Carson City – Governor Jim Gibbons today announced the appointment of Nevada State Museum Curator of History Robert A. Nylen to the Governors’ Council of the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission.  In 2000, Congress created the Commission to plan celebrations and activities to honor the man often considered to have been America’s greatest president.  Abraham Lincoln has particular significance to Nevadans because it was President Lincoln who proclaimed Nevada’s statehood on October 31^st, 1864.

“I am very proud of the work Bob Nylen has done for our state during his career at the Nevada State Museum,” said Governor Gibbons, “and the fact that he is an independent Lincoln scholar makes him the ideal Nevada representative on this important council.  Bob was born in Illinois, Lincoln’s home state, and has long considered the study of our sixteenth president a personal passion.  On the Governor’s Council, he can give Nevadans a new appreciation of not only Abraham Lincoln, the man, but also President Lincoln’s significant involvement in the birth of our great state.”

Robert Nylen has researched, written and lectured about Nevada’s rich history for the past 30 years.  He spent seven years working for the Nevada Historical Society before moving to the Nevada State Museum 23 years ago.  He has helped to curate many of the museum’s exhibits during his tenure.  He also helped develop the popular Kit Carson Trail Walking Tour in Carson City.

“I’m honored to be selected to help Nevadans prepare to celebrate the life and accomplishments of Abraham Lincoln.  I look forward to working with groups in various communities across the state in planning events and programs that will help Nevadans learn more about this great man and his involvement in our state’s history as well as in our national history,” said Nylen.

The Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission has planned two years of events from 2008 through 2010 to commemorate President Lincoln and to educate Americans about his significance in the development of our nation.  The climax of the commemoration will be February 12, 2009, the 200^th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth.  The Governors’ Council of the Bicentennial Commission serves as a liaison between the Commission and individual states.  Nylen will be responsible for coordinating commemorative events within Nevada and its communities.