Hundreds of photographs, publications, documents, and artifacts chronicling the 65-year history of Harrah's Entertainment Inc. are now are housed in UNLV Lied Library's special collections, thanks to a donation by the Las Vegas-based gaming company.

"We are thrilled that Harrah's chose to donate these materials to UNLV," said Peter Michel, director of special collections. "Harrah's has a long history in Nevada and in the gaming industry. Having its corporate archives housed at UNLV is a valuable research asset for UNLV, enhancing its already established position as an international center for the study of gaming and the gaming industry.

"The collection is extensive and eclectic," Michel said. "It contains celebrity and entertainment memorabilia, financial reports, publicity and advertising files, corporate communications, newspaper clippings, film, videotape, and a variety of promotional items carrying the company logo. Anyone wanting a window into the growth and changes in the gaming/hotel/resort industry over the years will find this corporate collection invaluable."

"We are pleased to provide the public a glimpse into the history of our company through the UNLV Lied Library," said Phil Satre, chairman of Harrah's. "Despite our growth into a national company, we've never forgotten our roots are here in Nevada. This donation, and our continuing support of UNLV, is further evidence of our deep commitment to the Las Vegas and Nevada communities, which we are proud to call home."

The collection donated to UNLV also contains extensive material about founder William Harrah's large antique car collection and his personal historical game and card collection.

Harrah's began humbly in 1937 when Harrah opened a bingo parlor in Reno. Harrah's went on to play a significant role in the development and defining of gaming resorts over the years. Today, it is one of the nation's largest gaming companies, operating 26 casinos in 13 states, including seven in Nevada.

Harrah's affiliation with UNLV precedes the donation of its corporate archives. The two entities have had a solid relationship for many years; the university's William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration is named in Harrah's honor.

The collection, now known as the "Harrah's Archive," is part of the Gaming Studies Research Center housed in the library's special collections.

For more information on the Harrah's collection, call special collections at 895-2234.