Oral history interviews with Renaldo Tiberti and Mary Andra Tiberti Maffey conducted by Claytee D. White and Stefani Evans on May 24, 2016 and June 23, 2016 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In the first interview, Renaldo discusses his early life and becoming the CEO of his family business, J. A. Tiberti Construction. He recalls the history of the company and the first construction projects the company completed. In the second interview, Renaldo and his sister Mary Andra discuss the family involvement at J. A. Tiberti Construction.
The Rita Ritner Jung Papers (approximately 1970-2010) contain the personal papers of Margarita "Rita" Ritner Jung. The collection contains Jung's poetry, personal reflection essays, and a number of oil paintings. Jung's poetry and essays center on her experiences growing up and living in China, marrying, and later relocating to Las Vegas, Nevada for a short time. The oil paintings are of various dog breeds and unidentified individuals.
Oral history interviews with Jane Fielden, Laura Jane Fielden Spina, and Bob Fielden conducted by Claytee D. White and Stefani Evans on May 27, 2016 and June 27, 2016 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In the first interview, Jane and Robert discuss their upbringing and early interest in architecture. They talk about arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1964, and forming their construction company RAFI Architecture and Design. They talk about changes in the Las Vegas economic structure during the late 1970s, and projects for the library district, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), and Maryland Parkway. In the second interview, Laura Jane discusses her upbringing in Las Vegas, Nevada. She talks about becoming an interior designer and becoming president of RAFI Architecture and Design. Lastly, Jane, Laura, and Bob discuss improving the quality of lives through architecture.
The Margo Mansergh Papers (approximately 1920-2010) document the life of former showgirl and dancer Margaret "Margo" Mansergh Tomaszewski. Materials include photographs of Margo modeling, backstage at various shows, portraits, and personal family photographs as well as programs from her international career performing in the Lido de Paris and Pigalle Nightclub in London, as well as a number of shows in Las Vegas, Nevada, such as Vive Les Girls, Casino de Paris, Minsky's Burlesque, and Lido de Paris at the Stardust. The collection contains materials from Mansergh's modeling career, including photographs, book covers, and images of her as an extra in films. Digital images from the closing Stardust performance and an event for Miss Bluebell are also found in the collection.
Oral history interview with Ron Floth, John Holman, and James Holland conducted by Stefani Evans and Claytee D. White on August 17, 2017 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Ron Floth, John Holman, and James Holland discuss their interest in trails and outdoor recreation. They talk about their involvement with the River Mountain Loop Trail Partnership and maintaining the trail systems near Boulder City, Nevada.
Oral history interview with Gary Giddens conducted by Claytee D. White on December 13, 2018 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Giddens discusses his upbringing and arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1978. He talks about becoming a firefighter, his employment with the North Las Vegas Fire Department, and working with ambulance companies. Giddens recalls Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training, the increase of firefighters becoming EMTs, and the MGM Grand fire. Lastly, Giddens talks about leaving the North Las Vegas Fire Department.
The UNLV Libraries Collection of 1983 Hoover Dam Overflow Photographs is a series of color photographs that document the historic water overflow at Hoover Dam as seen from the Arizona side of the dam. Taken in August of 1983, this overflow marked the first time the spillways were used during a flood. The spillways were previously tested once in 1941 after the dam was initially filled.
Oral history interview with Astrid Silva conducted by Monserrath Hernández and Barbara Tabach on April 22, 2019 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project. Astrid Silva was born in Gomez Palacio, Durango in 1988. She immigrated with her mother to the United States in 1992, where they were met by her father before flying to Los Angeles. She recounts her first impression of the United States and her families eventual move to Las Vegas, where she describes her time living in Las Vegas’ west side and struggles she faced being an undocumented student living in Las Vegas. She describes her first meeting with Senator Harry Reid and the friendship that developed afterwards. She has spoken at the Democratic National Convention and has been vocal about her status as a Dreamer. She is currently the Executive Director for DREAM Big Nevada which was established in 2017 in order to provide aid to Nevada’s immigrant families. She writes about her hopes for Dreamers and her continued work in expanding the ways that immigrant families can be helped in an always changing political climate. Subjects discussed include: DACA, Dreamers, Immigrant Rights, and Higher Education.
Oral history interview with Catherine Cortez Masto conducted by Claytee D. White on August 10, 2018 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project. Catherine Cortez Masto grew up in Las Vegas near where the town ended and the desert began, which at that time was near Decatur and Pennwood. She grew up playing in the streets and riding horses and motor bikes with girlfriends and cousins. Her father, Manny Cortez, began as a valet at the Dunes before entering politics. He served 16 years on the County Commission and then 13 years as the chief of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. As the head of the LVCVA, Manny oversaw campaigns to increase tourism, enlarge McCarran International Airport, improve taxicab service, and served as a visionary for the entire region. Catherine followed in her father's footsteps while being her own woman and making her own mark on the region. She attended college at UNR and law school at Gonzaga University School of Law. After a clerkship, she worked for a small local Las Vegas firm for 4 - 5 years, then moved to the governor's and then served two terms as Nevada's Attorney General. Currently she's in the US Senate with committee assignments that include Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs; Energy and Natural Resources; Commerce, Science, and Transportation; Rules and Administration; Indian Affairs, and the Committee on Aging. Subjects discussed include: Dunes, Manny Cortez, County Commission, LVCVA, Judge Carl Christensen, Judge Mendoza, Taxi Authority, Tourism, and Mike O'Callaghan.
Oral history interview with Maria Benítez conducted by Monserrath Hernández and Maribel Estrada Calderón on June 21, 2019 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project. Maria Benítez is the image of a hardworking and determined Salvadoran woman. After facing adversity amidst the Salvadorian Civil War she talks about her journey as a nurse in El Salvador and migrating to the United States. Here in Las Vegas, she has worked as a cook on the Strip, been an active member of her church, and supported the education of her children selling pupusas. Subjects discussed include: El Salvador, Salvadorian Civil War, Migration, US Citizenship Documentation, and Judaism.