Entries in Las Vegas Springs Preserve (17)
Looking back at the MGM Grand Fire
Join us on Thursday, November 6th for:
"Untold Stories: A Look Back at the MGM Grand Fire"
It was the deadlist hotel fire in Nevada history and the second deadlist in American history. We will look back at the events that caused the fire, the heroism and cooperation that helped saved thousands of lives and the legacy of the fire.
Panelists include:
Las Vegas Sun reporter, Mary Manning
KLAS-Channel 8 anchor, Gary Waddell
MGM employee Jose Alvarez
MGM baker, Don Feldman
and tentatively, Clark County Fire Chief, Steve Smith.
This should be a tremendous evening of history and stories so please join us at:
The Las Vegas Springs Preserve
Desert Learning Center
7:00 pm
Admission is $12



The History of Mt. Charleston
From the beginning of Las Vegas, Mt. Charleston has played an important role in the history of the town. Located (now) only 40 minutes away, Mt. Charleston has been a get-away for families hoping to escape the heat of the summer before air-conditioning was invented, has played host to Summer Camps for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, provided wood and timber for many a building in young Las Vegas and a winter wonderland for those of us who want to enjoy the snow but not live in the snow. In addition, for almost 50 years people have lived on the mountain.
This Thursday evening, Oct. 2nd, we will explore the history, the romance and the beauty of the mountain as part of our "Untold Stories" series at the Las Vegas Springs Preserve.
Joining us will be:
Richard Taylor, long time resident of Mt. Charleston and its local historian
Thalia Dondero, long time resident of both Mt. Charleston and Las Vegas as well as past president of the Girl Scouts of America when they had a lodge and summer camp on the mountain.
Don Payne, long time resident of Las Vegas and former manager of the Las Vegas News Bureau.
Join us Thursday, Oct. 2nd
7:00 pm
Las Vegas Springs Preserve
and learn more about this natural wonder and its relationship with Las Vegas.
Admission is $12


Las Vegas and the Mob
The Flamingo Hotel under construction. Come learn the real history behind who actually built
this famed resort.
Las Vegas and the Mob
There's a great deal of myth that has sprung up over the years about the Mob and Las Vegas. From "Bugsy" Siegel to "Lefty Rosenthal, the stories are colorful, sometimes apocryphal but are they true?
On Thursday, Sept. 4th, Untold Stories will take a look at Las Vegas and the Mob.
Joining us for a Roundtable Discussion will be CSN History Professor Dr. Michael Green, Local historian and curator Brian Paco Alvarez, former News Bureau manager Don Payne and former FBI agent Dennis Arnoldy.
We will examine the era "when the Mob ran Vegas" and separate the myths from the facts. It should be a fascinating evening of history and stories that you don't want to miss.
Come early and enjoy the Farmer's Market or stop by enjoy some music with your wine.
The discussion begins at 7:00 pm in the Desert Learning Center.
We hope to see you there!
Untold Stories: Las Vegas and the Mob
Thursday, Sept. 4th
Las Vegas Springs Preserve
7:00 pm
Admission $12


In the Shadow of the Bomb
Untold Stories:
In the Shadow of the Bomb
Thursday, August 7th
Las Vegas Springs Preserve
We look back at the years of nuclear testing at the Nevada Test Site with nuclear scientists and workers as well as those who watched the early morning blasts from Las Vegas.
An engrossing evening of history and memories from two men who worked at the Nevada Test Site, scientist Al O'Donnell and Roger Staley.
Sen. Richard Bryan was a young teenager growing up in Las Vegas during the above ground testing years and he will talk about waking up in the early morning hours to experience the detonations.
Nate Schwartz owned a bar "Prospector's Headquarters" that was a supply store for uranium miners.
So come and learn about the history of above-ground testing and living in the shadow of the bomb.
Thursday, August 7th
Las Vegas Springs Preserve
7:00 pm
$12 admission
We hope to see you there!


History of Helldorado

We are thrilled to announce that we have another upcoming panel on the History of Helldorado. If you are new to town and wonder why there is a Helldorado Celebration (which is coming on May 17th) or if you remember fondly sitting on the curb on Fremont Street watching those beautiful floats go by, come on around and here the stories of how and why Helldorado got started and what it was like.
At one point in the 1950s, it rivaled the Rose Parade in terms of attendance and beautiful floats.
A great evening of history and fun that you won't want to miss!
The History of Helldorado
Tuesday, May 13th
Clark County Museum
1830 S. Boulder Highway
7:00 PM (Please note new START TIME)
Panelists include:
Emmett Sullivan, the son of co-founder Mark Sullivan
Tim Cashman, the grandson of co-founder, Big Jim Cashman
Don Payne, former Manager of the Las Vegas News Bureau
Thank you to the Las Vegas News Bureau for helping to Sponsor this event!
We hope to see you there!

