In a heartwarming moment of partnership between community, corporate stewardship, and local heritage, NV Energy announced a $75,000 grant to the Marzen House Museum during the July 16 Pershing County Commission meeting. The funds will be used to bring full power to the museum’s existing outbuilding and to energize exciting new expansions on the horizon. Presenting the project were Chloe Chisholm, Tony Gildone, and Michael Mathewson of NV Energy, and local lineman Eli Kiel, all of NV Energy, alongside museum advocate and commissioner Bonnie Skoglie, who has long championed improvements to the historic site. The grant will allow for permanent electric service to be extended to the museum’s satellite buildings—some of which have never had power. It also clears the way for the museum to accept and display an extensive 1907 historical collection, which will be housed in new buildings planned for the property.
"This is a big deal for Lovelock,” said Skoglie, addressing fellow commissioners. “Our museum isn’t just for us, it’s a connection point for tourists, schoolchildren, and families who come here to understand the roots of this place. This grant lights the way forward.”
The Marzen House Museum, perched on the edge of the city, preserves artifacts and memories from Pershing County’s ranching, mining, and pioneer past. It is a treasured resource for locals and visitors alike, often used for tours, field trips, and community events. Representatives from NV Energy said they were proud to support the project, noting the effort required to make it happen. From field assessments to logistics coordination with the County and museum staff, the process spanned many months and involved collaboration at every level.
“This is about keeping history alive,” Gildone said. “And it’s also about doing something tangible for the community we serve.” The $75,000 grant comes as part of NV Energy’s broader commitment to supporting rural communities and preserving cultural heritage throughout the state. For Lovelock, it’s more than a utility upgrade, it’s a long-term investment in the stories that make this small town shine.
Plans are already underway to begin infrastructure improvements this year. Once the buildings are powered, staff and volunteers can begin designing the new exhibits to feature the 1907 collection and expand the museum’s capacity to host school groups and tourists year-round.
“This is about honoring our past and making sure future generations can experience it firsthand,” said Skoglie. “And thanks to NV Energy, we can keep that legacy glowing.”
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