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

Wom

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In this episode of The Women Who Saved History, hosts Claytee White and Su Kim Chung speak with Dennis McBride about Anna Dean Kepper’s remarkable accomplishments in preserving Nevada’s history, including her efforts to archive local historical documents in UNLV Special Collections and promote the significance of historical preservation. Kepper also founded the Association for the Preservation of the Las Vegas Mormon Fort (which later became the Preservation Association of Clark County), while her friend Elizabeth (Liz) Warren later founded Friends of the Fort which helped the State Parks System acquire the Fort. Nevada native McBride has been a passionate historian and queer advocate since the 1970s. Join us as he shares his personal memories of Anna Dean and offers his perspective on her extraordinary story, from her invaluable contributions to historical preservation to the way she inspired and motivated everyone around her. .Although she only spent a decade of her short life in Las Vegas, during that time, she had a considerable influence on the community by fostering a new respect for its history. For insights into the profound impact of preserving our shared heritage and how understanding our past can shape a better future, tune in today!

Key Points From This Episode:

• What Dennis remembers about Anna Dean Kepper during her time at UNLV.
• Why he sees her as one of the “most important savers of Las Vegas and Nevada history.”
• Anna Dean’s relationship with historian Ralph Roske and the oral history project they built.
• A glimpse into Anna Dean’s early life and the key historical collections she brought to UNLV.
• Where Dennis believes Anna Dean got her inspiration and motivation from.
• Some of the research, projects, and reports that he and Anna worked on together.
• Reflections on Anna Dean’s touching memorial and who was in attendance.
• Insight into Dennis’ belief that creating resources for others is a measure of one’s value.
• Challenges that Anna Dean faced and how her persistence led to preservation.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dennis McBride

Anna Dean Kepper

Anna Dean Kepper Papers (UNLV)

Dennis McBride Collection on LGBTQ Las Vegas, Nevada

Claytee White

Su Kim Chung

University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV)

Women of Diversity Productions Inc.

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Did you know that the foundation of Nevada's historical preservation was laid by a woman who started with a general store and a passion for collecting? In today’s episode, host Claytee White and scholar Su Kim Chung interview Amber Colbert, the Clark County Museum Administrator, about the remarkable contributions of Anna Roberts Parks. Anna's journey began in 1911 when she moved to Las Vegas, quickly becoming a pivotal figure in preserving Nevada's history through her extensive collection of artifacts. Amber shares the fascinating story of how Anna's initial interest in Native American arts and minerals evolved into a vast collection that became the backbone of the Clark County Museum. From running multiple businesses, including a mortuary, to her fearless advocacy for preservation, Anna's legacy is both inspiring and profound. Her dedication ensured that the rich history of Nevada remains accessible to all, creating a tangible connection across generations. Join us as we celebrate Anna Roberts Parks, a true pioneer in historical preservation, whose efforts have left an indelible mark on our state's heritage!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Get to know today’s guest Amber Colbert, the Clark County Museum Administrator.
• Amber’s introduction to today’s subject, Anna Roberts Parks.
• How Anna laid the foundation for the Clark County Museum's collection.
• The extensive range of her collection, featuring over a million artifacts.
• An overview of Anna’s family, upbringing, and how she met her future husband.
• The story of her move to Las Vegas in 1911 and her impact on the community.
• Anna’s talent for operating multiple businesses, including a general store and a mortuary.
• Her passion for collecting items, including Native American arts and minerals.
• An overview of the Clark County Museum's beginnings with Anna's initial collection.
• How her legacy continues to connect generations and preserve Nevada's history.
• Some of the biggest challenges Anna faced as a woman.
• Insights into the dual facets of her personality, being both caring and strong.
• The significance of Anna's fearless advocacy for historical preservation.
• How her collection continues to grow into the present day.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Women of Diversity Productions Inc.

Amber Colbert on LinkedIn

Clark County Museum
Claytee White

Claytee White on LinkedIn

Su Kim Chung

Su Kim Chung on LinkedIn

Su Kim Chung on X

Anna Roberts Parks

Jeanne Wier

Helen J. Stewart

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