Oral history interview with Jerry Jackson conducted by Su Kim Chung on February 12, 2015 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Jackson discusses his career as a dancer, choreographer, costume designer, and producer of shows in Las Vegas, Nevada and around the world. Jackson describes dancing at the Desert Inn, Moulin Rouge, Tropicana, and touring with production shows. He then recalls living in Las Vegas from the 1950s through the 1970s and compares the quality of show production throughout the years. He talks about his career with the production
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Valorie J. Vega conducted by Laurents Bañuelos-Benitez on November 19, 2018 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project. In this interview, Vega discusses her upbringing in Van Nuys, California. She describes her father’s employment with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, her attendance at California State University, Northridge, and majoring in Spanish with a minor in Chicano studies. Vega recalls entering a master’s program for Spanish interpretation, moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1978, and becoming a supervisor for court interpreters. Later, Vega talks about enrolling in law school at the University of Southern California (USC), working as a Clark County deputy attorney, and later becoming a judge. Lastly, Vega discusses her experience being a female Hispanic judge, and her involvement with the Huellas Program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV).
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Abraham Gomez conducted by Elsa Lopez on December 06, 2019 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project. In this interview, Gomez discusses growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada and explains why his parents decided to settle in Las Vegas. He talks about attending Saint Christopher Catholic School, Bishop Gorman High School, and College of Southern Nevada (CSN). Gomez recalls transferring to the University of Nevada, Reno, becoming an ambassador for the GEAR UP program at Nevada State College (NSC), and explains the importance of programs like GEAR UP for first generation low-income students. Later, Gomez describes his involvement with the Nevada Partnership of Homeless Youth (NPHY) and his work as a member of the Men of Color subcommittee at NSC. Lastly, Gomez talks about his position as College Navigator for the Nevada Treasurer’s Office.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Maria Moore conducted by Elsa Lopez on August 02, 2019 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project. In this interview, Moore discusses her early life in Belize. She describes the the diversity of its citizens, being able to speak Belizean Creole, and compares differences between northern and southern Belize. Moore talks about the political and economic instability of Belize, immigrating to the United States in 1979, and attending California State University, Fullerton. Later, Moore discusses her interests in senior issues, obtaining an internship in hospice care, and her experiences volunteering at a nursing home. She talks about moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1994, and her employment with Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). Lastly, Moore describes the priorities for AARP and current events surrounding healthcare.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Marzette Lewis conducted by Claytee White on October 30, 2012 and November 14, 2012 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. Lewis first discusses the murder of her father at the hands of the Ku Klux Klan in Quitman, Mississippi, then visiting and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in the 1950s. Lewis also discusses the proponents of good neighborhood schools in lieu of bussing children all over the country.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Ed Price conducted by Chuck Williams on November 01, 2012 for the Friends of Red Rock Canyon in Nevada Oral History Project. Price begins the interview by talking about his family life, childhood, and education on Oliver Ranch near Blue Diamond, Nevada. He then talks about the past of Oliver Ranch, what changed, and what structures the property had before. Lastly, Price speaks about meeting Howard Hughes, exploring the mines, and other caretakers.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Marie Horseley conducted by Suzanne Becker on June 13, 2007 for the Voices of Historic John S. Park Neighborhood Oral History Project. In this interview Horseley discusses marrying her husband, moving to Las Vegas, Nevada into the historic John S. Park neighborhood, and the state of the neighborhood when she moved there. She also discusses how she used to know all of her neighbors no matter their background, the changes in the neighborhood, and how she would never relocate to a different house.
Archival Collection
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.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Clifford J. Lawrence conducted by Stephany Herrera on April 02, 2001 for the Public School Principalship Oral History Project. In this interview, Lawrence reflects upon his career as a teacher and administrator with Nevada’s Clark County School District (CCSD) from the 1950s to the 1980s. He describes how he first started teaching at the Las Vegas Union School District, before it was named the Clark County School District. He discusses his experiences with school bussing and integration, his approach to school administration, and how his experiences as a teacher shaped his approach to administration. He discusses the importance of principals' community involvement, and their working relationship with assistant principals and the Board of Education.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Thalia Dondero conducted by Mary Germain on March 13, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Dondero discusses being a leader for the Girl Scouts, and how some of those experiences led her to get involved in politics. Dondero also mentions her work with National Geographic and working with oil paintings and watercolors. Dondero then recalls her work as a commissioner for Clark County, Nevada and some of the challenges she has faced.
Archival Collection