Colonial New England history Although Diane undertakes projects involving a variety of regions and time periods, her special interest is colonial New England, and she writes frequently about her research. Her latest book, The Naked Quaker: True Crimes and Controversies from the Courts of Colonial New England (Commonwealth Editions, 2007), was a finalist for ForeWord magazine’s Book of the Year Award for History. Diane also writes a “Tales from the Courthouse” column in New England Ancestors magazine, bringing colonial history to life with true stories from court records. Read more about Diane’s publications. She is particularly interested in African Americans, Native Americans, and other non-English people (Scots, Irish, etc.) of early New England.   Early American handwriting Old handwriting—penned with quill and homemade ink—can be difficult to decipher, especially archaic writing styles, abbreviations and legal terminology. Diane is a specialist at reading and transcribing early American documents.

Lectures and workshops
Diane is an experienced public speaker and has presented more than 150 lectures and workshops at a wide range of venues: colleges and universities, libraries, historical and genealogical organizations, museums, TV and radio. Click here for a list of her upcoming and past events.  

Diane’s professional credentials and affiliations

• J.D., magna cum laude (University of Minnesota Law School, 1978); B.A., History (Ohio State University, 1975).

• Licensed as Attorney in good standing with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (since 1985, and previously in Minnesota).

• Highest Martindale-Hubbell AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rating for Legal Ability and General Ethical Standards (since 1985).*

• Member of national and New England  professional associations, including:

History, law and related professions:
American Bar Association
American Society for Legal History
National Council on Public History
Organization of American Historians
American Historical Association
New England Historical Association
Society of American Archivists
New England Archivists
American Society for Indexing (and its New England Chapter)
Association for Documentary Editing
New England Museum Association

Genealogy:
Association of Professional Genealogists (and its New England Chapter)
National Genealogical Society
Massachusetts Society of Genealogists
Connecticut Society of Genealogists
Maine Genealogical Society
New Hampshire Society of Genealogists
Rhode Island Genealogical Society
Genealogical Society of Vermont
Genealogical Speakers Guild

More information
For more about Diane’s background and experience, visit her author/speaker website.

* CV, BV and AV are registered certification marks of Reed Elsevier Properties, Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies.