The Sparks Museum Podcast

Episode 2 of our second season features an interview with Sparks Fire Chief Walt White, who has worked in fire service for nearly 40 years between the Bay Area and Sparks. On the day of this podcast’s release (June 30th, 2026) is Chief White's final day of service before his retirement. On the podcast, we discuss his career path, Sparks Fire Department history, and ways to be more fire aware in ou...

Welcome to the first episode of Season 2 of The Sparks Museum Podcast, with host Jessica Johnson. Season 2 is brought to you by Champagne Family Dental and the Sparks Rotary Club. The City of Sparks' tagline is "It's all Happening Here," and on this season of The Sparks Museum Podcast, we will introduce you to just a few of the many people who "make it happen" by making a difference in our communi...

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...

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 th...

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. H...

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 r...

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...

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...

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:...

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 Satur...

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 fo...

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...

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 Lillar...

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...

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 perf...

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 S...

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 tou...

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...

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 i...

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 Lands Planner Scott Carey 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...