Nevada Yesterdays

Ruby Duncan rose from Louisiana cotton fields to become a Nevada force for change. Trace her early life and the roots of her welfare-rights activism.

From a seven-student schoolhouse in Elko in 1874 to nearly 22,000 students today, the full history of the University of Nevada, Reno — its founding, legendary faculty, championship athletes, and the leaders who shaped it.

Paul Laxalt served as Nevada's governor and U.S. senator, championed Ronald Reagan's rise, and left a legacy that transformed Nevada politics.

From his partnership with Jerry Lewis to the Rat Pack, the Sands, and the MGM Grand, Dean Martin was a Las Vegas fixture for decades. Host Michael Green traces the career of the laid-back crooner.

From UNLV's first library in 1957 to co-founding Joyce and Martin Advertising, Marydean Martin shaped southern Nevada for decades. Remembering a librarian, philanthropist, and community builder.

In August 1964, The Beatles played Las Vegas's Convention Center after Stan Irwin of the Sahara Hotel took a chance on the Fab Four. Up to 16,000 fans attended, launching the era of arena entertainment in Las Vegas.

Sammy Davis Jr. headlined the Las Vegas Strip but faced segregation, mob threats, and violence offstage. Part 2 of his Las Vegas story.

Sammy Davis Jr. headlined the Las Vegas Strip but faced segregation, mob threats, and violence offstage. Part 1 of his Las Vegas story.

Pat McCarran was Nevada's first native-born U.S. Senator and its most powerful 20th-century politician. Learn how he rose from underdog to Nevada Senator.