A taste of the "Rat Pack" era comes to campus as UNLV hosts a special book signing, reception and exhibition honoring Deana Martin. Her recently released "Memories Are Made of This" offers a unique and loving look at entertainment icon Dean Martin through a daughter's eyes. This charming and poignant memoir offers extremely personal insights into the home life of the Martin family, as well as Hollywood in its heyday. The public is invited to meet the author and enjoy an exhibition of vintage photography and memorabilia at UNLV's Lied Library on Wednesday, December 1, from 5:30-7:30 PM. The event is sponsored by the Bootlegger Bistro.
UNLV Libraries' Special Collections is home to an unparalleled collection of Las Vegas entertainment history, including thousands of rare photographs, personal items and memorabilia pieces. In compiling her memoir, Deana Martin utilized many photographs found in UNLV Special Collections' online exhibit "Dino at the Sands," a celebration of the artist's life and career in Las Vegas. A selection of Rat Pack stills taken by the late "Ocean's 11"director George Sidney, along with rare Dean Martin candids and other vintage items, will be on exhibit during the reception.
"UNLV Special Collections was an amazing resource for me in researching and putting together my memoir," said Deana Martin, who is also a veteran of stage and screen. "The photographs are very vibrant illustrations of the Rat Pack era, and really offer some unique insights into my father's life."
UNLV Special Collections is home to a wide range of unique, rare, and specialized research material that documents the history, culture and physical environment of the city of Las Vegas, the southern Nevada region, the gaming industry, and UNLV.
"Seeing elements of our collection used in the compilation of a personal memoir like Deana Martin's is a great thrill," said Peter Michel, Director of Special Collections, UNLV Libraries. "Candid photographs and personal pieces can transport readers to another era in very powerful ways. We're very excited to be a part of this project and honored to host Deana Martin for what promises to be a very special evening."
