The Kenneth Giles Professional Papers (1964-2001) contain documents and visual material related to Giles's time as an Environmental Radiation Monitor for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at the Nevada Test Site (NTS). Photographic slides, film, and digital images depict the general flora and fauna throughout the area surrounding the NTS. Visual materials also document specific mule deer and steer surveillance and testing at the EPA Farm located within the NTS. The collection also contains environmental reports written or collected by Giles, government documents, pamphlets, and newspaper clippings related to environmental monitoring and Giles's work at NTS. A small portion of the collection documents his brief role providing monitoring support at Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania in 1979. Note: Some images may be of a graphic or disturbing nature and may not be suitable for some users. Photographs may contain scenes of animal testing or other objectionable imagery.
The Eileen Brookman Papers date from 1934 to 2002 and document Brookman's personal life and political career. Brookman was active in the Las Vegas Jewish community. Personal papers include programs from B'nai B'rith, scrapbook materials, correspondence, and photographs. The collection includes documentation from the White House Conference on Aging. She served several terms in the Nevada State Assembly from 1967 to 1977 and again from 1987 to 1989. Political materials include legislative information, bumper stickers, election returns, and newspaper clippings.
Oral history interview with Stella Champo Iaconis conducted by Kay Long on May 14, 1997, May 21, 1997, May 26, 1997, and September 22, 1997 for the Women's Research Institute of Nevada (WRIN) Las Vegas Women Oral History Project. Iaconis opens her interviews discussing her difficult upbringing and life on a ranch in Las Vegas, Nevada with her dad in the 1910s and 1920s. Iaconis then describes her experiences as a waitress in Las Vegas. As the interviews continue, Iaconis discusses Block 16 and sex work, the Helldorado Days, and life in 1930s Las Vegas. Iaconis ends the interview talking about her father and his career as a miner; her many husbands; and her personal history in Las Vegas.
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.
Congregation Bet Knesset Bamidbar or ‘Congregation in the Desert” is the largest age 50-and-over Jewish congregation in the Las Vegas Valley. It was founded in 1990 and meets in Sun City, Summerlin. BKB is a traditional reform temple.
With services in the heart of community, BKB grew under the leadership of Rabbi Hershel Brooks. Its membership peaked to over 1,100 members in 1999.