Su Kim Chung

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Head of Special Collections Public Services, University Libraries
Expertise: Las Vegas and Southern Nevada History, Las Vegas Entertainment, Preservation and Archiving, Showgirls

Biography

Su Kim Chung has been immersed in the history of Las Vegas since she began work in the UNLV Libraries' Special Collections Division in 1999. 

As head of public services, she is in charge of reference, outreach, and instruction for archival collections and photographs about Las Vegas and southern Nevada history. Chung also serves as curator of the UNLV Libraries' entertainment collections, where she works on documenting the history of the showgirls and the Las Vegas production show. As part of this work, she has conducted oral history interviews of former dancers and showgirls and moderated community panel presentations on the history of the Las Vegas showgirl and production shows.

Chung is the author of the popular photo book Las Vegas Then and Now, now in its third edition, and also writes a monthly photo history column for 

Education

  • Ph.D., Information Studies, UCLA
  • MLIS, Archives and Preservation, UCLA
  • M.A., History, California State University, Fresno
  • B.A., History, California State University, Fresno

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history, Las Vegas, popular culture

Su Kim Chung In The News

Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Radio
It’s our first live episode of Milk Street Radio, recorded at The Beverly Theater in Las Vegas! In this special episode, Su Kim Chung shares Las Vegas’s most fascinating restaurants from history; “Top Chef” contestant and Black Sheep chef/owner Jamie Tran answers live cooking questions; and Neon Feast creator Al Mancini takes us on his ultimate food and drinking tour—complete with tiki rooms, hidden gems and one unforgettable dive bar that serve shots out of porcelain toilets.
P.B.S.
Her job is to collect and document the history of Las Vegas at the UNLV Library, Special Collections and Archives division. Su Kim Chung on the history of Las Vegas and how she is working to preserve it.
City Cast Las Vegas
March is Women’s History Month — and Las Vegas has no shortage of trailblazing women who have helped make our city what it is today. Essentially: If Las Vegas were to have its own Mt. Rushmore of notable ladies, who’d be on it?
Nevada Magazine
The Las Vegas showgirl was beautiful, majestic, and larger than life. In full feathers and heels, a showgirl could measure 10 feet tall. She exuded poise and panache, and her revealing costume was bedecked in glimmering Parisian crystals and expensive fur. She was a city icon who helped Las Vegas become the Entertainment Capital of the World.The showgirl is a distant memory for most, but there is hope that she will one day return to the stage.
All Su Kim Chung In The News

Articles Featuring Su Kim Chung

UNLV Newsmakers 2024: May and June
Josh Hawkins, UNLV
Campus News | July 3, 2024

News highlights featuring UNLV students and staff who made (refreshing) waves in the headlines.

Happy 150th Nevada!
Arizona Club black and white
Business and Community | October 28, 2014

We're celebrating the state's sesquicentennial with some fun facts and insightful observations from UNLV professors.

All Articles Featuring Su Kim Chung