In preserving Nevada state history, it’s essential that all groups are represented. Today, we are joined by Lynette Sawyer, cultural collector and founder of the Hispanic Museum of Nevada, an institution committed to driving awareness of diverse Hispanic cultures to foster greater intercultural understanding. In our conversation, we hear from Lynette about her upbringing in New York and how her parents exposed her to many cultural opportunities, including the myriad of museums along the Museum Mile. She shares the humble beginnings of the Hispanic Museum of Nevada, starting with a simple cabinet that she had fixed and how it’s grown and evolved over the years across various locations and partnerships. We discuss the museum’s impact on the community through its diverse range of programs and items and how it has helped raise awareness of different Latino cultures and indigenous languages. Lynette also shares some of the key challenges the museum has faced, like fundraising and navigating different cultural infrastructures, before reflecting on the current state of the museum and what to expect from its future. To hear all about the Hispanic Museum of Nevada and its unique cultural journey, tune in for this inspiring conversation with Lynette Sawyer!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Lynette’s upbringing in Manhattan, New York, and her early exposure to cultural opportunities.
• Moving to Nevada and how Lynette began and grew the Hispanic Museum of Nevada.
• Details of her first fundraiser, involving local casinos and cultural performances.
• An overview of the various locations of the Hispanic Museum of Nevada.
• The museum’s expansion and the involvement of different cultural groups and artists.
• Artifacts exhibited at the museum and the community’s support through donated items.
• The museum’s impact on the community, including programs for different age groups.
• Raising awareness of diverse Latino cultures and indigenous languages.
• Recognition Lynette received from organizations, including the Latin Chamber of Commerce.
• Challenges of managing the museum, such as raising funds.
• The museum's current status and revival plans via the city’s community plan.
• Lynette’s reflections on what she learned through her work with the museum.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Lynnette Sawyer
Hispanic Museum of Nevada
‘Six questions for Lynnette Sawyer’
Claytee White
Su Kim Chung

Erica Vital-Lazare

Women of Diversity Productions Inc.

Nevada Humanities
The National Endowment for the Humanities

Caesars Entertainment

Send us a text

Support the show

How do we pay honor to our histories and build alongside them instead of paving over them? This episode is an in-depth conversation with the inimitable Director of Oral History at UNLV, Claytee D. White. Join us as she shares her early experiences of connecting with the Black community through oral history before entering into a career in this field. We discuss the migration to Las Vegas, addressing misconceptions about its demographics, and touch on what it means to find commonalities across communities. Acknowledging the abundance of stories from migrants and immigrants, we discuss the importance of preserving them, and Claytee shares some of the methods she uses to do so. Next, Claytee uncovers the story of Mary Nettles’, a Black female property owner who helped to start the NAACP in 1928. Listening in, you’ll also get a preview of the areas of interest that Claytee will focus on in her upcoming book. Thanks for listening!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Welcoming historian, author, and oral history expert Claytee D. White.
• The story of her first experiences with oral history and the Black community.
• Discovering unwritten histories to continue their legacy.
• Clarifying the misconstrued notion that the migration to Las Vegas was limited to a single people group.
• Finding the commonalities between the journey of different people groups.
• The abundance of stories showing that the United States was built on immigrant and migrant labor.
• Modern stories of migration motivated by climate change.
• Claytee’s vision for the future of the East, West,’ and North communities of Las Vegas.
• Her work in digitizing history and archiving information.
• The opportunities that the city has afforded Claytee and the amazing connections she has made because of them.
• How Claytee is using history to enforce the 100 Plan Idea that emerged from the community.
• The story of Legacy Park, which pays homage to those who helped to build the community since 1870.
• Mary Nettles; a property owner whose story has been preserved through oral history.
• A sneak preview into the content of her upcoming book.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Erica Vital-Lazare Researcher Profile
Erica Vital-Lazare on Literary Hub
Claytee D. White Researcher Profile
UNLV
Oral History Research Center
News from Special Collections & Archives
Women of Diversity Productions Inc.

Send us a text

Support the show

What does it take to preserve a vital yet painful chapter of history? In this episode, Claytee White and scholar Su Kim Chung interview Sherry Rupert, former Indian Affairs Director for Nevada and Executive Director of the Nevada Indian Commission. Sherry, now CEO of the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA), shares her remarkable journey as the driving force behind the restoration of the Stewart Indian School in Carson City, a site that once sought to erase Indigenous identities but now stands as a beacon of remembrance and education. From gathering alumni stories to creating innovative walking tours, Sherry recounts how she transformed the school into a vibrant cultural center that honors the resilience of Native peoples. She also discusses the challenges of funding, gaining community support, and sharing difficult histories authentically. Beyond her work at Stewart, Sherry reflects on her mission to amplify Indigenous voices through cultural tourism on a national scale. Discover how this important work connects past and present, and learn how you can engage with these stories. Tune in to hear Sherry’s inspiring perspective on preserving history to foster understanding and change.

Key Points From This Episode:

• An overview of Sherry Rupert’s career with Nevada’s state government.
• How she led the restoration of the historic Stewart Indian School in Nevada.
• Her partnership with Nevada state governors, including Brian Sandoval.
• Some background on Sherry, her early life, education, and her family.
• The inspiration behind her work for the Stewart Indian School.
• Unpacking the painful history of the school as a tool for assimilation.
• The walking tour featuring alumni stories that earned Sherry a Tourism Excellence Award.
• Ways to conduct research at the Stewart Indian School Cultural Center & Museum.
• Details of the archives, exhibits, and Native art curated by Indigenous artists at the center.
• Key preservation challenges, like securing funding and addressing painful historical truths.
• How they preserved and honored the full stories behind the school and its alumni.
• Reflections on the importance of sharing the stories of Indigenous peoples.
• How visitors can explore the school’s rich history through exhibits, tours, and workshops.
• Sherry’s current work serving as CEO of AIANTA, advocating for Indigenous cultural tourism.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Sherry L Rupert
AIANTA Team
NativeAmerica.travel
Stewart Indian School Cultural Center & Museum
Claytee D. White
Su Kim Chung

Women of Diversity Productions Inc.

Send us a text

Support the show

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.

Send us a text

Support the show

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

Send us a text

Support the show

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

Send us a text

Support the show

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

Send us a text

Support the show

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.

Send us a text

Support the show