Cindy Ainsworth, Historic Reno Preservation Society

A native of Los Angeles, Cindy Ainsworth moved to Reno with her husband in 1978 and worked in publishing and at the National Automobile Museum, where she could indulge her passion for transportation history. In 1997, she helped to found the Historic Reno Preservation Society (HRPS), and regularly leads a historical walking tour of East 4th Street. She is also a member of the Lincoln Highway Association’s Nevada chapter. Photo by Patrick Cummings

Full Oral History Transcript

Interviewed in 2012, Cindy Ainsworth, a founder of the Historic Reno Preservation Society, recalls her reaction upon first viewing the intact condition of equipment inside the historic Eveleth Lumber mill building. Recorded by Alicia Barber.

Cindy Ainsworth remembers the historic walking tour that led her, Pat Klos, and Nancy Holmes to found the Historic Reno Preservation Society (HRPS)in 1997. Recorded by Alicia Barber.

Historic preservationist Cindy Ainsworth recalls efforts to install a plaque on Reno's North Virginia Street commemorating the tailor shop owned by Jacob Davis, founder of the riveted denim jeans he patented with Levi Strauss. Recorded by Alicia Barber.

Will Durham, Neon sign collector

A native of Reno, Will Durham is a collector of vintage neon signs from throughout Nevada and other parts of the United States. After graduating from the University of Nevada, Reno, he worked in film and commercial production in Los Angeles, and moved back to Reno in 2005. An exhibit of selected neon signs from his collection appeared at the Nevada Museum of Art from October 2012 through February 2013.

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Paul Gray, Dilworth STEM Academy

A native of Idaho, Paul Gray moved to Nevada as child for his father’s teaching job. After graduating from Carson High School and the University of Nevada, Reno, Paul began his own teaching career at Reed High School, where he taught math, coached basketball, and eventually became Dean of Students. In 2011, he became Dean of Students at the Dilworth STEM Academy.

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Noah Silverman, Co-founder, Reno Bike Project

Reno native Noah Silverman (left) is the Executive Director of the Reno Bike Project, which he co-founded with Kyle Kozar (right) in 2006. The non-profit community bicycle shop and advocacy group is located at 541 East Fourth Street. Silverman drew inspiration from volunteering at a community bike shop called The Hub in Bellingham, Washington, where he earned a degree in Industrial Technology from Western Washington University in 2005.

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History Project4th Street | Prater Way

Cindy Ainsworth, Historic Reno Preservation Society

Will Durham, Neon sign collector

Paul Gray, Dilworth STEM Academy

Noah Silverman, Co-founder, Reno Bike Project

History Project
4th Street | Prater Way