HISTORIAN TO UNEARTH THE REAL BUGSY SIEGEL

WHAT: Dr. Larry Gragg, eminent historian and Curator’s Teaching Professor at the Missouri University of Science and Technology, will present a short talk called “There Were Few Solid Facts to Get in the Way: Popular Perceptions of Bugsy Siegel as Founding Father of Las Vegas” as part of the Gaming Research Colloquium Series.

WHEN: Thursday, October 23, 7:30 pm

WHERE: Extended Study Lounge, first floor of Lied Library, at UNLV

DETAILS: Gragg, who has written extensively on topics as diverse as the Salem witchcraft trials and the British colonization of the Caribbean, will discuss the public perceptions—and the reality behind the image—of Bugsy Siegel, one of the most infamous characters in the history of Las Vegas.

Dr. Gragg has conducted wide-ranging research on the history of the promotion of Las Vegas in UNLV Special Collections for the past five years, and his talk on Siegel is a distillation of some of his work.

This lecture is being presented as part of Nevada Archives Week 2008, a statewide initiative that draws attention to the value of preserving our unique heritage.

The talk is sponsored by the University Libraries’ Center for Gaming Research as part of its Gaming Research Colloquium Series.  This schedule of talks seeks to raise awareness of the important research being conducted at the University Libraries both on the campus and in the community.

Refreshments will be served, and the event is open to the public.

INTERVIEWS: In addition to the author, the Director of the Center for Gaming Research, David G. Schwartz, and Manuscripts Librarian Su Kim Chung will be available for interviews.