While I have had a lifelong love of photography, my desire to master the art began in earnest in 2006.  Like many, my first subjects were my children and pets, who patiently allowed me to take countless photos of them as I honed my skills. Over time, I have come to love many forms of photography with portraits, nature, and macro high on my list. Something I call ‘historical portraiture’ has become an especial love. I have also come to embrace the imperfect elements in my images.  Tack sharp photos are great, but not the measure of a successful story captured, beautiful light is thrilling, but not always available, a perfectly composed scene is a delight, but not always an option in the circumstances I often find myself.  A hard-won bit of knowledge that I have obtained on this journey is that life is often messy, and it’s ok if my photos are, too.

As someone who loves a good story, it’s easy to be drawn to history.  My work with Historic Locust Grove began when my, now grown, son joined a chapter of the Kentucky Junior Historical Society that met there.  It wasn’t long before our entire family was involved in multiple ways.  We’ve taught historic games and past times, helped park cars, been on trash duty, taken event photos, given tours, worked with school groups, worked at the front desk, and conducted research behind the scenes.  My husband and children have been members of the first person interpreter cast (FPI) and I have been part of the FPI directorial team for many years.  I became the coordinator for the FPI program in 2021.  

My greatest joy as a volunteer has been the research I have conducted on the people enslaved by the Croghan and Clark families.  I have spent countless hours searching for the names and stories of people whose lives were not considered to be important outside of the enforced labor they provided to make the lifestyle of those who enslaved them possible. I am incredibly proud to work with a site who takes the responsibility of sharing those stories so seriously.   

This blog is an opportunity to share research projects, thoughts on how the past is relevant to the present, tips and tutorials on everything from how to conduct sound research to historical costuming, insights on how museums can use interactive theater to create opportunities for visitors to connect with history in a deeper level, historically inspired portraiture, and whatever else strikes my fancy.