Jean Ford: Nevada’s Original Women’s History Champion

Imogene Evelyn Young Ford, affectionately known as Jean, was a key figure in preserving Nevada's cultural and historical legacy. As a volunteer, citizen activist, and state senator, her deep commitment to safeguarding the Silver State's heritage made her instrumental in documenting and protecting its history for future generations. Through her extensive involvement with historical societies, Jean ensured that the stories of Nevada's pioneers were meticulously preserved and honored. In this episode of The Women Who Saved History, host Claytee White and scholar Su Kim Chung are joined by Jean’s daughters, Janet Ford Spelman and Carla Ford, as well as historian and founding member of the Nevada Women’s History Project (NWHP), Kathy Noneman, to explore Jean’s steadfast dedication to preserving Nevada’s history. Together, they delve into how Jean championed the preservation of Nevada’s unique historical landmarks and cultural artifacts and how she educated the public about her beloved state’s history, highlighting the essential contributions of women in shaping its communities. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about the profound impact of Jean Ford’s work and how it continues to influence Nevada’s historical landscape today!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Reflections on Jean’s early life and her role in preserving the history of Nevada.
• What motivated her to advocate for the protection of Nevada's heritage. 
• Ways that her work is used by historians in the state today and why it’s so important.
• Obstacles Jean encountered and how she overcame them with resilience and hard work.
• How her daughters perceived the significance of her political work at the time.
• The little things that surprised Carla and Janet about their mother.
• Insight into the Nevada Women’s History Project (NWHP), co-founded by Jean in 1996.
• Some of Carla and Janet’s favorite memories and anecdotes about their mother.
• Kathy’s perspective on Jean’s role in documenting women’s history in Nevada.
• How the residents of Nevada have benefitted from her preservation efforts.
• Strategies she employed to inspire people and unite them around a common cause.
• Kathy’s memories of the Silver State Sampler Tours that Jean arranged.
• Strengths and unexpected talents that contributed to Jean’s success as an organizer.
• The profound impact she had on everyone around her, right up until her passing in 1998.
• Notable efforts that she made to improve the lives of women and children.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Imogene (Jean) Evelyn Young Ford

Nevada Women’s History Project (NWHP)

University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Jean Ford Papers

UNLV Special Collections and Archives

UNLV Oral History Research Center (OHRC)

University of Nevada, Reno (UNR)

Claytee White
Su Kim Chung
Janet Ford Spelman
Dr. Carla Ford

Kathy Noneman

Women of Dive

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