These biographies of Nevada’s First Ladies were produced under the auspices of the Jean Ford Research Center, which was established within the Nevada Women’s History Project. If you have additional information on any of these women please contact the NWHP.

Submitting a Nevada First Lady Biography

A Message from the First Ladies Biographies Editor

Welcome to the Nevada’s First Ladies web page. Our goal is to obtain and publish comprehensive biographies so that our readers will know each First Lady as an individual and not simply as a title associated with their husband the Governor.

All of these women had special talents, accomplishments and experiences. Many of our more recent First Ladies had occupations before holding the unofficial position of First Lady. Prior to Ada Pittman (1945-1951), who was a newspaper publisher, there is little information about the contributions within their communities and our State. Their personal histories have been missing for far too long and it is an important part of Nevada history that needs to be filled in and publicly recognized.

We have provided a photograph and bibliography for each First Lady, and have included an obituary for those that are copyright free. Most are woefully lacking in personal details. As we gain copyright permission for recent obituaries we will add them to this web page. As biographies are written for the First Ladies we will update their information.
Nevada is fortunate to have several living former First Ladies and we have asked for biographical information from each of them. We plan to post photographs and biographies as they are received.

If you are interested in writing a biography of a Nevada First Lady please contact the NWHP Office. Please assist us in gathering information on Nevada’s First Ladies. If you know of any First Lady’s relative or individual who could provide additional information or who could write a biography on a First Lady please let us know.

Thank you,
Patti Bernard, Nevada First Ladies Biography Editor