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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