“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”
Heidi Swank: Historic Preservationist, Legislator, and Community Builder
Preserving Nevada’s history takes passion, persistence, and a deep respect for place—qualities that define Dr. Heidi Swank’s work. During this episode, Su Kim Chung sits down with Dr. Heidi Swank to talk about her work in preserving Nevada’s history. From an early interest in history to a career as a linguistic anthropologist, Heidi’s path led to founding the Nevada Preservation Foundation, whose early projects included the Vintage Vegas Home Tour that became the weekend long Home + History. She shares how the Foundation’s initiatives, from neighborhood designations to the Hugh Taylor Archive, have benefited residents, its expansion beyond Las Vegas, and funding through donations and service fees. Heidi reflects on legislative experience, volunteer contributions, and her surprises, challenges, and hopes for the future of preservation in Nevada. Tune in to hear from a key figure in building the Las Vegas community and protecting the history of our state.
Key Points From This Episode:
- Dr. Heidi Swank’s work as a linguistic anthropologist before starting the Nevada Preservation Foundation.
- Her early life and education, and how an early obsession with doorknobs sparked her interest in history.
- How Heidi’s work has been used in the state by historians and preservationists.
- Early projects of the Nevada Preservation Foundation, including the Vintage Vegas Home Tour.
- How Nevada residents have benefitted from the Foundation's work through local neighborhood designations, Home + History, and the Hugh Taylor Archive.
- First efforts outside of Las Vegas prior to the pandemic.
- Revenue sources including donations and fees for service work.
- How being in the legislature supported setting up her non-profit.
- What has surprised Heidi in her work in this sector: how long it took to find success.
- The importance of volunteers in supporting the Foundation.
- What is most unique about Nevada.
- Heidi’s feelings about the future of the Nevada Preservation Foundation.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Heidi Swank on LinkedIn
Heidi Swank Wikipedia
Assemblywoman Heidi Swank
Nevada Preservation Foundation
Transcript of Interview with Heidi and Scott Swank with Claytee White
Preservation Spotlight: Heidi Swank, Preservationist
Talking with Heidi Swank and Michelle Larime
Jack Levine
Jack Levine on LinkedIn
Inside 'Uncle Jack' Levine's delightful vintage Las Vegas home
Jack Levine UNLV
