“The Women Who Saved History”
“The Women Who Saved History” is a monthly 30-60 minute podcast focused on telling the stories of the many women who have dedicated their lives to preserving the history of the Silver State. Currently, there have been 20 women throughout the state that we have identified, including eight deceased women. Many of our historical institutions are the outcome of their work. Acknowledging these women has long been overdue. We are excited to celebrate them and their accomplishments with our first podcast series.
This program is funded in part with support from Nevada Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities. In addition, we thank Caesar's Entertainment for their sponsorship of this podcast series. Without these sponsors support, this podcast would not be possible.
“The Women Who Saved History”
Dr. Effie Mona Mack - Pioneering Nevada Historian, Educator, and Author
In today’s episode, we explore the work, life, and legacy, of Dr. Effie Mona Mack, a prolific writer, celebrated historian, and beloved teacher. We are joined by Patti Bernard, a former history teacher and WCSD principal, who, in 2015 was chosen as the Nevada Women’s History Project’s (NWHP) honoree for Woman of Achievement. Our host for today’s episode is Claytee White, a Women of Diversity Productions Inc. Board Director. She is accompanied by scholar, Su Kim Chung. Tuning in you’ll learn about the important contributions Effie made to preserving Nevada State history, how her work has been used by historians, and the many ways residents have benefitted from her work. Discover the lengths Effie went to make sure the Alfred Doten Diaries returned to the state of Nevada, the breadth of information these 79 diaries contained, how these can be accessed today, and much more. Patti also shares her insights on Effie’s difficult relationship with Jeanne Weir, the research Effie did for her dissertations, and other noteworthy interests she had outside of her passion for history. Tune in to hear the full scope of our conversation on the esteemed Dr. Effie Mona Mack!
Key Points From This Episode:
- Get to know today’s guest, Patti Bernard, and her career in Nevada.
- Patti’s introduction to Effie Mona Mack and her contributions to Nevada state history.
- Effie’s early life, education, family, and surprising talent for basketball.
- The academic atmosphere Effie grew up in and how it informed her research.
- How her work has been used in the state by historians.
- The many ways that Nevada state residents have benefitted from her preservation efforts.
- Effie’s remarkable work bringing the Alfred Doten diaries to Nevada.
- The history of Alfred Doten, his 79 diaries, and how these can be accessed today.
- Some of the biggest challenges Effie encountered in her work.
- What led to her difficult relationship with noted Nevada historian, Jeanne Weir.
- Effie’s dissertation on Senator William Stewart, and her extensive travel and research.
- Why Patti suspects that esteemed professor, Herbert Bolton, oversaw Effie’s dissertation.
- Some of the unique circumstances and character traits that led to Effie’s successes.
- The Riverside hotel that Effie owned, and other interests she had outside history.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
