Writers’ Wednesday – World War II and Nevada: The Silver State’s Contribution to Victory
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December 11 @ 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
$6.00
Writers’ Wednesday
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
5:00 – 5:30 pm – Book signing and wine/cheese Reception
5:30 – 6:30 pm – Lecture
Speaker: Chuck Weller, historian
Title of Talk: 
World War II and Nevada: The Silver State’s Contribution to Victory
Summary of Talk: Chuck will relate stories of the Reno Army Air Base and other military presence in the city, a Japanese balloon bomb shot down over Reno, the gift to Admiral Halsey of a saddle from the war bond buyers of Washoe County, and more.
Book Overview: World War II and Nevada is an in-depth examination of the state’s role in the war. Nevada’s geographic location, land, sky, mineral resources, and the sacrifices of its people were crucial to victory—and transformed the state. The war brought the first significant development of the gaming industry; the introduction of a huge, permanent military presence; the diversification of its population; and a shift in political and economic power within the region.
Nevada’s previously unexamined role in the internment of Japanese Americans is explored, and so too is the role of women and minority groups in support of the war. The book concludes with a comprehensive list of those killed, wounded, or made prisoners of war during the conflict.
Weller provides the most thorough analysis of Nevada’s war effort to date and historians will find the book a valuable addition to their World War II history collections.
Speaker Bio: Chuck Weller received his undergraduate degree from St. Joseph’s College in Philadelphia; a juris doctorate from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.; and a master’s degree and PhD from the University of Nevada, Reno.
He practiced law in Reno from 1982 through 2004. He hosted a weekly talk program on KKOH, Chuck Weller and the Law, 1991 to 2004. He served three elected terms as a District Court Judge in Reno from 2005 through 2021 and continues to serve as a senior judge.
He is the historian for the Reno chapter of the United States Navy League. His upcoming book, Nevada during World War II will be released May 28, 2024.
The Writers’ Wednesday Lecture Series, held the second Wednesday of each month, features a different author who takes part in a book signing, a presentation and question-and-answer session with the audience. A wine and cheese reception precedes the lecture.
The intent of the program is to highlight writers who specifically focus on Nevada, the Great Basin, or the West in general. The authors talk about the content of their books but also share details about the creative process.
Make sure to arrive early as we have limited seating available in our Event Space. Don’t forget, we provide free, temporary parking permits to make it easier to visit NHS!
