Lynnette Sawyer: Cultural Collector and Founder of the Hispanic Museum of Nevada

In preserving Nevada state history, it’s essential that all groups are represented. Today, we are joined by Lynette Sawyer, cultural collector and founder of the Hispanic Museum of Nevada, an institution committed to driving awareness of diverse Hispanic cultures to foster greater intercultural understanding. In our conversation, we hear from Lynette about her upbringing in New York and how her parents exposed her to many cultural opportunities, including the myriad of museums along the Museum Mile. She shares the humble beginnings of the Hispanic Museum of Nevada, starting with a simple cabinet that she had fixed and how it’s grown and evolved over the years across various locations and partnerships. We discuss the museum’s impact on the community through its diverse range of programs and items and how it has helped raise awareness of different Latino cultures and indigenous languages. Lynette also shares some of the key challenges the museum has faced, like fundraising and navigating different cultural infrastructures, before reflecting on the current state of the museum and what to expect from its future. To hear all about the Hispanic Museum of Nevada and its unique cultural journey, tune in for this inspiring conversation with Lynette Sawyer!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Lynette’s upbringing in Manhattan, New York, and her early exposure to cultural opportunities.
• Moving to Nevada and how Lynette began and grew the Hispanic Museum of Nevada.
• Details of her first fundraiser, involving local casinos and cultural performances.
• An overview of the various locations of the Hispanic Museum of Nevada.
• The museum’s expansion and the involvement of different cultural groups and artists.
• Artifacts exhibited at the museum and the community’s support through donated items.
• The museum’s impact on the community, including programs for different age groups.
• Raising awareness of diverse Latino cultures and indigenous languages.
• Recognition Lynette received from organizations, including the Latin Chamber of Commerce.
• Challenges of managing the museum, such as raising funds.
• The museum's current status and revival plans via the city’s community plan.
• Lynette’s reflections on what she learned through her work with the museum.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Lynnette Sawyer
Hispanic Museum of Nevada
‘Six questions for Lynnette Sawyer’
Claytee White
Su Kim Chung

Erica Vital-Lazare

Women of Diversity Productions Inc.

Nevada Humanities
The National Endowment for the Humanities

Caesars Entertainment