“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”
Anna Dean Kepper: Innovative Las Vegas Historic Preservationist and UNLV Special Collections Curator
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Anna Dean Kepper’s remarkable accomplishments in preserving Nevada’s history, including her efforts to archive local historical documents in UNLV Special Collections and promote the significance of historical preservation.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:
Anna Dean Kepper Papers (UNLV)
Dennis McBride Collection on LGBTQ Las Vegas, Nevada
University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV)
