Jenn Bogard, Director

Jenn grew up in Newbury. She is an educator and author who taught elementary school for nearly two decades. She teaches for Lesley University in the Integrated Teaching Through the Arts and literacy programs and earned her Ph.D. at Lesley in Educational Studies.She has a passion for teaching history through the arts, and she writes books for teachers on this topic. Having a love for historical fiction books for children, she writes educator guides based on the books through Penguin Random House. This work provides teachers with activities that deepen understanding, such as the educator guide for The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley.

Jenns’ grandfather’s grandfather was a lighthouse keeper on Plum Island. One memorable day, her grandfather shared with her old photos and artifacts from the family collection, walking her through each one and telling stories of the past. Since then, Jenn has followed her newfound passion for bringing local history to life for children, by writing a book of short poems for kids using the primary sources from her family and by volunteering with the wonderful people of Friends of Plum Island Light. Jenn has a heart for helping animals in need and currently has four rescue dogs; her most recent is a Great Pyrenese named Rudolph who can be spotted shopping in the local stores of Newburyport. She and her husband reside in his hometown of York, Maine and they feel lucky to spend time in the two towns they love. Jenn also enjoys hiking in the White Mountains.

Jenn Bogard, Director

Jenn grew up in Newbury. She is an educator and author who taught elementary school for nearly two decades. She teaches for Lesley University in the Integrated Teaching Through the Arts and literacy programs and earned her Ph.D. at Lesley in Educational Studies. She has a passion for teaching history through the arts, and she writes books for teachers on this topic. Having a love for historical fiction books for children, she writes educator guides based on the books through Penguin Random House. This work provides teachers with activities that deepen understanding, such as the educator guide for The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley. Jenns’ grandfather’s grandfather was a lighthouse keeper on Plum Island. One memorable day, her grandfather shared with her old photos and artifacts from the family collection, walking her through each one and telling stories of the past. Since then, Jenn has followed her newfound passion for bringing local history to life for children, by writing a book of short poems for kids using the primary sources from her family and by volunteering with the wonderful people of Friends of Plum Island Light. Jenn has a heart for helping animals in need and currently has four rescue dogs; her most recent is a Great Pyrenese named Rudolph who can be spotted shopping in the local stores of Newburyport. She and her husband reside in his hometown of York, Maine and they feel lucky to spend time in the two towns they love. Jenn also enjoys hiking in the White Mountains.