Mark Hall-Patton, administrator of Clark County Museums and since 2008 a frequent guest on the popular cable television show Pawn Stars, was born in 1954 in San Diego, California. His mother was a registered nurse and his father served in the United States Navy. From early childhood, Mark’s interest in history and museums shaped his path in life. After graduating high school in Santa Ana, California, he earned his Bachelor’s degree in history at nearby University of California, Irvine. Degree in hand, Mark worked for Bowers Museum in Santa Ana and founded the Anaheim Museum in 1984. He moved to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1993 to create the Howard W. Cannon Aviation Museum in McCarran International Airport. By 2008, Mark had become administrator over all Clark County museums. In this interview, he explains the various ways his involvement with the popular Pawn Stars program has turned “the museum guy” into a brand, introduced production companies to the value of filming in Las Vegas, increased Clark County museum visits and donations, and raised popular awareness of the academic fields of history and museum studies.
On February 9, 1980, collector Stephen M. Singer interviewed schoolteacher, Lomie Heard (born January 22nd, 1906 in Carlsbad, New Mexico) in her home in Las Vegas, Nevada. This interview covers education over the span of thirty years, and includes an overview on the building of the University of Nevada Las Vegas. Also discussed during this interview: Nellis Air Force Base, jet airplanes at Nellis, military families, and the Nevada Test Site.
Written on back of photograph: "Thanks so much for your long newsy letter. Did your folks go to Colorado? We are coming to L.V. Sunday for a week. Jimmy and I are our of school for 2 weeks, and [Bandy?] is taking a week's vacation. Was surprised to hear about Mary Jane and glad Pauline is enjoying herself. [Earl?] sent me the photo of Grammy from the paper. Your new suit sounds lovely. Sorry to hear about Mrs. Woodbury. Thanks, for the clipping about the [Arm's?] and Gatewoods. When are you flying to Florida? How is Dr. [Seavin?] by now? I [had?] a little from Mrs. Brown. Know they will enjoy the family reunion. Jimmy will be ring-bearer at his teacher's son's wedding tomorrow. Rehearsal is tonight. He can hardly wait for Santa to come so he can open his presents. We have our tree up and lights outdoors. See you. Love, B."