About

My name is Jill (she/her) and I am a reference librarian, writer, historian, and researcher. Whether answering reference questions at the library or presenting on Louisa May Alcott, my work and creative interests are guided by my passion for uncovering and sharing the stories of the past to better illuminate our present moment. As an information professional, I am passionate about the power of public history and access to information to connect people and communities. In my work, I specialize in archival and historical reference, genealogy, and library instruction.

As an independent Alcott scholar, I write and co-host a history podcast called Let Genius Burn on the life and legacy of Louisa May Alcott. I have presented on Alcott for a variety of museums and libraries, as well as at the Bearing Untold Stories symposium at Lancaster University and the 2023 Thoreau Society Annual Gathering in Concord, Massachusetts. I am a proud member of the Louisa May Alcott Society and currently serve as the head of the LMA Society Archives Committee.

I have worked as a museum educator, historical interpreter, and genealogy librarian. I cowrote a local history book on Boone County, Illinois and received the 2016 Priem Award from the Boone County Historic Preservation Commission.

I live with my family in Wisconsin where I study, write, and present on Alcott; I also research other American women writers, and write poetry that focuses on themes of identity, place, heritage, and memory. I also love gardening, walking, good coffee, reading biographies, and planning for our next Ireland trip.