Alison Kibler

Alison Kibler is a Professor of American Studies and Women's, Gender & Sexuality Studies at Franklin and Marshall College. Her research focuses on the intersection of gender, race, and popular culture in American history, with particular emphasis on social movements and representation struggles. She holds a Ph.D. (1994) and M.A. (1991) from the University of Iowa, and a B.A. (summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa) from Brandeis University (1987).

Her major works include Rank Ladies: Gender and Cultural Hierarchy in American Vaudeville (1999) and Censoring Racial Ridicule: Irish, Jewish and African American Struggles over Race and Representation (2015). Current projects include Liberate the Media: Feminist Television Activism in the 1970s and the public history Lancaster Vice project examining anti-vice campaigns in early 20th century Lancaster, PA.

Kibler has received prestigious awards including the Lindback Foundation Teaching Award (2019) and Rachel Fuchs Memorial Award (2020). Her research has been supported by grants from institutions like the National Endowment for the Humanities, American Philosophical Society, and Bryn Mawr College. She collaborates extensively with undergraduates, producing public-facing projects like walking tours and podcasts related to local history and media activism.