Lola Van Wagenen: A Life Dedicated to History, Activism, and Education
Imagine a life filled with the rich tapestry of history, activism, and education. That’s exactly what Lola Van Wagenen has woven throughout her remarkable journey. Born on December 19, 1938, in America, Van Wagenen’s path is one that intertwines personal drama, academic excellence, and a deep commitment to social change.
Early Life and Marriage
In 1958, Lola married actor Robert Redford. Their union sparked public interest but the details of their separation or divorce remain unclear. This early chapter in her life set the stage for a career that would span decades and touch countless lives.
Education and Academic Achievements
In 1982, Van Wagenen took a significant step towards formalizing her knowledge by earning a bachelor’s degree from Vermont College. Four years later, she completed a master’s degree in Public History at New York University (NYU). Her academic journey culminated with the receipt of a Ph.D. in American History from NYU in 1993. These degrees laid the foundation for her future endeavors.
Activism and Charitable Work
Van Wagenen’s commitment to social causes began in the 1970s, when she joined various charitable organizations. Her contributions were recognized with prestigious awards, including the Distinguished Alumni/Alumnae Achievement Award from NYU in 2012.
Founding Organizations and Advocacy
In 1970, Van Wagenen co-founded Consumer Action Now (CAN) to promote consumer rights. She served as co-chair for ten years, advocating through public speaking and organizing events like the Environmental Action Forum and SunDay. Her efforts extended beyond CAN; she also established The Sun Fund to raise awareness about energy conservation.
Education and Film Production
Van Wagenen’s academic background translated into practical applications in education and film production. In 1995, she co-founded Clio Visualizing History, Inc., with historian Jeanne Houck. Together, they produced the documentary Miss America: A Documentary Film for PBS American Experience. However, subsequent projects faced challenges, receiving only partial funding or being shelved altogether.
Reorganization and Success
In 2003, after Houck’s departure, Van Wagenen restructured Clio into a not-for-profit educational organization. This change allowed for more focused research and production services for clients such as McGraw-Hill, The Asia Society, and City Lore. Projects included CD-ROMs, web-based interactive materials, and an interactive kiosk.
Recent Projects and Innovations
Van Wagenen’s latest project, “Click! The Ongoing Feminist Revolution,” is a testament to her ongoing commitment to education and activism. This exhibit features 46 film clips from 27 documentary films, interactive timelines, essays, and photos, highlighting the collective action and individual achievements of women from the 1940s to the present.
Executive Producer Roles
While directing her online projects, Van Wagenen also served as executive producer on two films: Lowell Thomas: The American Storyteller by Rick Moulton (in production) and The State of Marriage by Jeff Kaufman (released in 2015).
Through it all, Lola Van Wagenen has remained a beacon of knowledge and activism. Her life is a testament to the power of education, the importance of social change, and the enduring impact of one person’s dedication to making the world a better place.
How can we continue to learn from Lola Van Wagenen’s legacy? What steps can each of us take to contribute positively to our communities?
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This page is based on the article Lola Van Wagenen published in Wikipedia (retrieved on November 29, 2024) and was automatically summarized using artificial intelligence.
