The Sparks Museum Podcast: Recent Episodes
Sparks Heritage Museum
The Sparks Museum Podcast is a history-themed podcast offering an immersive storytelling experience to complement the many historic artifacts, exhibits, and stories preserved and displayed inside the Sparks Heritage Museum in Sparks, Nevada. The museum has been dedicated to preserving the historical and cultural heritage of Sparks and surrounding Truckee Meadows region for the education and enjoyment of present and future generations since its formation in 1985. Be it the origin of the Central Pacific railroad, the significance of the upcoming revitalization of the original Sparks Library, or even the evolution of the museum’s historic Victorian Square building itself, we believe that there are innumerable stories in our community worth sharing.
This new audio series has the intent of doing exactly that - documenting the stories of the places, people and events that have made the city of Sparks what it is today. Each episode will focus on one of the many tales of Sparks’s history, told by host Jessica Johnson and a special guest local to the area that has been selected based on their expertise in that episode’s subject.
The Sparks Museum Podcast is funded in part by a grant from Nevada Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities. It is produced and recorded at the podcast recording studio at Sparks’s own Ant-Space Coworking Entrepreneurial Hub.
We want to get the word out about our brand new audio series, so please spread the word about our brand new podcast by taking a moment to rating, reviewing, and sharing this episode. Do you have a favorite story of Sparks that you want to hear on the podcast? Email info@sparksmuseum.org to share any recommendations.
On this final episode of Season 1 of the Sparks Museum Podcast, Dr. Christine Johnson, Executive Director of the Sparks Museum, discusses her efforts in the museum to date and her hopes for the future of the museum and this podcast.
We have been proud to feature Sparks stories from local experts, historians, and personalities, bringing you an in-depth insight into the moments that have given this city that unique “spark” that you can’t quite find anywhere else. We hope to return for a Season 2, but can’t do it without you! Please share our podcast and consider donating to the Sparks Museum’s efforts at our website at www.sparksmuseum.org.
This episode along with the entire first season of the Sparks Museum Podcast is available at https://rss.com/podcasts/sparksmuseum/ or wherever you get your podcasts! Visit the Sparks Heritage Museum Tuesdays through Saturdays. We are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, with tours of the Lillard Park train yard running every forty-five minutes on Saturdays.For more information, visit sparksmuseum.org, or follow us on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @sparksmuseum.
On this episode of The Sparks Museum Podcast, we welcome Stephen Ascuaga, Corporate Director of Business Development at the Peppermill Casino, and former Chief Operating Officer at the Nugget Casino in Sparks. He is also son of one of Nevada’s most prominent businessmen and beloved local icon John Ascuaga. Stephen discusses his father's legacy and the legacy of his family, the growth and impact the Nugget Casino has made on the City of Sparks, and many personal stories about interactions with guests and of course, the ever-famous Bertha the Elephant.
This episode along with the entire season of the Sparks Museum Podcast so far is available at https://rss.com/podcasts/sparksmuseum/ or wherever you get your podcasts! Visit the Sparks Heritage Museum Tuesdays through Saturdays. We are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, with tours of the Lillard Park train yard running every forty-five minutes on Saturdays.For more information, visit sparksmuseum.org, or follow us on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @sparksmuseum.
On this episode of The Sparks Museum Podcast, Dr. Michael Fischer speaks about the life and history of Governor John Sparks. One of Dr. Fischer's foremost passions is Chautauqua, and he has performed as John Sparks for many years and for many different events and speaking engagements. He speaks about the history of “Honest John,” the tenth governor of Nevada for whom the city of Sparks is named. He shares the research he has accumulated over the years regarding this ambitious, important historical figure and his many adventures, as well as his own history as a Chautauquan. This episode along with the entire season of the Sparks Museum Podcast so far is available at https://rss.com/podcasts/sparksmuseum/ or wherever you get your podcasts! Visit the Sparks Heritage Museum Tuesdays through Saturdays. We are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, with tours of the Lillard Park train yard running every forty-five minutes on Saturdays.For more information, visit sparksmuseum.org, or follow us on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @sparksmuseum.
On this episode of The Sparks Museum Podcast, Adam Michalski, the current curator of education at the Nevada State Railroad Museum in Carson City, discusses the history of the railroads of Northern Nevada. He covers the various steam-and electric powered locomotives and vehicles that built the economy and population of the city of Sparks in its earliest years, as well as his own history studying railroads and some of the recent efforts of the Nevada State Railroad Museum.
This episode along with the entire season of the Sparks Museum Podcast so far is available at https://rss.com/podcasts/sparksmuseum/ or wherever you get your podcasts!
Visit the Sparks Heritage Museum Tuesdays through Saturdays. We are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, with tours of the Lillard Park train yard running every forty-five minutes on Saturdays.
For more information, visit sparksmuseum.org, or follow us on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @sparksmuseum.
On this episode of The Sparks Museum Podcast, Greg and Dana Galletti speak about their role as owners and managers of The Coney Island Bar, the history of the Galletti family, the longevity of their ever-popular restaurant, how it became listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the importance of Coney Island to the Sparks community today.This episode along with the entire season of the Sparks Museum Podcast so far is available at https://rss.com/podcasts/sparksmuseum/ or wherever you get your podcasts! Visit the Sparks Heritage Museum Tuesdays through Saturdays. We are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, with tours of the Lillard Park train yard running every forty-five minutes on Saturdays.For more information, visit sparksmuseum.org, or follow us on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @sparksmuseum.
On this episode of The Sparks Museum Podcast, researcher, historian and writer Dr. Alicia Barber speaks about the changing landscape of the Reno-Sparks area, her research on East 4th Street and Prater Way, and Sparks’ need for a historic commission.
This episode along with the entire season of the Sparks Museum Podcast so far is available at ihttps://rss.com/podcasts/sparksmuseum/ or wherever you get your podcasts!
Visit the Sparks Heritage Museum Tuesdays through Saturdays. We are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, with tours of the Lillard Park train yard running every forty-five minutes on Saturdays.
For more information, visit sparksmuseum.org, or follow us on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @sparksmuseum.
On this episode of The Sparks Museum Podcast, Jim Bonar, the Director and past president of the Nevada chapter of the Lincoln Highway association, talks about the history and evolution of the Lincoln Highway, the first transcontinental highway across the United States originally dedicated in 1913.
This episode along with the entire season of the Sparks Museum Podcast so far is available at ihttps://rss.com/podcasts/sparksmuseum/ or wherever you get your podcasts!
Visit the Sparks Heritage Museum Tuesdays through Saturdays. We are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, with tours of the Lillard Park train yard running every forty-five minutes on Saturdays.
For more information, visit sparksmuseum.org, or follow us on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @sparksmuseum.
On this episode of The Sparks Museum Podcast, Sparks Police Deputy Chief Tara Edmonson discusses the history of the SPD, the shifting role of women’s opportunities in law enforcement, and her experience being a part of the opening of the Sparks Museum’s recent exhibit “Where Community Comes First: The History of the Sparks Police Department.”
Visit the Sparks Heritage Museum Tuesdays through Saturdays. We are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, with tours of the Lillard Park train yard running every forty-five minutes on Saturdays.
For more information, visit sparksmuseum.org, or follow us on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @sparksmuseum.
On this episode of The Sparks Museum Podcast Robin Holabird, former Nevada Film Commissioner and author speaks about her life and career, as well as notable films and television shows filmed in the Reno-Sparks region.
Visit the Sparks Heritage Museum Tuesdays through Saturdays. We are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, with tours of the Lillard Park train yard running every forty-five minutes on Saturdays.
For more information, visit sparksmuseum.org, or follow us on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @sparksmuseum.
This episode of the Sparks Museum Podcast is being released on November 25th, 2022, which is Native American Heritage Day. On this episode, Michon Eben, the Tribal Historic Preservtion Officer and Cultural Resource Manager for the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony discusses her passion for her heritage, her work as an activist, and the upcoming collaborative exhibit efforts between the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony and the Sparks Museum.
Visit the Sparks Heritage Museum Tuesdays through Saturdays. We are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, with tours of the Lillard Park train yard running every forty-five minutes on Saturdays.
On this episode of The Sparks Museum Podcast, Richard Dreiling, former President of the board of the Sparks Heritage Museum and recent Silver Lifetime Award-winner of the Governor’s Points of Light Volunteerism Award for 2022, tells us about his history with the city of Sparks, his service with the Sparks Museum, and the history of the “Rail City” as he teaches it on his weekly tours of the Lillard Train Park Engine 8 locomotive.
Visit the Sparks Heritage Museum Tuesdays through Saturdays. We are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, with tours of the Lillard Park train yard running every forty-five minutes on Saturdays.
On this episode of The Sparks Museum Podcast, Patty Cafferata tells the story of her journey all over Nevada as a teacher, the first woman elected Nevada State Treasurer, lawyer, researcher, and author. She expresses her passion for research, the importance of libraries, and her personal connection to the City of Sparks in support and anticipation for the opening day event of the brand new Sparks Museum Research Center to the public to be held Friday, October 21st, 2022.
For more information on how you can attend this event, email info@sparksmuseum.org.
Visit the Sparks Heritage Museum Tuesdays through Saturdays. We are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, with tours of the Lillard Park train yard running every forty-five minutes on Saturdays.
For more information, visit sparksmuseum.org, or follow us on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @sparksmuseum.
On this episode of The Sparks Museum Podcast, researcher, historian and journalist Frank Mullen contextualizes the transition from print media to online journalism, using his own history with the Reno Gazette Journal and most recently the Reno News & Review to give insight about the Sparks Tribune's own transition to a solely digital platform. He also discusses his passion for Chautauqua performance, and even gives a brief performance as one of his ten historical characters!
To learn how you can support the Reno News & Review and advertise with their publication, visit https://renonr.com.
Visit the Sparks Heritage Museum Tuesdays through Saturdays. We are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, with tours of the Lillard Park train yard running every forty-five minutes on Saturdays.
For more information, visit sparksmuseum.org, or follow us on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @sparksmuseum.
On this episode of The Sparks Museum Podcast recording engineer and producer Tom Gordon discusses the history of the Imirage Sound Lab, which has been producing music for both local and national acts for forty years!
To schedule a recording session with Imirage yourself or to inquire about reserving your spot at Imirage's 40th Anniversary Celebration, contact tom@inspired-amateur.com.
Visit the Sparks Heritage Museum Tuesdays through Saturdays. We are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, with tours of the Lillard Park train yard running every forty-five minutes on Saturdays.
For more information, visit sparksmuseum.org, or follow us on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @sparksmuseum.
On this episode of The Sparks Museum Podcast, Sparks Mayor Ed Lawson discusses his favorite aspects of the city, the impact of Sparks' growth and economic development throughout the years and his ambitions for the city's future while still paying respect to its past.
Visit the Sparks Heritage Museum Tuesdays through Saturdays. We are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, with tours of the Lillard Park train yard running every forty-five minutes on Saturdays.
For more information, visit sparksmuseum.org, or follow us on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @sparksmuseum.
Once a Railroader, ALWAYS a Railroader!! On this episode of The Sparks Museum Podcast, Sparks City Councilman Donald Abbott, a proud Sparks High School alumnus, speaks to the many merits of the Sparks High alumni association, his role on the Hall of Fame induction committee, and some of the greatest moments of what is the one of the oldest high schools in Northern Nevada.
Visit the Sparks Heritage Museum Tuesdays through Saturdays. We are open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, with tours of the Lillard Park train yard running every forty-five minutes on Saturdays.
For more information, visit sparks museum.org, or follow us on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @sparksmuseum.
On this episode of The Sparks Museum Podcast, Sparks City Councilwoman Charlene Bybee describes two significant waves of change for women seen during her time both living and working in Northern Nevada: the passage of Title IX and the year in which Nevada became the first state in U.S. history to have a female-majority legislature. Charlene also speaks about the many merits of living and working in Sparks, along with memories of Bertha the performing elephant at John Ascuaga's Nugget Casino!
Visit the Sparks Heritage Museum Tuesdays through Saturdays. We are open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, with tours of the Lillard Park train yard running every forty-five minutes on Saturdays.
For more information, visit sparks museum.org, or follow us on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @sparksmuseum.
Welcome to our first episode of The Sparks Museum Podcast with host Jessica Johnson and special guest Scott Carey. In this episode, historian and state Scott leads us through the century-long history of Victorian Avenue, which contains original buildings and features of historic downtown Sparks. This area's evolution throughout the decades reveals much about Sparks' history as a railroad hub, local gathering place, visitor center, and what is now currently a vibrant arts district.
Do you want to experience one of Scott's tours in person? Sign up today for a chance to see these historic buildings up close at his upcoming walking tour as a part of the Historic Reno Preservation Society Walking Tour Series at https://hrps.wildapricot.org/event-4787242.
Visit the Sparks Heritage Museum Tuesdays through Saturdays. We are open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, with tours of the Lillard Park train yard running every forty-five minutes on Saturdays.
For more information, visit sparks museum.org, or follow us on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @sparksmuseum.