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. 

January Speaker: Paul Franklin, Mining Historian

From the first emigrants panning for gold in a Canyon emptying into the Carson River around 1849 to today’s mammoth open pit excavations, mining methods and technology have evolved, including what minerals are sought.  The Comstock developed more efficient methods of deep mining and extraction. The minerals initially sought were precious metals, then salts and copper and today’s lithium. View the developing methods, and technology in this history of mining in the Silver State.  

Paul Franklin has been an executive in the semiconductor industry for some 50 years. During his career he was instrumental in the start-up of five companies. Now retired, he consults with startup tech companies and is a frequent lecturer at Stanford University.  

Much of his time is focused on Western historical research on mining and its technology. He continues to publish articles in professional journals and is a regular lecturer for local museums and organizations. His first book, “Anatomy of an Ingot” follows the careers of three mining engineers and assayers who play a prominent role in Nevada’s early silver boom. Paul is completing a book about a Comstock Mining attorney, who died at the hands of his mistress in the early 1860’s.  

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