A presentation of the Nevada Historical Society, High Noon with Neal Cobb is a monthly history series that delves into Nevada topics with local experts. Neal Cobb is a passionate historian and honorary curator for the Nevada Historical Society. Each month he is joined by a different guest presenter.

Every Nevadan has a story, and Brad McMullen is interested in hearing as many of them as he can. As part of Nevada’s America250 celebration, Brad has been crossing the state collecting stories from longtime locals, new Nevadans, community leaders, creatives, historians, and everyday people with something to say, as well as asking people to submit their own stories to share. These stories are being edited into podcasts that will be airing in 2026, and the archives will be opening soon for people to explore. If you’re looking to learn more about how to either share your own story or listen to others, this is the talk for you.

Brad McMullen joined the Nevada Arts Council as the Folklife Specialist and State Folklorist in 2023. He was the former programs and gathering manager at the Western Folklife Center in Elko, Nevada, where he oversaw planning of the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering and other events. He arrived in Elko in July 2018, after graduating from the University of Oregon with two master’s degrees — one in public folklore and one in arts administration. He also has a master’s degree in Welsh from Cardiff University. He is originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The Nevada Arts Council was created as a state agency in 1967. With offices in Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada Arts Council programs promotes artistic, creative, cultural, and economic activity across the state, ensuring lifelong learning in the arts for all Nevadans, and encouraging public and private support for the arts Our Nevada Stories initiative is part of the state of Nevada’s America 250 celebration. A joint effort between the Nevada Arts Council and the Nevada Division of Museums and History, the initiative is collecting the stories of Nevadans around the state to celebrate Nevada’s role in our country's past, present, and future.

America250 marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. During this milestone year, we have an opportunity to reflect on our heritage, celebrate our accomplishments, and dream of the future we want. America250 Nevada honors our state’s role in making this great nation with a six-month-long celebration.

Register to join High Noon with Neal Cobb on Zoom. Recordings of past episodes are available on the library’s YouTube channel.