© All Rights Reserved 2025 | Privacy Policy

Skyline of Las Vegas

Real news. Real stories. Real voices.

Donate

Play Live Radio

Next Up:

0:00

0:00

0:00 0:00

Available On Air Stations

Supported by

Nevada History

Nevada History

History and folklore of Nevada, written by Professor Michael Green of UNLV, and narrated by former Senator Richard Bryan. Supported by Nevada Humanities and dedicated to the memory of historian Frank Wright. (Wright wrote all segments before August 2003.)

Check out our Nevada history podcast, Nevada Yesterdays, to listen to more deep dives on the people, places, and events that have shaped Nevada.

Liberace performing in Las Vegas with his signature hot pants.

Courtesy Las Vegas News Bureau

Nevada History

From The Vault: How Vegas Taught Liberace to Wear Sequined Hot Pants

Michael Green

Liberace was called Mr. Showmanship. He may have invented the term … or maybe the term was invented for him.

Sponsored By

Become a sponsor

Nevada Yesterdays - The KNPR Nevada History Podcast

More Nevada History

Desert Companion

Pictures Perfect

Three local writers muse on their favorite iconic Las Vegas photos
Nevada History

In 50 years, IGT has helped revolutionize gaming in Las Vegas

Michael Green
Nevada History

Nevada's role in the beginning of McCarthyism

Michael Green

Recently, an anniversary passed unnoticed: when Senator Joseph McCarthy of Wisconsin became part of the national consciousness with his anti-communist crusade. Nevada was part of its beginning, seventy-five years ago.
Nevada History

How Boyd Gaming Built a Las Vegas Empire Over Five Decades

Michael Green

On New Year’s Day 2025, the California Hotel and Casino in downtown Las Vegas turned 50. That meant it was also the fiftieth anniversary of Boyd Gaming. Both of them are success stories.