“The Women Who Saved History”

Su Kim Chung & Claytee White: Reflections on the Women Who Saved History

Welcome to the final episode of the Women Who Saved History Project with Su Kim Chung and Claytee White! Today, we are reflecting on this project we have put together and discussing some key points. You’ll hear all about the interviews we have done, and we even discuss a few women we wished we could’ve included in these interviews, but unfortunately couldn’t. Finally, we thank some people who have helped us put this podcast together. Our goal throughout this podcast has been to highlight the women who have been so instrumental in collecting and preserving the history of Nevada. Thank you for joining us. We hope this inspires you to continue highlighting the work women do in our society and to keep collecting history! Key Points From This Episode: * Welcoming listeners to the last episode of the Women Who Saved History.  * A list of women we couldn’t interview who were impactful in Nevada’s history.   * Looking back on our interviews and the incredible women we’ve spoken to. * Thanking the team who has put together this podcast. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Elizabeth Patrick [https://special.library.unlv.edu/ark:/62930/f1pd1t]  Dorothy Wright [https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/lvrj/name/dorothy-wright-obituary?id=17445706] Sue Fawn Chung [https://www.unlv.edu/people/sue-fawn-chung] In Pursuit of Gold [https://www.amazon.com/Pursuit-Gold-American-Merchants-Experience/dp/025203628X] Jeanne Wier [https://www.nvhistoricalsociety.org/mission-and-history/] Effie Mona Mack [https://www.nevadawomen.org/research-center/biographies-alphabetical/effie-mona-mack/] Anna Roberts Parks [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clark_County_Museum] Nevada Historical Society [https://www.nvhistoricalsociety.org/] Anna Dean Kepper [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anna_Dean_Kepper] Elizabeth Warren [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_von_Till_Warren] Jean Ford [https://www.nevadawomen.org/research-center/biographies-alphabetical/imogene-jean-evelyn-young-ford/] Ellen Knowlton [https://special.library.unlv.edu/ark:/62930/f1b16t] Heidi Swank [https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiaswank/] Alicia Barber [https://aliciambarber.com/about/] Sherry Rupert [https://pnts.org/new/sherry-l-rupert/] Mary Gibson [https://gbrw.org/about-gbrw/] Joanne Goodwin [https://www.unlv.edu/people/joanne-goodwin] Mary Palevsky [https://special.library.unlv.edu/taxonomy/term/7903?page=4,0] Granados Lynn Zook [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnzook/] Marlene Adrian [https://www.nevadawomen.org/research-center/biographies-alphabetical/marlene-joan-adrian/] Claytee White [https://www.unlv.edu/news/expert/claytee-d-white] Su Kim Chung [https://www.unlv.edu/news/expert/su-kim-chung] Denise R Duarte [https://www.deniserduarte.com/about] Erica Vital-Lazare [https://www.library.unlv.edu/whats-new-special-collections/2022/2022-07/researcher-profile-erica-vital-lazare.html] Women of Diversity Productions Inc. [https://womenofdiversity.org/] Nevada Humanities [https://www.nevadahumanities.org/] The National Endowment for the Humanities [https://www.neh.gov/] Caesars Entertainment [https://www.caesars.com/] Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2345493/open_sms] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2345493/support]

Su Kim Chung: Las Vegas History Curator, Archivist/Librarian, and Teacher

From showgirls to scholars, Su Kim Chung has dedicated her career to keeping Nevada’s history alive! In this episode of the Women Who Saved History, our very own Su Kim is opening up about how her love of history led to her career as an archivist and educator. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about Su Kim’s work, how it has been used in Nevada, her work with Jerry Jackson and the Mesquite Club, some of the challenges she faced, her series Fishnets and Spotlights, and so much more! We also delve into why she decided to obtain her Ph.D. while working full-time, and how she uses social media to reach students and keep them engaged in history. Finally, Su Kim tells us about the article she’s writing about AAPI performers in Las Vegas with her colleague Tammi Kim.  You don’twant to miss this captivating conversation, so press play now! Key Points From This Episode: * Su Kim Chung tells us about her role in preserving the history of Nevada.  * A brief overview of Su Kim’s education, family life, and what inspired her to be a librarian.  * How her work has been used in Nevada by both historians and residents.  * Su Kim tells us about the work she did with the choreographer, Jerry Jackson. * Some of the challenges she has faced over the years in doing this work.  * Why she loves teaching so much, and a bit about her series, Fishnets and Spotlights.  * What has surprised Su Kim in terms of her ability to succeed in this work.  * Some unique circumstances that led to her success in Nevada.  * Su Kim tells us about one of her first collections, the Papers of the Mesquite Club.  * Why Su Kim decided to go back to school during her work to get a Ph.D.  * How Su Kim reaches students and keeps them engaged in history via social media.  * Su Kim tells us about her article on AAPI performers, particularly George Lee.   Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:  Su Kim Chung [https://www.unlv.edu/news/expert/su-kim-chung] Su Kim Chung on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/su-kim-chung-25300546/] Su Kim Chung on Orcid [https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7805-1911] Su Kim Chung Harper Collins Publishers [https://www.harpercollins.com/blogs/authors/su-kim-chung-25531] Su Kim Chung SAA [https://www2.archivists.org/groups/reference-access-and-outreach-section/su-kim-chung-candidate-page] Su Kim Chung Books on Goodreads [https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/69946.Su_Kim_Chung] Nevada Week in Person S1E61 Su Kim Chung [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arDdqrMWQ2E] The Importance of Libraries and Access to Information [https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ucla-school-of-education-information-studies_uclaedis-mlis-theimportanceoflibraries-activity-7365820641276534784-NVDi/] UNLV Libraries Post [https://www.facebook.com/unlvlib/posts/su-kim-chung-head-of-special-collections-archives-public-services-was-awarded-a-/1239197970802963/] LISAA Board Bios [https://seis.ucla.edu/about/alumni/lisaa/board-bios/] Las Vegas Then and Now [https://www.amazon.com/Las-Vegas-Then-Now-Revised/dp/1911682814] ‘Bookend: Vintage Vegas’ [https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2014/07/14/bookend-vintage-vegas/] Claytee White [https://www.unlv.edu/news/expert/claytee-d-white] UNLV [https://www.unlv.edu/] UNLV Special Collections & Archives [https://www.library.unlv.edu/speccol] UNLV Special Collections & Archives Portal [https://special.library.unlv.edu/] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Gorman_(librarian) Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2345493/open_sms] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2345493/support]

Ellen Knowlton: Dedicated to Truth in History - The Mob Museum

Imagine walking into a boarded-up courthouse, its windows gone and walls crumbling, and having the opportunity to help bring it back to life. In this episode of Women Who Saved History, host Claytee White and scholar Su Kim Chung speak with Ellen Knowlton, former FBI Special Agent in Charge of the Las Vegas Division, about her journey from FBI service to founding chair of The Mob Museum’s board. Ellen recounts how she was recruited by Mayor Oscar Goodman, her mission to ensure the FBI’s story was told accurately, and the challenge of transforming a neglected federal building into a world-class museum. She shares vivid memories of restoring original features, from rediscovering the courtroom’s deep red leather doors in the basement to bringing back the building’s brass mailboxes and historic light fixtures. Ellen also reflects on the museum’s role as a community resource, educating visitors about the gritty reality of organized crime and keeping Nevada’s history alive for future generations. Listen to hear how one woman’s dedication helped shape one of Nevada’s most important historical spaces! Key Points From This Episode: * How Ellen was recruited by Mayor Oscar Goodman to join the museum project. * Her path from business major to FBI Special Agent in Charge. * The mission: accurate FBI portrayal and not glamorizing organized crime. * Ellen’s first impressions of the abandoned courthouse and its historic significance. * Restoring original features: red leather doors, brass mailboxes, and light fixtures. * Overcoming community skepticism and earning trust for the project. * Building a museum with rigorous fact-checking and historical integrity. * The Mob Museum’s role as a community hub with programs and panels. * Educating visitors on the gritty reality of organized crime and its effects. * Ellen’s pride in the museum’s success and its lasting impact. * Commitment to evolving exhibits to reflect ongoing organized crime history. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Ellen Knowlton oral history interview | UNLV [https://special.library.unlv.edu/ark:/62930/f1b16t] The Mob Museum [https://themobmuseum.org/] The Mob Museum Advisory Council [https://themobmuseum.org/about/advisory-council/] The FBI [https://www.fbi.gov/] 'Holding their own: Women special agents valuable to FBI’s mission' [https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/local-las-vegas/holding-their-own-women-special-agents-valuable-to-fbis-mission-2766096/] Vote Smart | Facts for All [https://justfacts.votesmart.org/public-statement/153127/tribute-to-ellen-knowlton] Oscar Goodman [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oscar_Goodman] Southern Nevada Jewish Heritage Project [https://special.library.unlv.edu/jewishheritage/people/oscar-goodman] Richard Bryan [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Bryan] Richard Bryan | UNLV [https://special.library.unlv.edu/taxonomy/term/2484] Claytee White [https://www.unlv.edu/news/expert/claytee-d-white] Su Kim Chung [https://www.unlv.edu/news/expert/su-kim-chung] Erica Vital-Lazare [https://www.library.unlv.edu/whats-new-special-collections/2022/2022-07/researcher-profile-erica-vital-lazare.html] Women of Diversity Productions Inc. [https://womenofdiversity.org/] Nevada Humanities [https://www.nevadahumanities.org/] The National Endowment for the Humanities [https://www.neh.gov/] Caesars Entertainment [https://www.caesars.com/] Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2345493/open_sms] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2345493/support]

Heidi Swank: Historic Preservationist, Legislator, and Community Builder

Preserving Nevada’s history takes passion, persistence, and a deep respect for place—qualities that define Dr. Heidi Swank’s work. During this episode, Su Kim Chung sits down with Dr. Heidi Swank to talk about her work in preserving Nevada’s history. From an early interest in history to a career as a linguistic anthropologist, Heidi’s path led to founding the Nevada Preservation Foundation, whose early projects included the Vintage Vegas Home Tour that became the weekend long Home + History. She shares how the Foundation’s initiatives, from neighborhood designations to the Hugh Taylor Archive, have benefited residents, its expansion beyond Las Vegas, and funding through donations and service fees. Heidi reflects on legislative experience, volunteer contributions, and her surprises, challenges, and hopes for the future of preservation in Nevada. Tune in to hear from a key figure in building the Las Vegas community and protecting the history of our state.  Key Points From This Episode: * Dr. Heidi Swank’s work as a linguistic anthropologist before starting the Nevada Preservation Foundation.  * Her early life and education, and how an early obsession with doorknobs sparked her interest in history. * How Heidi’s work has been used in the state by historians and preservationists. * Early projects of the Nevada Preservation Foundation, including the Vintage Vegas Home Tour.  * How Nevada residents have benefitted from the Foundation's work through local neighborhood designations, Home + History, and the Hugh Taylor Archive.  * First efforts outside of Las Vegas prior to the pandemic. * Revenue sources including donations and fees for service work.  * How being in the legislature supported setting up her non-profit.  * What has surprised Heidi in her work in this sector: how long it took to find success. * The importance of volunteers in supporting the Foundation.  * What is most unique about Nevada. * Heidi’s feelings about the future of the Nevada Preservation Foundation.  Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Heidi Swank on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiaswank/] Heidi Swank Wikipedia [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heidi_Swank] Assemblywoman Heidi Swank [https://www.leg.state.nv.us/App/Legislator/A/Assembly/77th2013/16] Nevada Preservation Foundation [https://nevadapreservation.org/] Transcript of Interview with Heidi and Scott Swank with Claytee White [https://special.library.unlv.edu/challenge?destination=/ark:/62930/d1w66db92] Preservation Spotlight: Heidi Swank, Preservationist [https://www.classiclasvegas.com/clv-history-blog/2014/5/29/preservation-spotlight-heidi-swank-preservationist] Talking with Heidi Swank and Michelle Larime [https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/talking-with-heidi-swank-michelle-larime-april-20-2017/] Jack Levine [https://veryvintagevegas.com/%23aboutjack] Jack Levine on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacklevine1/] Inside 'Uncle Jack' Levine's delightful vintage Las Vegas home [https://retrorenovation.com/2016/05/23/jack-levine-house-las-vegas/] Jack Levine UNLV [https://special.library.unlv.edu/taxonomy/term/14477] Tick Segerblom Wikipedia [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tick_Segerblom] Tick Segerblom [https://webfiles.clarkcountynv.gov/government/board_of_county_commissioners/district_e/] Eric Strain on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-strain-4597a822/] Asse [https://assemblagestudio.com/] Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2345493/open_sms] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2345493/support]

Alicia Barber: Collaborator and Cultivator of Place

What sparks a community’s love for its own story? In this episode of The Women Who Saved History, Claytee White and Su Kim Chung sit down with Alicia Barber, a public historian, writer, and founder of Stories in Place, to find out how she has redefined what it means to preserve Nevada’s past. Alicia shares how childhood road trips across America ignited her passion for place and how her fascination with Reno led her to turn the city into both a doctoral focus and a lifelong mission. From launching digital platforms like Reno Historical and Reno Divorce History to collaborating with local agencies to fund and share overlooked narratives, Alicia has made public history both accessible and vital. She also opens up about her transition from academia to independent historical work, the creative ways she’s navigated funding challenges, and what makes preserving Nevada’s stories so personally meaningful. Tune in to discover how Alicia is helping Nevadans connect more deeply with their places (and each other) through history! Key Points From This Episode: * Founding Stories in Place: Bringing history into the public sphere. * Childhood road trips that sparked a lifelong love of place for Alicia. * Finding Reno and making it the focus of her doctoral work. * Discovering public history and oral history through mentorship. * Working with the National Park Service on storytelling for sites. * Becoming an independent public historian through necessity and passion. * Preserving history through creative, collaborative funding. * Creating digital tools like Reno Historical and Reno Divorce History. * Making local history accessible to students, residents, and policymakers. * Challenges of funding and the undervaluing of historic preservation. * Growing public interest and progress in Reno’s preservation efforts. * Significant historical locations in Reno that are close to Alicia’s heart. * What makes public history in Nevada so rewarding for Alicia. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Alicia Barber [https://aliciambarber.com/about/] Stories in Place [https://storiesinplace.com/] Reno’s Big Gamble [https://kansaspress.ku.edu/9780700615940/] The Barber Brief on Substack [https://thebarberbrief.substack.com/] Alicia Barber on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicia-barber-phd/] Alicia Barber on X [https://x.com/aliciambarber] Nevada Writers Hall of Fame [https://library.unr.edu/nevada-writers-hall-of-fame/alicia-m-barber] UNR Special Collections [https://library.unr.edu/places/special-collections] Nevada Historical Society [https://www.nvhistoricalsociety.org/] Historic Reno Preservation Society [https://www.historicreno.org/] Reno Historical [https://renohistorical.org/] Reno Divorce History [https://renodivorcehistory.org/] 'Time & Place with Alicia Barber' on KUNR [https://www.kunr.org/time-place-with-alicia-barber] University of Nevada Oral History Program Transcripts [https://archive.org/details/unroralhistory] Nevada Museum of Art: Essay - A Legacy Revered [https://alegacyrevered.org/research/.] ‘Through the Lens: Honoring the Architectural Legacy of Paul Revere Williams’ [https://youtu.be/6iTTTDIuC-8] 4th Street-Prater Way History Project [https://4thprater.onlinenevada.org/] Our Story, Inc. [https://www.ourstoryinc.com/] Clay [https://www.unlv.edu/news/expert/claytee-d-white] Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2345493/open_sms] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2345493/support]