about custodial staffing needs, the feasibility of retail revenue covering storekeeper salaries, and timing for staffing the Boulder City center. Thielen said additional custodial staff would reduce comp‑time burdens and provide coverage during public hours; he said the division plans to bring Boulder City positions on by January of the first year of the biennium (to prepare for a spring opening) and to cross‑train staff for multiple duties. Thielen emphasized museum safety and compliance and said some museum equipment requests stem from the need to maintain buildings and exhibits.

No formal votes were recorded during the hearing; the committee closed the account and moved on to subsequent budget items.