Imagine growing up in a town where your backyard view was the open desert and the iconic Las Vegas Strip was no more than a collection of scattered hotels, gas stations, and coffee shops. In this episode, Su Kim Chung speaks with filmmaker, historian, and author Lynn Zook about her mission to preserve the history of the Las Vegas she grew up in: a town built on the dreams and hard work of everyday people, not just the glitz and glamour of the casinos. From documenting over 130 interviews with locals, including performers, pioneers, and business owners, to creating the documentary, The Story of Classic Las Vegas, Lynn’s work captures the stories behind iconic landmarks like the Dunes and Caesars Palace and reveals what life was like before air conditioning and sprawling developments. “Everybody’s got a great story,” she says, highlighting how these narratives often challenge the mainstream versions of history. Tune in to discover how Lynn’s labor of love has left an indelible mark on Las Vegas’ cultural memory and why preserving history matters more than ever in our rapidly changing world!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Lynn’s upbringing in Las Vegas and her family’s connection to its early development.
• How the demolition of iconic landmarks motivated her to document local history.
• The evolution of the Classic Las Vegas project, capturing personal and historical narratives.
• Efforts to digitize interviews for preservation and public access at UNLV Special Collections.
• Names that stand out from the more than 130 interviews Lynn conducted.
• The value of creating a rich historical archive that future generations can access.
• Ways that Nevada residents have benefited from Lynn’s preservation efforts.
• Anecdotes that bring Las Vegas’ legacy and cultural memory to life.
• Challenges in garnering interest and financial support for historical projects like these.
• Lessons and advice for anyone who wants to follow in Lynn’s footsteps.
• The importance of supporting, preserving, and engaging with local history.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Classic Las Vegas

Gambling on a Dream

The Story of Classic Las Vegas: An Overview

Lynn Zook on LinkedIn

Lynn Zook on Facebook

Su Kim Chung

Women of Diversity Productions Inc.

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