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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