People: Dan Thielen named the new administrator for the Division of Museums and History

Dan Thielen has been named the new administrator for the Division of Museums and History, a promotion from his post as director of the Nevada State Railroad Museums.

For 15 years, Thielen has worked for the State of Nevada’s Division of Museums and History, most recently managing the three railroad museums in Nevada located in Carson City, East Ely, and Boulder City. He oversaw 15 employees and 150 volunteers.

His work in that capacity was key in the recent growth of the programs, including the funding of a new interpretive center in Boulder City and capital improvements to the Freight Building in Ely. Thielen graduated with a Bachelor of Science (cum laude) from Utah State University in social studies and secondary education. He completed a Master of Science degree from Utah State University in American studies with a focus in living history at the RV Jenson Living Historical Farm in Cache Valley. As part of this work, he restored and operated a 1905 Case steam traction engine.

Thielen is a retired Nevada Army National Guard major and deployed as the director of the Tactical Biometrics Cell-Afghanistan in Operation Enduring Freedom. Thielen was also qualified as a combat photographer and Army historian.