At last Wednesday's Pershing County commissioner's meeting, several Lovelock residents clashed with Gabriel Bourne from the Walker River Tribe and April Wilson from the Fallon Paiute Shoshone Tribe.
Bourne and Wilson raised concerns about the museum's ghost tours. They believe the tours conflict with Tribal artifacts on loan to the museum.
"We are here on own behalf, not representing the Tribe or speaking for Lovelock," said Bourne. "We feel offended by what is going on at the museum. It's gone too far."
Tribal elder Vernon Rogers shared his insights and encouraged resolution of the conflict. He likened the quarrel to a domestic dispute. Friendships and family ties between some of those involved make resolution difficult, but not impossible.
Ghost tour guide and paranormal author Dawn Bequette, city council member Bonnie Skoglie and museum director Kelly Thompson spoke on behalf of the museum. Thompson is currently running for a seat on the city council.
The debate grew heated, with some speakers on each side fighting tears. The matter was on the agenda for discussion only.
"There was some talk about bringing it back for action, not just discussion," said commissioner Larry Rackley by email after the meeting. "We discuss what to put on the agenda the week before." The next commissioner's meeting is on Aug. 7.
In the meantime, the tours and paranormal investigations continue since the commissioners previously gave them the green light.
Bourne and Williams also object to the artificial skeletons with red wigs stationed at the front door of the museum. According to legend, the Paiutes exterminated a race of cannibalistic red-haired giants at the Lovelock Caves. Last Halloween, the museum stood the skeletons by the front doors. Both Bourne and Williams expressed dismay about the decor which they feel is disrespectful of Native lore.
"They're using our heritage to get people in the door," Bourne said.
Thompson says the conflict started when Bourne and Williams saw a Facebook post with a photo of Senator Catherine Cortez Masto and others standing in front of the museum flanked by the skeletons. She visited in early June.
On June 26, Bourne and Williams complained to the museum board. Williams says the board agreed to take down the skeletons but never did. Instead, she says, the board served no-trespass orders to her and Bourne for checking to see if the skeletons were still there a week later. They barred them from the museum and banned them from its social media. They can no longer see the Native display under discussion.
"I was 86'd from the museum board meeting," Bourne said.
Skoglie says the board members felt threatened. Bourne says that was not his intention and they will continue to act within the letter and spirit of the Law.
The Lovelock Paiute Tribal Council sent a letter to the Marzen House, which the museum posted on its Facebook page.
The letter, dated June 28, says in part, "There is no documentation and proof that the artificial skeletons are detrimental. At this time, we see no harm in using them to draw attention to the Native Exhibit prompting discussion of our Native history. Documentation proves they are artificial, not actual human remains."
Thompson says the June 26 museum board meeting was for discussion only. An agreement to take the skeletons down was premature because, by law, the board can't take action on a public comment. They must place it on the agenda for action first. Thompson emphasizes it is a board, not an individual decision.
The museum's ghostly activities take place in the main house of the museum grounds, a two-story structure built in 1875. Thompson emphasizes that the museum keeps the Native collection in a separate building. The Tribal artifacts are not part of the ghost tours or paranormal investigations.
There's no denying that ghost tourism is a potential goldmine. About four in 10 Americans believe in ghosts, according to a 2021 survey.
The museum's ghost tours, which cost $20 per person, started in late 2023 but ghost tours have been popular in Lovelock and around the country for years. In fact, they're a global phenomenon.
A 2020 study in the Cornell Hospitality Quarterly found that haunted tourism has helped historic house museums raise money to make needed improvements. It's saved more than one from the wrecking ball.
"We have had 18 tours with 103 attendees and made $2,060 with an additional $80 in tips through the ghost tours. Every cent is put in the museum account. The funds go to upgrading and developing new exhibits," said Skoglie by email.
Museum visitors from as far away as Germany stop in Lovelock to buy gas, eat and sleep. If they stay in a motel, the County gets a paycheck in the form of sales tax. Thompson says the ghost tours and paranormal investigations bring revenue to Lovelock and help the museum with its dream of building a village on the property.
Bequette, Thompson, and Gabby Frias have invested over 178 hours as volunteer ghost tour guides. They also lead the paranormal investigations. The first one took place on April 20, 2024.
"We have three large paranormal investigations scheduled. Each person on these investigations pays $120. Again, our three ladies will donate their time for these events," Skoglie said.
Many people from the Lovelock Paiute Tribe have attended the ghost tours and left rave reviews. They also helped move the Native artifacts from their original location in the main house to a more spacious area. Bourne suspects the artifacts were moved to make room for an alleged ghost named Baby Girl. However, the display's new location is widely regarded as an improvement.
Skoglie says the museum wants to collaborate with the Tribe.
"We want them to teach us the history of their people and how they want their story told. They are consulted on everything and every aspect of the Native American display room." Bourne counters that there are more Tribes involved than the Lovelock Paiute Tribe since the artifacts don't come only from Lovelock..
Thompson uploads videos on social media including Facebook, TikTok and YouTube to get the word out about the ghost walks and paranormal investigations. To Bourne and Williams, that's part of the problem.
"She's using the museum's security cameras to record these videos and I know that's not what you want," Williams said to the commissioners. She said some of the videos portray Lovelock as cursed, adding "I know that's not what Lovelock wants to be known for."
Thompson believes Williams is referring to a reality TV show that filmed on location at the museum, depot and her house two-and-a-half years ago. "That was all made up for a TV show," she says. It still lives on YouTube.
To Wilson, Thompson is conjuring spirits.
Thompson denies the charge. As a Wiccan, she says her beliefs are closely aligned with Native beliefs including respect for ancestors. "I don't conjure. Never have," she says. "I don't believe in conjuring.""On the other hand, if somebody comes to talk with me, I'm going to talk with them, because I always have. I have the gift. So does my sister, mother, and some of my nieces, and nephews. It's in my family very strong."
"She can believe whatever she wants to believe, but it shouldn't be pushed at the museum," says Bourne.