Michael E. Fischer to speak on Baby Face Nelson in Nevada

Historian Michael E. Fischer will speak on Baby Face Nelson in Nevada in a free presentation at the Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park on Saturday, August 13, at 10:00 am.

Few people living in Nevada today know that Baby Face Nelson, whose given name was Lester Gillis, spent a great deal of time in Nevada. He was avoiding the heat from authorities in the Midwest. In Reno, he was afforded protection from arrest and incarceration because of his connections to Bill Graham and James McKay. Their political and business connections covered almost the entire state.

A vicious killer and borderline psychopath, Nelson lived in Nevada during the period when he was the most wanted criminal in America. In this presentation, Michael E. Fischer explores Nelson’s time in the state and explains why such a notorious killer could hide out here in plain sight. It is the story of politics, corruption, and crime in 1930s Nevada.

Alpen Sierra Coffee Company is providing complimentary coffee and 88 Cups & More is providing baked treats for visitors throughout the series.

Fischer’s presentation is also made possible with the assistance of Nevada Humanities, an independent affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Michael E. Fischer was raised and educated in Reno public schools, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree at University of Nevada Reno and a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Southern California. After working in private practice for 31 years, he retired from dentistry and was appointed Director of the Nevada Department of Cultural Affairs, serving in both Governor Gibbons' and Governor Sandoval's Cabinet until the department was formally disbanded. He is now an independent scholar whose interests include the history of Nevada cowboys and ranching, politics, bootlegging, gambling, and crime.

The park is located at 1450 Hwy 88m ¼ mile north of the Carson Valley Veterinary Hospital. This is an outdoor event, and visitors should bring their own seating. Dogs are not permitted at this event. For more information, visit dangberghomeranch.org.

Upcoming speakers in the series include Steve Davis with a presentation on A Visual Exploration of Photography and the American West in the 19th Century on September 3 and Sherry L. Rupert with a presentation on Preserving the Stewart Indian School on September 24. The park’s full 2016 event schedule is available at the park’s website.

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