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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For over 50 years, Gwendolyn K. Walker has been a driving force in preserving Nevada’s African American history. In this episode, host Erica Vital-Lazare sits down with Gwendolyn, founder of the Walker African American Museum, to explore her lifelong commitment to ensuring that the stories of Black Nevadans are not forgotten. Gwendolyn shares her inspiring journey, from collecting photographs and historical artifacts as a young girl to establishing her museum in the heart of Las Vegas’ historic West Side. Tuning in, you’ll learn how her passion was sparked by the lack of representation in school libraries and how she overcame numerous challenges, including personal loss and community setbacks, to keep the museum going. The conversation also touches on the evolving role of African Americans in Nevada’s sports and entertainment industries and Gwendolyn’s vision for a larger museum that continues to honor the past. Tune in to hear Gwendolyn's story and discover how one woman’s dream became a cornerstone of cultural preservation!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Gwendolyn reflects on her lifelong passion for collecting African American history.
• How a childhood book report sparked her interest in Black pioneers and leaders.
• The significance of her mother’s support in fueling Gwendolyn’s thirst for knowledge.
• Gwendolyn’s journey from running businesses to founding a museum in Las Vegas.
• Challenges she faced while searching for the perfect location for her museum.
• The importance of Las Vegas’ West Side in Nevada’s African American history.
• Gwendolyn’s dedication to teaching children about Black history through her collection.
• How she preserved entertainment memorabilia from notable Black figures like Eartha Kitt.
• The role her museum has played in educating college students and local residents.
• Personal experiences and setbacks that have shaped Gwendolyn’s preservation efforts.
• Her ongoing work archiving Nevada’s Black sports figures and their contributions.
• Gwendolyn’s plans for incorporating technology and digitizing the museum’s collection.
• Her hopes for expanding the museum and her vision for its future.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Gwendolyn K. Walker
The Walker African-American Museum & Research Center
George Washington Carver

Erica Vital-Lazare

Su Kim Chung

Women of Diversity Productions Inc.

Nevada Humanities
The National Endowment for the Humanities

Caesars Entertainment

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What drives someone to preserve history, even in the face of overwhelming odds? In this episode of the Women Who Saved History podcast, we explore the remarkable life and legacy of Elizabeth Warren, a passionate historian and preservationist dedicated to protecting Las Vegas' architectural and natural heritage. Joining us today are her sons, Louis and Jonathan Warren, who share personal stories about their mother’s fierce commitment to preserving iconic landmarks such as Spring Mountain Ranch, the Springs Preserve, and the Old Mormon Fort. As the first interpretive ranger at Spring Mountain Ranch, Elizabeth worked tirelessly to ensure its survival, from her work as a docent to championing its designation as a state park. Beyond that, she fought for the preservation of numerous historical sites, often battling against powerful forces intent on development. Louis and Jonathan reflect on her relentless drive and the lasting impact of her victories in shaping the Las Vegas landscape. Tune in to hear more about Elizabeth’s early life, her love for the desert, her role in creating the Nevada Women’s Archives, and how she turned adversaries into allies during her long career in historic preservation. Don’t miss this intimate conversation about a woman whose legacy is seen in the very foundations of modern Las Vegas!

Key Points From This Episode:

• A warm welcome to Jonathan and Louis Warren, sons of Elizabeth Warren.
• Elizabeth and her husband Claude’s roles in preserving Nevada’s history.
• The many historical locations that remind Jonathan and Louis of their parents.
• Her early life and education; from growing up in Brooklyn to her time at Barnard College.
• How she met her husband, Claude during her graduate work at Northwestern University.
• Their family’s move to Las Vegas and Elizabeth’s early preservation efforts.
• The role she played in turning Spring Mountain Ranch into a state park.
• Elizabeth’s connection with Anna Dean Kepper and their efforts to save the Mormon Fort.
• The passion she felt for her work; why she wasn’t afraid to fight for preservation.
• Lessons Elizabeth learned from Thalia Dondero about political maneuvering.
• Vera Krupp’s history on Spring Mountain Ranch and how it was bought by Howard Hughes.
• Bob Coffin, a former state senator on Elizabeth’s role in saving Las Vegas High School.
• Looking at Elizabeth’s legacy; how her work has impacted modern Las Vegas.
• Her unique ability to turn adversaries into allies and deliver compelling stories.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Louis Warren

Louis Warren UC Davis

Louis Warren Stanford

Jonathan Warren
Jonathan Warren on LinkedIn
Elizabeth von Till Warren

‘The Old Spanish National Historic Trail’
Elizabeth von Till Warren Papers

Elizabeth von Till and Claude N. Warren Professional Papers

Claytee White on LinkedIn

Su Kim Chung

Nevad

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Imogene Evelyn Young Ford, affectionately known as Jean, was a key figure in preserving Nevada's cultural and historical legacy. As a volunteer, citizen activist, and state senator, her deep commitment to safeguarding the Silver State's heritage made her instrumental in documenting and protecting its history for future generations. Through her extensive involvement with historical societies, Jean ensured that the stories of Nevada's pioneers were meticulously preserved and honored. In this episode of The Women Who Saved History, host Claytee White and scholar Su Kim Chung are joined by Jean’s daughters, Janet Ford Spelman and Carla Ford, as well as historian and founding member of the Nevada Women’s History Project (NWHP), Kathy Noneman, to explore Jean’s steadfast dedication to preserving Nevada’s history. Together, they delve into how Jean championed the preservation of Nevada’s unique historical landmarks and cultural artifacts and how she educated the public about her beloved state’s history, highlighting the essential contributions of women in shaping its communities. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about the profound impact of Jean Ford’s work and how it continues to influence Nevada’s historical landscape today!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Reflections on Jean’s early life and her role in preserving the history of Nevada.
• What motivated her to advocate for the protection of Nevada's heritage.
• Ways that her work is used by historians in the state today and why it’s so important.
• Obstacles Jean encountered and how she overcame them with resilience and hard work.
• How her daughters perceived the significance of her political work at the time.
• The little things that surprised Carla and Janet about their mother.
• Insight into the Nevada Women’s History Project (NWHP), co-founded by Jean in 1996.
• Some of Carla and Janet’s favorite memories and anecdotes about their mother.
• Kathy’s perspective on Jean’s role in documenting women’s history in Nevada.
• How the residents of Nevada have benefitted from her preservation efforts.
• Strategies she employed to inspire people and unite them around a common cause.
• Kathy’s memories of the Silver State Sampler Tours that Jean arranged.
• Strengths and unexpected talents that contributed to Jean’s success as an organizer.
• The profound impact she had on everyone around her, right up until her passing in 1998.
• Notable efforts that she made to improve the lives of women and children.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Imogene (Jean) Evelyn Young Ford

Nevada Women’s History Project (NWHP)

University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Jean Ford Papers

UNLV Special Collections and Archives

UNLV Oral History Research Center (OHRC)

University of Nevada, Reno (UNR)

Claytee White
Su Kim Chung
Janet Ford Spelman
Dr. Carla Ford

Kathy Noneman

Women of Dive

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In this episode of The Women Who Saved History, hosts Claytee White and Su Kim Chung speak with Dennis McBride about Anna Dean Kepper’s remarkable accomplishments in preserving Nevada’s history, including her efforts to archive local historical documents in UNLV Special Collections and promote the significance of historical preservation. Kepper also founded the Association for the Preservation of the Las Vegas Mormon Fort (which later became the Preservation Association of Clark County), while her friend Elizabeth (Liz) Warren later founded Friends of the Fort which helped the State Parks System acquire the Fort. Nevada native McBride has been a passionate historian and queer advocate since the 1970s. Join us as he shares his personal memories of Anna Dean and offers his perspective on her extraordinary story, from her invaluable contributions to historical preservation to the way she inspired and motivated everyone around her. .Although she only spent a decade of her short life in Las Vegas, during that time, she had a considerable influence on the community by fostering a new respect for its history. For insights into the profound impact of preserving our shared heritage and how understanding our past can shape a better future, tune in today!

Key Points From This Episode:

• What Dennis remembers about Anna Dean Kepper during her time at UNLV.
• Why he sees her as one of the “most important savers of Las Vegas and Nevada history.”
• Anna Dean’s relationship with historian Ralph Roske and the oral history project they built.
• A glimpse into Anna Dean’s early life and the key historical collections she brought to UNLV.
• Where Dennis believes Anna Dean got her inspiration and motivation from.
• Some of the research, projects, and reports that he and Anna worked on together.
• Reflections on Anna Dean’s touching memorial and who was in attendance.
• Insight into Dennis’ belief that creating resources for others is a measure of one’s value.
• Challenges that Anna Dean faced and how her persistence led to preservation.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dennis McBride

Anna Dean Kepper

Anna Dean Kepper Papers (UNLV)

Dennis McBride Collection on LGBTQ Las Vegas, Nevada

Claytee White

Su Kim Chung

University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV)

Women of Diversity Productions Inc.

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Did you know that the foundation of Nevada's historical preservation was laid by a woman who started with a general store and a passion for collecting? In today’s episode, host Claytee White and scholar Su Kim Chung interview Amber Colbert, the Clark County Museum Administrator, about the remarkable contributions of Anna Roberts Parks. Anna's journey began in 1911 when she moved to Las Vegas, quickly becoming a pivotal figure in preserving Nevada's history through her extensive collection of artifacts. Amber shares the fascinating story of how Anna's initial interest in Native American arts and minerals evolved into a vast collection that became the backbone of the Clark County Museum. From running multiple businesses, including a mortuary, to her fearless advocacy for preservation, Anna's legacy is both inspiring and profound. Her dedication ensured that the rich history of Nevada remains accessible to all, creating a tangible connection across generations. Join us as we celebrate Anna Roberts Parks, a true pioneer in historical preservation, whose efforts have left an indelible mark on our state's heritage!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Get to know today’s guest Amber Colbert, the Clark County Museum Administrator.
• Amber’s introduction to today’s subject, Anna Roberts Parks.
• How Anna laid the foundation for the Clark County Museum's collection.
• The extensive range of her collection, featuring over a million artifacts.
• An overview of Anna’s family, upbringing, and how she met her future husband.
• The story of her move to Las Vegas in 1911 and her impact on the community.
• Anna’s talent for operating multiple businesses, including a general store and a mortuary.
• Her passion for collecting items, including Native American arts and minerals.
• An overview of the Clark County Museum's beginnings with Anna's initial collection.
• How her legacy continues to connect generations and preserve Nevada's history.
• Some of the biggest challenges Anna faced as a woman.
• Insights into the dual facets of her personality, being both caring and strong.
• The significance of Anna's fearless advocacy for historical preservation.
• How her collection continues to grow into the present day.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Women of Diversity Productions Inc.

Amber Colbert on LinkedIn

Clark County Museum
Claytee White

Claytee White on LinkedIn

Su Kim Chung

Su Kim Chung on LinkedIn

Su Kim Chung on X

Anna Roberts Parks

Jeanne Wier

Helen J. Stewart

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In today’s episode, we explore the work, life, and legacy, of Dr. Effie Mona Mack, a prolific writer, celebrated historian, and beloved teacher. We are joined by Patti Bernard, a former history teacher and WCSD principal, who, in 2015 was chosen as the Nevada Women’s History Project’s (NWHP) honoree for Woman of Achievement. Our host for today’s episode is Claytee White, a Women of Diversity Productions Inc. Board Director. She is accompanied by scholar, Su Kim Chung. Tuning in you’ll learn about the important contributions Effie made to preserving Nevada State history, how her work has been used by historians, and the many ways residents have benefitted from her work. Discover the lengths Effie went to make sure the Alfred Doten Diaries returned to the state of Nevada, the breadth of information these 79 diaries contained, how these can be accessed today, and much more. Patti also shares her insights on Effie’s difficult relationship with Jeanne Weir, the research Effie did for her dissertations, and other noteworthy interests she had outside of her passion for history. Tune in to hear the full scope of our conversation on the esteemed Dr. Effie Mona Mack!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Get to know today’s guest, Patti Bernard, and her career in Nevada.
• Patti’s introduction to Effie Mona Mack and her contributions to Nevada state history.
• Effie’s early life, education, family, and surprising talent for basketball.
• The academic atmosphere Effie grew up in and how it informed her research.
• How her work has been used in the state by historians.
• The many ways that Nevada state residents have benefitted from her preservation efforts.
• Effie’s remarkable work bringing the Alfred Doten diaries to Nevada.
• The history of Alfred Doten, his 79 diaries, and how these can be accessed today.
• Some of the biggest challenges Effie encountered in her work.
• What led to her difficult relationship with noted Nevada historian, Jeanne Weir.
• Effie’s dissertation on Senator William Stewart, and her extensive travel and research.
• Why Patti suspects that esteemed professor, Herbert Bolton, oversaw Effie’s dissertation.
• Some of the unique circumstances and character traits that led to Effie’s successes.
• The Riverside hotel that Effie owned, and other interests she had outside history.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Women of Diversity Productions Inc.

Claytee White

Claytee White on LinkedIn

Su Kim Chung

Su Kim Chung on LinkedIn

Su Kim Chung on X

Patti Bernard

Effie Mona Mack

Alfred Doten Diaries

Jeanne Wier

Hannah Clapp

Anne Martin

Sarah Winnemucca

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During this episode, we celebrate the legacy of Jeanne Wier in preserving Nevada’s history. Joining us to unpack her impact on chronicling Nevada’s history is Su Kim Chung, Head of Special Collections and Archives Public Services at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. Interviewing her is Claytee White, a Women of Diversity Productions Inc Board Director. Join us as we explore the long-lasting impact of Jeanne’s foundational work at the Nevada Historical Society for over 46 years and the early experiences that first ignited her passion for it. Join us as we dissect Jeanne’s personal and academic journey, her friendship and eventual enmity with feminist figure Anne Martin, and her work of pioneering the Historical Society as a labor of love. Jeanne’s work has been pivotal to all kinds of research today. Don’t miss this deep-dive into her lasting impact in Nevada and beyond.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Our guest, Su Kim Chung, offers background on historical figure, Jeanne Wier.
• Jeanne’s academic journey at Stanford as a history student and professor.
• Her friendship and eventual enmity with feminist figure Anne Martin.
• Anne Martin’s work to get suffrage passed in America.
• What was required of Jeanne to start the Historical Society as a labor of love.
• Her famous trip to Las Vegas and beyond in the summer of 1908.
• Why this work was important to the Historical Society and the people of Nevada.
• Su’s path to choosing to study Jeanne Wier’s work.
• How Jeanne’s work laid the foundation for the writing of Russell Elliott and others.
• Challenges Jeanne would have faced as a woman researching and travelling.
• Surprises Su encountered in her research: Jeanne did this work without being paid for it.
• How Jeanne went about extracting the information that constitutes our history.
• The relevance of her legacy for all types of research.
• Her love of Nevada as an ‘adopted child’ of the State.
• Quotes that demonstrate her experience and her sense of humor.
• What we can learn from Jeanne’s incredible work as librarians and archivists.
• Su Kim Chung’s projection for releasing her book in 2026.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Su Kim Chung on LinkedIn

Su Kim Chung on X

Claytee White on LinkedIn

Anne Henrietta Martin

University of Nevada

Women of Diversity Productions Inc.

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