The Vinyl Record Collection

The museum’s history collection contains many vinyl records in many formats – 6”, singles, 12”, LPs, albums, 78s – that are related to Las Vegas, and while some are under copyright of the original artists and record companies, we have many that were recorded by local individuals and community organizations, such as schools, churches and glee clubs.  These represent a slice of history that cannot be reproduced and should the discs warp or accidentally be damaged, then they carry the risk that they would never be heard again.

With that in mind, the museum decided to embark on a project to digitize its record collection.  Made possible through a donation from the Friends of NSMLV and specifically Bob and Joan Whitely, a digitizing record player was acquired.  This allows us to play the records and simultaneously digitally record the sound in a format (MP3).  Together with Amber Ruleas, from the UNLV Regent Service program, procedures were established procedures to digitize and cataloged these records – many being listened to for the first time in decades.  At this time, the project is slowly making progress due to resource restrictions, but every effort is being made to continue to digitize the reminder of the collection.

These recordings include Las Vegas High School graduation speeches from the 1950s, the West Charleston Elementary School Choir in 1967, and the Sam Melchionne Quartet at the Desert Inn Hotel and Casino to name just a few.

Click on the images below to enjoy some snippets of those recordings.

Music from the Miss USA Pageant - date to be confirmed
“It’s Good to be Back Home” – Miss USA Pageant – date tbc
Sings from the West Charleston Elementary School Choir. Directed by Joyce Goodman Musser. April,1967.
West Charleston Elementary School Choir. April 1967.
Rancho High School Madrigal Singers, Christmas 1969
Rancho High School Madrigal Singers, Christmas 1969
Music titled "Live from the Sky Room" by the Sam Melchionne Quartet at the Desert Inn, Las Vegas,
“Live from the Sky Room” by the Sam Melchionne Quartet
Las Vegas High School, Las Vegas, NV 1953 graduation speeches
Las Vegas High School, Las Vegas, NV 1953 graduation speeches
Battista's Hole In The Wall Music-Songs-Music
Battista’s Hole In The Wall Music-Songs-Music
"I Have A Dream" by Darwin Lamb
“I Have A Dream” by Darwin Lamb